CHANGES IN OFFSHORE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

PRACTICES: REVISIONS TO API RP 14F

Copyright Material IEEE
Paper No. PCIC-99-27

Francis M. Stone, Jr., P.E. David N. Bishop, P.E. James D. Cospolich, P.E.
Member, IEEE Member, IEEE Member, IEEE
SDDSI Chevron Petroleum Tech. Co. (Retired) W. S. Nelson and Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 60833 P.O. Box 1635 1200 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70160 Houston, TX 77251 New Orleans, LA 70130

George J. Mahl, P.E. David R. Stewart, P.E. H. R. Stewart, P.E.

Sr. Member, IEEE Member, IEEE Member, IEEE
G. J. Mahl and Associates, Inc. W. S . Nelson and Co., Inc. HRS Consulting
5817 Citrus Blvd. 1200 St. Charles Avenue 1423 Anvil Dr.
New Orleans, LA 70123 New Orleans, LA 70130 Houston, TX 77090

Abstract - The American Petroleum Institute’s B. The 1950s And 1960s

Recommended Pracfice for Design and Installation of
Nectrkal Systems for Offshore Petroleum Facilities, API RP
14F, underwent extensive revision in 1998. Advances in
offshore deepwater drilling and production technology have
led to increased use of floating production facilities, requiring
significant interface with the United States Coast Guard
(USCG). Many of the revisions made to RP 14F address
USCG requirements as they apply to floating production and
drilling facilities. In addition, the RP was updated to reflect
advances in technology in the electrical industry. The
significant revisions and the history of RP 14F will be
reviewed in this paper.
1. HISTORY
A. The Beginning
The offshore industry had its beginning in 1947 when the
first offshore platform was installed off the coast of Louisiana
in 25 feet of water. There was very little need for electrical
systems then and, when used, they consisted of a battery
supply for the aids-to-navigation systems and small portable
generating plants for localized lighting for nighttime drilling
activities. As the search for oil and gas progressed, platforms
were located further offshore in deeper waters. This
necessitated the requirement for offshore living quarters
located on the platforms because the loss of man-hours due
to commuting grew to undesirable levels. Thus, the
generation of electricity became a natural part of the scene
on most platforms as the requirements for electricity grew to
include cooking, heating and air conditioning, and lighting
requirements for living quarters.
In the decades of the 1950s and 1960s, very little electricity
was actually used in the process and production facilities
portions of the Gulf of Mexico platforms. This was due to the
fact that most of the discoveries were geologically self-
pressured and did not require vertical pumping. The other
energy requirements for equipment such as oil pumps and
gas compressors to raise pressures and flows to pipeline
requirements were handled by internal combustion engines
(and later gas turbines). During this stage of offshore
development, there were no mandatory electrical codes or
regulations to follow. Most of the platforms were located
outside of state boundaries (in Federal waters) and were not
governed by any regulatory body. The only exceptions were
for the safety of life at sea requirements of the USCG (e.g.,
navigation aids and “abandon ship“ warning systems on
manned platforms). Most electrical systems were thought of
as portable in nature and utilized portable type “ S O cord as
the principal wiring method. The petrochemical and onshore
processing plants’ practices of “classifying” locations and
using hazardous (classified) area wiring methods were not
adhered to in most cases.
In the late 1 9 6 0 ~three
~ major offshore platform fires and
subsequent oil spills occurred (one in the Santa Barbara
Channel in California and two in the Gulf of Mexico). There
was considerable public and Federal Government
displeasure, and the discontent was thrust on the oil industry.
As a result, in 1971 the United States Department of the
Interior, through the United States Geological Survey
(USGS), Conservation Division, published a set of rules
governing offshore operations; these rules were called the
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Orders. For the first time,
adherence to the National Electrical Code became law.
Classification of hazardous (classified) locations in

0-7803-5601-2/99/$10.oD 0 1999 IEEE 99CH37000

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accordance with the American Petroleum Institute’s
recommended practices RP 500A and RP 500B was required,
even though RP 500 A was only applicable to refineries.
