Davits & Boat Lifts

[GordMay]

Code Question Of The Day at: http://neca-neis.org/cqd/
Monday, May 17, 2004

Today's Question:
The way most boat lifts and davits are wired today is with a simple drum switch that is manually operated, or sometimes with a remote control that requires the operator to hold down a momentary contact button to operate the lift. NEC 610.55 requires the use of a "Limit Switch". My question is this: Does Article 610, Cranes and Hoists, apply to residential boat lifts and boat davits? Robert Greco ACRA Electric, Inc.

Today's Answer:
Article 610 does not specifically list residential boat lifts or davits in its scope. However since these items are cranes and hoists I would consider them as being covered by this Article. In any case I would recommend the use of limit switches in appropriate locations to prevent the load block from passing the safe upper limit of travel of all hoisting mechanisms used.

This is good advice, and something you'll seldom find on yacht davits.

Gord