Article 555 provides the requirements for fixed wiring and equipment in boatyards, docking facilities, marinas, and similar facilities. The goal of these requirements is to keep people, water, and electricity separate from each other.
One strategy is to use the electrical datum plane (see 555.2 definition) as a reference for equipment mounting. Sea levels are expected to keep rising, pushing datum planes higher. To help ensure the safety of people long after project completion, add extra distance above the existing datum plane where practical.
Another strategy is to ensure electrical equipment enclosures are securely and substantially supported by structural members [555.10(A)] rather poorly and insubstantially supported by the raceway. The latter is unfortunately an all-too-common practice.
Incorrect support leads to sagging raceway and safety problems with enclosures. When the marina operator calls an electrician to “fix the conduit” because the raceway has separated and conductors are exposed, this is why. The installer ran the raceway and then hung the equipment on it. A correct repair must start with mounting all the equipment and then running the raceway between equipment.