C. The 7970sAnd 1980s
The use of electricity offshore increased dramatically in the
decade of the 1970s. As the search for oil and gas became
more difficult, platforms were being built further offshore in
deeper waters. As the per square foot platform cost soared
exponentially upward in these greater depths, the
compactness and weight savings associated with large
turbine-driven generators and electrically driven prime movers
for pumps and compressors made larger generating plants a
necessity. Additional contributory factors were increased
pipeline pumping and compression requirements due to the
greater distances offshore, the advances in secondary
recovery techniques such as waterflooding being more widely
utilized in the early stages of field development, and, finally,
the widespread use of electrical control, automation,
instrumentation, fire and gas detection, and other safety-
related systems. As a result, electrical systems continued to
grow more complex. No longer was electricity given low
priority on the newer platforms of the 1980s. The vital
process pumping and compression needs were steadity
becoming totally electrical, and their continued safe, reliable,
efficient, and maintainable operation was no longer a luxury,
but an economic necessity.
D. Recognizing The Need
Due to the unique design and installation requirements of
electrical systems for platform drilling rigs and production
facilities and the corrosion problems associated with offshore
installations, many designers and end users of offshore
facilities had found that, in practice, it was difficult to meet the
“letter of the law” of the offshore regulations. Additionally,
most existing codes and industry standards did not
specifically address problems associated with the offshore
environment. The American Petroleum Institute (API)
recognized these problems and took positive steps to
overcome this dilemma. The API was organized in 1919 by
members of the former National Petroleum War Service
Committee, This Committee had been responsible for
meeting the tremendous demand for petroleum during World
War I. Its members were leaders in the oil industry, and they
had learned that they could work together on many common
problems affecting the industry and the nation, and still
compete vigorously with one another. This tradition still holds
true today. One objective of the API is to develop nationally-
recognized procedures and practices for the safe handling of
petroleum and its by-products.
The API publishes a number of recommended practices
that address electrical installations on onshore and offshore
drilling and production facilities. For onshore installations,
none of these electrical documents are recognized as law
(except possibly for local laws) but are merely industrial self-
regulating documents. For offshore installations, however,
the U. S. Department of the Interior, Mineral Management
Service (MMS) has adopted certain recommended practices
that were prepared by the APl’s Committee on
Standardization of Offshore Safety and Anti-Pollution
Equipment (OSAPE).
The OSAPE Committee was created partially to prepare
self-regulating recommended practices that could be adopted
into law by the USGS (and later the MMS) prior to the Federal
Government writing such documents. Federally prepared
documents often are difficult to follow, and at times not
applicable, because they frequently are based on existing
codes and standards adopted from other areas of industry.
The OSAPE Committee recognized the need for an
electrical document governing offshore platform electrical
installations and in October 1975 formed a task group of the
following members:
Member Representing
Carl L. Wickizer, Shell Oil Company, New Orleans, LA
Chairman
David N. Bishop Chevron, U.S.A., New Orleans, LA
James D. Cospolich W. S. Nelson and Company, Inc.,
a New Orleans, LA
George W. Olson Shell Oil Company, New Orleans, LA
Clyde C. Thompson Phillips Petroleum, Bartlesville, OK
This group met numerous times during the next two and
one-half years, and, in July 1978, RP14F, Recommended
Practice for Design and Installation of Electrical Systems for
Offshore Production Platforms, was published. This
document is one of the “14 Series” documents that address
safety and anti-pollution. The intent of this document is to
identify important features of offshore electrical systems and
to present industry-accepted practices for electrical design
and installation that experience in the offshore petroleum
industry has shown results in safe, reliable, efficient, and
maintainable operations.
The Second Edition was published on July 1, 1985. The
Second Edition brought the RP in alignment with the latest
NEC (with specific deviations recommended) and added a
few sections, but no significant changes were made. The
MMS participated in this revision effort, establishing a trend
continued to present day. The Third Edition was published
September 1, 1991. The Third Edition, in addition to bringing
the RP up-to-date with the latest standards (e.g., the NEC),
was significant as it added clarification material concerning
fire and gas detector systems. This material had been
addressed, in a somewhat confusing manner, by revised
OCS Orders. Interpretations previously agreed to by the
MMS and operators were incorporated into RP14F and
RP14C, Recommended Practice for Analysis, Design,
Installation, and Testing of Basic Surface Safety Systems for
Offshore Production Platforms, as applicable.
