National Electrical Code

Bodies of Water

Nov. 19, 2019

Summarizing Art. 682 of the National Electrical Code

Article 682 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) provides the requirements for electrical installations in and adjacent to bodies of water, whether natural or artificially made. Part II provides the bonding and grounding requirements. Some highlights from Part I:

The equipotential plane is where conductive elements on, embedded in, or placed under the walk surface (within 3 in.), are bonded to all metal structures and equipment that may become energized [Sec. 682.2].
In land areas, the electrical datum plane (EDP) is two feet above “high water” [Sec. 680.2].
On floating structures, the EDP is 30 inches above water level (at the floating structure or landing stage) and 12 in. above the level of the deck [Sec. 680.2].
Unless a given piece of electrical equipment is identified for operation while submerged, no part of it can be below the EDP [Sec. 682.10].
Unless intended for operation while submerged, electrical connections cannot be below the EDP [Sec. 682.11].
If you install a 15A or 20A,125V receptacle in the datum plane, it must be GFCI-protected and the GFCI protection device must be at least 12 in. above the established EDP [Sec. 682.15].

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.