The Importance of Section 555 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) NFPA 70 - Electrocution While Swimming

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A 24-year-old man, identified as Thomas Milner, died after being electrocuted when he jumped into Georgia’s Lake Lanier. A neighbor managed to pull Milner out of the water, and he was rushed to Northside Forsyth Hospital where he later passed away. Another individual, trying to help Milner, jumped into the water and experienced an electrical shock. He subsequently turned off a nearby power box and returned to assist Milner. The phenomenon, known as electric shock drowning, happens when electrical currents leak into water, incapacitating swimmers. Milner's mother described her son, who was fondly called Shepard, as gentle and kind with a deep love for the lake. The dock where the incident occurred was less than three years old, and a licensed electrician had installed the power box. A local boater, Chris Morris, referred to the incident as a "freak accident."

Section 555 of the National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 70, specifically deals with the electrical requirements for marinas, boatyards, and similar locations. This section is of significant importance for several reasons:

1. Safety in High-Risk Environments: Marinas and boatyards are inherently high-risk environments due to the combination of electricity and water. Improperly managed electrical systems in these locations can lead to electric shock, electrocution, or electric shock drownings, where a person in the water is paralyzed by leaked electrical current and drowns as a result.
2. Equipment Protection: Proper electrical installations protect not only people but also vessels and equipment. Boats can suffer damage from electrical faults, and marina infrastructure can be compromised by electrical fires or system failures.
3. Clear Standards: Section 555 provides specific standards and guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems in these environments. It ensures that there is a clear and unified understanding of best practices and requirements.
4. Ground-Fault Protection: One of the key aspects of Section 555 is the emphasis on ground-fault protection. Given the proximity to water, ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and equipment leakage circuit interrupters (ELCIs) are crucial to preventing electric shock incidents.
5. Regular Testing and Maintenance: The section stresses the importance of regular testing and maintenance of electrical systems in marinas and boatyards to ensure continued safety.
6. Adaptability to Technological Advancements: As technology advances, the electrical requirements for marinas and similar locations evolve. The NEC revises Section 555 periodically to reflect these changes, ensuring that the code remains current and effective.