E. 1990s And Preparing For The Millennium
The late 1980s saw the entry into deepwater (generally
agreed to as being water depths greater than 1500 feet) with
its accompanying greater emphasis on floating production
systems. The first floating petroleum facility in the Gulf of
Mexico was a TLWP (Tension Leg Well Platform) containing classified in accordance with API RP500. Requirements for
minimum processing facilities. Since then, at least four TLPs standby lighting, general alarm systems, and aids-to-
and two spars have been installed, all with full processing navigation systems are excluded from 30 CFR, Part 250;
facilities. Other floating petroleum facilities, including FPSs since these systems are covered by the USCG regulations
(Floating Production Systems) using tanker hulls, are in the set forth in Title 33, Subchapter N, Parts 140 through 147,
design or evaluation stage. Outer Continental Shelf Activities, and Title 33, Subchapter C,
Due to weight and space considerations and larger flow Part 67, Aids to Navigation.
rates, electrical systems were greatly expanded in scope and Floating producing and drilling facilities operating in OCS
size to accommodate, in many cases, large electrical prime waters are subject to the requirements of both the MMS and
movers. This resulted in larger power generation plants, the USCG, with the split of responsibilities defined by a
large adjustable speed drives, and sophisticated computer Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two
and PLG-controlled automation systems and emergency organizations. In general, this split occurs between systems
shutdown systems. vital to operability and survival of the facility and its
The Fourth Edition was published in mid 1999, with a new inhabitants at sea (USCG-regulated), and those systems
title, Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of considered purely industrial in nature (MMS-regulated).
Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Electrical systems typically are difficult to categorize in such a
Facilities for Unclassified and Class I, Division I and Division fashion, and thus fall under the jurisdiction of the USCG as
2 Locations. defined in Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations,
The primary impetus for revising the recommended practice Subchapter J, Electrical Engineering. However, as these
for the Fourth Edition, in addition to the ANSI five year cycle systems are integral to oil and gas production facilities
and general update with referenced standards and installed on the facility, MMS design and submittal
recommended practices, was to add guidance for electrical requirements must be followed as well.
installations on the “deepwater” drilling and producing The size of the hull and facilities and the time and expense
facilities being installed at a rapid pace in the Gulf of Mexico. of drilling in this water depth has made the cost of such
These facilities fall largely under the jurisdiction of the USCG, facilities approach, or even exceed, $1,000,000,000. With
as opposed to the MMS, and were being constructed in this pre-investment required, the speed of approval by the
accordance with USCG electrical engineering regulations - Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) became very
including referenced documents such as IEEE 45, I€€€ important. The areas of responsibility of the MMS and the
Recommended Practice for Electrical Installations on USCG overlapped in many parts of the facility. This caused
Shipboard, and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) delays in design approval and confusion on the part of oil
standards. These documents were written primarily for companies and their representatives, resulting in longer
ocean-going vessels (ships) and were not entirely suitable for design schedules and greater expense. One method to
offshore producing and drilling facilities. Thus, many parts of minimize this added expense and time was to incorporate all
the facilities were being “over-designed” while other parts electrical requirements into a single document, API RP14F.
could be designed more efficiently using latest technology
and practices more consistent with oil and gas industry II. GOALS OF THE REWRITE TASK GROUP
practice. Through the cooperation of USCG and MMS
personnel, a new document, essentially consistent for all At the initial planning meeting in late 1997, the goals of the
facilities, was developed. task group for the revision of RP14F were defined as follows:
When the Fourth Edition of RP14F was created, the task Add API RP-505 and ISA 12.xx (Revised IEC 60079-
group formed to revise it made a decision to include the xx) standards as references.
alternate “Zone Classification” scheme, covered by the 1999 Cover offshore wiring for all production platforms.
NEC in Article 505, in a second and separate Recommended Write the recommended practice so that it would be
Practice. This concept was consistent with the method by acceptable by both the MMS and the USCG.
which “Division” and “Zone” area classification schemes were Follow procedures to allow the recommended practice
addressed separately by API RP500 and RP505, to be accepted as an ANSI consensus document.
respectively. The work on the “Zone” version of RP14F is in Address USCG requirements applicable to production
progress, and it is anticipated that it, RP?4FZ, will be facilities not already included in 14F.
released in late 1999. Include all information necessary to allow for
elimination of reference to IEEE 45 (due to concern
F. Applicability to Regulatory Authorities over its scope).
Consider, for fixed facilities, previous departures from
Electrical installations on fixed producing and drilling USCG requirements for floating petroleum facilities.
facilities operating in federal waters on the Outer Continental Revise the title of 14F to indicate the new scope of the
Shelf (OCS) fall under the jurisdiction of the MMS. Federal document.
regulations for these facilities are contained in Title 30 of the Exclude MODUSfrom the scope of the document.
