Richie Webster asks this question, which concerns the electrical supply to a jetty deck and its required method of protection. It has been answered by SELECT (Theme – Regulations & Legislation):
Question: We've been asked to provide several electrical supplies to a jetty deck, but, having read through Section 709 'Marinas and Similar Locations' (BS 7671:2008), there only appears to be a requirement for 30mA RCD protection if there are socket outlets and/or houseboats.
As we have electrical supplies to fixed equipment (e.g. a davit that lifts the lifeboat into the water, plus lighting etc), do these supplies not require 30mA RCD protection to comply with BS7671:2008.
Also, as the jetty is of steel construction, we are considering carrying out main protective bonding to this, as the steel supports, which appear to be fixed in some way to the water bed, may be an extraneous-conductive-part.
I would appreciate your advice on this…
Answer: As per Section 709, the distribution circuits do not require RCD protection.
With regard to the fixed equipment, there is also no requirement, but it may be prudent to provide such additional protection dependent upon where and how the equipment is operated. Generally, the lighting does not require RCD protection, but should be controlled by photoelectric cells or time switches.
Remember that you should not use a protective multiple earth (PME) supply for the jetty supplies.
For more detailed requirements, please see Section 8 of IET Guidance Note 7 on Special Locations.
To see many more Q & A in Voltimum UK's Experts Area, please click on the link:
www.voltimum.co.uk/consult.php?universe=consult.index.questions