Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: AC\DC, Location: Florence,Oregon,Lane
Asked on: Monday, May 31, 2021 at 6:13 pm EDT
Answered on: Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 11:22 am EDT
Question: I have a house that is in a flood area. I am trying to find information on installing height for the 100 year flood plain.project consist of back up generator and rewiring part of the house. House is on stilts about 12’ up and everything under the house exposed is just nmb.I will be piping everything I do under house but I am stuck as what are the requirements.No help from county, you can’t get ahold of anyone and electrical inspector is so swamped he rarely returns calls( or he is sick of me).I found one prior post https://forums.mikeholt.com/threads/devices-in-flood-zone.66625/If I could get pointed into the right direction, that would be appreciated!
## Requirements for Electrical Installations in 100-Year Flood PlainNational Electrical Code (NEC) Article 680: Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations Section 680.26: Electrical Equipment Installed Below Water LevelFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) Technical Bulletins (TBs)Local Building Codes May vary from county to county## Elevation Requirements for Electrical Equipment General Rule
Electrical equipment must be installed above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) established by FEMA FIRMs.
100-Year Flood Plain
Elevation must be at least 1 foot above the BFE.## Wiring Requirements
Conduit
Use rigid nonmetallic conduit (RNMC) or other approved raceways below the BFE.
Cable
Use submersible cables or cables rated for wet locations below the BFE.
Termination
Splice and termination boxes must be installed above the BFE.## Surge Protection Install surge protection devices at the electrical panel to protect against voltage spikes during floods.## Backup Generator Requirements
Elevation
Locate the generator above the BFE.
Fuel Supply
Store fuel in a protected area above the BFE.
Electrical Connections
Connect the generator to the electrical panel using an approved transfer switch and interlock.## Rewiring Requirements
Circuits
Rewire circuits that are below the BFE with cables rated for wet locations.
Outlets
Install GFCI outlets in areas that are prone to flooding.## Additional Considerations
Inspection
Obtain a permit from the local building department and have the electrical work inspected to ensure compliance with codes.
Floodproofing
Consider floodproofing measures such as installing water-resistant seals around electrical components.
Maintenance
Regularly inspect and maintain electrical equipment in flood-prone areas to prevent damage.
Recommended Resources: [FEMA Technical Bulletin 1-03: Floodproofing Electrical Equipment](https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/19577) [International Code Council: Flood Hazards](https://www.iccsafe.org/resources/codes-standards/codes-flood-hazards/) [National Electrical Safety Code (NESC): Section 250: Grounding and Bonding](https://www.pge.com/en_US/safety/safety-rules-and-codes/national-electrical-safety-code.page) Flag for review