Code of Federal Regulations, Part 250, Oil and Gas and Include moveable platform drilling rigs.
Sulfur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf. This
document states that electrical installations on such facilities
will be designed in accordance with API RP14F, with areas

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 Include the distinction between “MODUs” and
“Converted MODUs”, both of which are in use as
petroleum facilities.
Include floating petroleum facilities, both fixed and
floating, but not include facilities within the scope of
IEEE 45.
Add guidance for use with “Zone” area classifications.
Include USCG representation on the Task Force and
urge adoption of RP14F by USCG for floating
petroleum facilities.
Seek continued representation from the MMS and add
representation from the ABS.
Reduce the number of exceptions and use “positive
language” as much 3s possible.
111. REVISIONS TO RP 14F
To meet the goals of the task group, extensive revisions
were made to the existing standard. Significant revisions are
summarized and discussed below.
A. Section 5.0 - Electric Power Generating Stations
Recommendations for electrical power generators and their
associated switchgear and control systems were upgraded to
conform with industry standards and, where applicable, to
meet existing USCG requirements. The increasing number of
large deepwater producing facilities in OCS waters has
resulted in increased use of large (up to 25 MW) power
generation plants. Many of the new recommendations reflect
this trend. In addition, new material was added to provide
recommendations for generators installed on floating
facilities, including recommendations for emergency
generator systems, and a new section devoted to switchboard
design was added. Details of these revisions are included
below.
1) Generator Protection and Control: For generators larger
than 500 kW, recommendations were added for overvoltage,
undervoltage, overfrequency, and underfrequency
shutdowns. For generators 950 kW and larger,
recommendations were added for protection against loss of
excitation and for the installation of differential relaying
schemes. Other protective relaying schemes recommended
for large generators include voltage-restrained or voltage-
controlled time-overcurrent relays, ground fault time-
overcurrent relays, and, for generators operating above 600
VAC, negative phase sequence overcurrent relays, voltage
balance relays, and stator winding over-temperature relays.
2) Generator Sizing Criteria: As part of the effort to
normalize the recommendations of RP 14F with the existing
requirements of the USCG, recommendations for the
preparation of motor starting and running load studies were
included. It is recommended that these studies be formally
documented and retained for review by the AHJ.
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3) Switchboards: Recommendations for the design and
construction of switchboards were added to the document.
These recommendations include:
Recommended industry standards that should be used
when specifying switchboards.
Minimum requirements for control and instrument
wiring.
Certain minimum construction recommendations
conforming with existing USCG requirements.
The recommendation of non-conductive grating or
switchboard mats for working areas adjacent to
switchboards.
4) Special Requirements for Floating Facilities: In an effort
to normalize the recommendations of RP14F with existing
USCG requirements, a number of recommendations are
made specific to systems installed on floating facilities. These
recommendations include:
Minimum construction requirements for generators and
their prime movers. These recommendations are
based on the requirements of the ABS Rules for
Building and Classing Steel Vessels. Excerpts from
the ABS Rules are included in the document as Annex
B.
Recommendations for emergency generator systems.
These recommendations closely follow the
requirements for such systems in 46 CFR, Subchapter
J. Basic requirements include a stand-alone
emergency power system, which provides power to all
systems necessary for the safety and survivability of
the facility and its inhabitants, capable of 18 hours of
continuous operation. RP14F recommends a specific
list of loads that should be powered from the
emergency generator. Recommendations for
associated emergency switchboards and distribution
systems are also included, as are recommendations
for engine cranking systems.
Certain recommendations for switchboard construction
specific to floating facilities are included. These
recommendations include drip shields over
switchboards subject to dripping liquids, grabrails
mounted on switchboard fronts, and plug-in molded-
case circuit breakers.
