Datum Plane

[Seatramp]

Ive been led to understand that the datum plane rule doesn't just apply to bodies of water, but also areas subject to flooding. So how is it that this rule, stated as a mandate, is ignored by both electrical inspectors and insurance adjusters, concerning buildings to be repaired after high water storm damage ? Does anybody know ?

 

[J.P.]

I have always thought that to be something the engineers should figure out.

If it is a job drawn up on a napkin. Use your best judgement.

Maybe the rule doesn't apply to exceptional circumstances? Extreme flooding in a lot of cases can't be predicted. Maybe it's just hard to apply in those circumstances.

In other cases like say New Orleans or Florida, everybody's panels would be suspended from balloons.........

 

[cowboyjwc]

It's not ignored here. FEMA requires you to have flood insurance if you are in their mapped "flood zone". If only a corner of your property is in it then you are in it. Most panels here are set at about three feet above the ground and if the water get's any higher than that, we've probably got bigger issues to worry about. I can't remember if it's NEMA or NECA that has the paper on water damaged equipment.

 

[mgookin]

Ive been led to understand that the datum plane rule doesn't just apply to bodies of water, but also areas subject to flooding. So how is it that this rule, stated as a mandate, is ignored by both electrical inspectors and insurance adjusters, concerning buildings to be repaired after high water storm damage ? Does anybody know ?

Datum Plane (Art 555 NEC) and Base Flood Elevation are two different things, both of which must be complied with.