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Electrical safety is our key concern and I'm always looking out for information that will help keep the industry safe. Many drowning deaths are reported as swimming accidents, and investigators often never learn that electricity was the cause of the drowning. Read this newsletter and watch the video to understand the hazards of being in the water around a boat dock where electric circuits are present.
 There is a hazard out there that you might be unaware of. There are victims out there, and unfortunately the majority of them are children! - Ed Lethert
According to the Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Organization (ESDPA), Electric Shock Drowning (ESD) is the result of the passage of a typically low level AC current through the body with sufficient force to cause skeletal muscular paralysis, rendering the victim unable to help himself/herself, eventually resulting in the drowning of the victim.
How much electricity? Research has determined that an AC current of just 10 mA passing through the human body is sufficient to cause muscular paralysis and is considered as the threshold for a possible ESD incident. That's 2% of the current flowing through a 60 watt light bulb!!
Pools and Spas. It's important to note that because pools and spas are designed for swimming/bathing, they all require GFCI protection and proper grounding systems. They are normally not subject to the harsh marine environment associated with docks and marinas. But there are still accidents occurring in swimming pools, inevitably because systems are not up to the current codes and standards and GFCIs are not tested periodically as required by the manufacturer. The environment around docks and marinas is a different animal requiring special concerns and cautions.
The information contained on our updated webpage is for boat owners, marina operators, swimmers, and every electrician who does work near water. Click here.
1. WATCH THE VIDEO. Learn about the dangers, what causes the problems, and what you can do to help prevent injuries and loss of life due to water-related electrocutions.
2. READ THE RESOURCES. Take advantage of the collection of resources listed on the page to improve your knowledge and understanding of the issues and help safeguard yourself and others from the risks of ESD.
3. DOWNLOAD MIKE HOLT'S FREE PDFS. Understand the NEC requirements for marinas and boatyards, contained in Article 555.
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Electrical safety is our key concern and I'm always looking out for information that will help keep the industry safe. Many drowning deaths are reported as swimming accidents and investigators often never learn that electricity was the cause of the drowning. Read this newsletter and watch the video to understand the hazards of being in the water around a boat dock where electric circuits are present.