B. Section 6.0 - Electrical Distribution Systems
A number of substantial revisions are included in the
revised Section 6. Ampacity tables for shipboard cable were
added; new wiring methods were addressed; and significant
tutorial material on enclosure design was added. These and
other revisions are discussed in more detail below:
1) Shipboard Wiring Methods: To fulfill the goal of
consolidating the MMS and the USCG requirements into one
common document that, when used in conjunction with the
NEC, will include the entirety of the required regulations, new
ampacity tables had to be included. For NEC type wiring
methods, the NEC can be used. However, for marine
shipboard cables, including medium ,voltage cables, one can
now refer to new ampacity tables within RPl4F in lieu of
having to refer to other documents. These tables cover a
wide range of conductor sizes, cable constructions, and
conductor insulation temperature ratings.
In the case of medium voltage marine shipboard cables,
ampacities are given for conductor size, conductor insulation
temperature ratings, insulating voltage class, and both
shielded and non-shielded conductors.
A number of notes accompany the tables, and these notes
are an integral part of the tables. The notes should be read
carefully and understood. For these marine shipboard
cables, information is included to clarify derating
requirements and installation spacing requirements.
2) New Wiring Methods: New cable types were included.
These new types include MC-HL, ITC-HL, and ITC cables.
Since the 1996 Edition, the NEC has allowed the use of
permanently installed cables in Class I. Division 1 locations,
and the 1999 Edition added a Nationally Recognized Testing
Laboratory (NRTL) listed ITC cable for Class I, Division 1
hazardous (classified) locations.
3) Standard Cable Constructions: For the first time,
standard cable constructions are recommended. The
emphasis is on helping everyone in the industry, both users
and vendors. The standardization (for the offshore oil and gas
industry) on common cable constructions (size and number
of conductors and, where applicable, pairs and triads, in
power, control and instrumentation cables) should result in
faster deliveries and reduced costs.
4) IEC Enclosure Standards: Two new tables were added
-- one covering the subject of the Degree of Protection of
Enclosures in accordance with IEC 529, and one
approximating the U.S. enclosure types equivalent to the IP
(Ingress Protection) Codes.
5) Miscellaneous Revisions: A section was added to
address ambient temperature considerations for cable
selection for floating facility applications. The section
covering conduit and cable seals remains basically the same,
with the exception that the figures accompanying the text
were updated.
C. Section 7.0 - Electric Motors
Changes to this section of the document were minimal in
scope. However, some relevant changes were made and are
discussed below:
1) IEEE 841 and API RP541 were included as
recommended standards to be used when specifying motors.
2) Special ambient temperature considerations are
recommended for motors in boiler rooms, engine rooms, and
machinery spaces.
3) Note was made of the high inrush currents typically
associated with high efficiency motors.
4) To normalize RP14F with USCG requirements,
recommendations are made for markings on motor controllers
and motor control centers (MCCs). These recommendations
follow the requirements for equipment markings in the 1999
NEC, paragraphs 430-8 and 430-98. It also is recommended
that elementary drawings necessary for facility operation and
maintenance be made readily available and stored in close
proximity to motor control equipment.
D. Section 9.0 - Lighting
In an effort to normalize RP14F with USCG requirements,
several fundamental changes were made .in the area of
standby lighting. To understand these changes and the
reasons they were made, some background information is
required.
I ) USCG Requirements for Standby Lighting: All floating
facilities are required by the USCG to have a standby lighting
system. Requirements for this system are specified in 46
CFR, Subchapter J , and now also are included in API RP14F,
Emergency Power Systems. As previously indicated in this
paper, the USCG also has jurisdiction over standby lighting
systems on fixed platforms in OCS waters. Historically, these
requirements have been limited to minimal access/egress
lighting in accommodation spaces, with no minimum
requirements for duration or power supplies. However, the
USCG has recently undertaken efforts to enhance these
regulations to include requirements for an emergency power
source capable of 8 hours of continuous operation on all
manned facilities in OCS waters. Clearly, given the huge
number of facilities currently operating in OCS waters that do
not have standby systems that meet this criteria, such
regulations would have a great economic impact on the
offshore oil and gas industry, and the necessity of such
systems for reasons of safety of personnel are debatable.
The 14F task group worked closely with the USCG to develop
recommendations for standby lighting systems that are safe,
effective, and reasonably easy to implement on existing
platforms. The new recommendations are summarized
below:
2) Recommendations for Standby Lighting: When
installed, standby lighting systems should be designed for a
minimum of 1.5 hours of continuous operation. This
recommendation is in alignment with NEC requirements for
emergency lighting.
