Understanding NEC Article 682: Natural and Artificially Made Bodies of Water

NEC Article 682 provides guidelines for electrical systems associated with natural and artificially made bodies of water, such as aeration ponds, fish farm ponds, storm retention basins, and irrigation channels. These standards address electrical safety in wet and damp environments.

Scope of Article 682

This article applies to:

• Electrical wiring and equipment in and around natural or artificially made bodies of water not covered by other NEC articles.
• Examples include aeration ponds, fish farm ponds, and treatment basins.

Exclusions: Pools, fountains, and spas are covered under Article 680.

Key Requirements for Electrical Systems

1. Electrical Datum Plane (682.5)
   • Defines a horizontal plane for equipment elevation to prevent submersion:
     • Tidal Areas: 2 feet above the highest high tide.
     • Non-Tidal Areas: 2 feet above the highest water level.
     • Floating Structures: 30 inches above water level and at least 12 inches above the deck.
2. Electrical Equipment and Transformers (682.10)
   • Must be approved for the specific location and operation.
   • Equipment not rated for submersion must be installed above the electrical datum plane.
3. Wiring Methods and Installation (682.13)
   • Use wiring methods suitable for wet locations, including an insulated equipment grounding conductor.
   • Extra-hard usage portable cables are allowed for flexible sections, such as on floating piers.
4. Electrical Connections (682.12)
   • All connections must be at least 12 inches above the deck or electrical datum plane unless rated for submersion.
5. Disconnecting Means (682.14)
   • A disconnect must isolate submersible or floating equipment without unplugging.
   • Must be located on land within sight, at least 12 inches above the datum plane.
6. Ground-Fault Protection (682.15)
   • Required for outlets up to 150 volts to ground and 60 amperes, single-phase.
   • Feeder and branch circuits on piers require ground-fault protection not exceeding 30 mA.

Grounding and Bonding Requirements

1. Grounding Conductors (682.31)
   • Must be insulated copper, sized per 250.122, and not smaller than 12 AWG.
2. Bonding of Metal Parts (682.32)
   • All metal parts in contact with water must be bonded to the grounding terminal in the distribution equipment.
3. Equipotential Planes (682.33)
   • Required around outdoor service equipment to mitigate step and touch voltages.
   • Planes must extend 36 inches around equipment and use conductive materials.

Applications

NEC Article 682 ensures safety in environments like:

• Agriculture: Irrigation channels and fish ponds.
• Water Management: Retention basins and treatment ponds.
• Landscaping: Artificial lakes and decorative water features.

Conclusion

NEC Article 682 provides essential safety measures for electrical installations near natural and artificial water bodies. By adhering to its requirements, these systems can operate safely in challenging environments while minimizing electrical hazards.