Where emergency generators are not installed to augment
the duration of standby lighting systems, it is recommended
that consideration be given to supplementing these systems
with other lighting systems that will provide additional lighting
duration for up to eight hours. Suggestions for such
supplemental lighting systems include additional permanently
installed battery banks, hand-held lanterns, or chemical light
sources. It is interesting to note that the idea of including
chemical light sources in the list of possible supplemental
I
lighting techniques came from the USCG’s representative to
the 14F working group; it is an intriguing and innovative
concept.
 To further normalize the recommendations of RP14F with
USCG requirements, certain critical areas of the facility must
be supplied with at least two separate lighting circuits, one of
which may be an emergency circuit.
E. Section 10.0 - Baffery Powered DC Supply Systems
Recommendations for battery-powered DC supply systems
were revised to include requirements that battery rooms and
enclosures conform with existing USCG requirements. A new
section on recommendations for uninterruptible power supply
(UPS) systems was also added. It should be noted that the
title of the section was revised from DC Power Supply
Systems to the new title, Battery Powered DC Supply
Systems. This section does not cover AC-DC power
conversion equipment. Details of the revisions are included
below.
I ) Battery Rooms and Enclosures: In order to normalize
RP14F recommendations with the requirements of the USCG,
it is recommended that large battery banks be installed in
dedicated rooms or enclosures, with ventilation systems that
conform with the recommendationsfor adequate ventilation of
API RP500. All electrical equipment and wiring in such
spaces, except for the batteries and battery supply cables,
should be suitable for Class 1, Division 1, Group B hazardous
(classified) locations. Additional recommendations are made
for battery enclosure construction and battery room
ventilation systems.
2) Battery Disconnects: It is recommended that disconnect
switches be provided on battery outputs for large battery
banks and for any batteries located in, or serving loads in,
hazardous (classified) locations.
3) UPS Systems: Increased use of personal computers
and computer-based control systems offshore has led to a
commensurate increase in the use of sophisticated UPS
systems to ensure reliable, continuous power. A new section
was added to RP14F outlining basic recommendations for the
design and application of such equipment.
f . Section 11.0 Special Systems
Significant material, primarily tutorial, was added to Section
11, Special Systems, as discussed below:
1) Aids-to-Navigation: The section addressing aids-to-
navigation equipment was expanded, providing guidance on
the various types of equipment required by the USCG for
specific locations, primarily dependent on water depth.
2) Variable Frequency Drives: A section was added for
Adjustable Frequency Controllers (Variable Frequency
Drives). Adjustable frequency controllers (AFCs) are
becoming quite common on the newer facilities, particularly
the deepwater facilities, and it was deemed appropriate to
offer guidance on the selection and installation of the various
AFC types available. The three major AFC technologies
(variable voltage inverters, current source inverters, and
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pulse width modulated inverters) are discussed, as well as
load considerations for each.
3) Miscellaneous USCG Regulations: To address issues
contained in USCG regulations that tentatively would be
removed from reference in later USCG regulations for oil and
gas facilities, sections were added to address electric oil
immersion heaters, electric power-operated boat winches for
survival craft, electric power-operated watertight doors, hull
mechanical systems controls, cargo tanks on floating
facilities, and cargo handling rooms on floating facilities.
Additional USCG and ABS requirements, related to but not
totally within the scope of RP14F, were ,appended to the
document for the convenience of the reader.
4) General Alarm Systems: The section on General Alarm
Systems, systems required to provide audible tones for
emergency situations, was expanded to cover systems for
both fixed platforms and floating facilities. Systems for
floating facilities were not included in previous editions. In the
past, the two systems were often quite different. The systems
for floating systems were specified by USCG regulations and
were based on the "old" technology of bells, flashing lights,
and contact makers, while the fixed platform systems, for the
most part, utilized "solid state" systems that incorporated
voice paging provisions and used electronic tones for
signaling various conditions. The new RP14F brings the two
systems closer together. It also recommends consideration
of specific tones for various situations; hopefully, this will
eventually lead to consistent tones for all facilities, which will
enhance safety.
G. Section 12.0 - Special Considerations
Minor changes were made to Section 12, and Section 12.9,
Portable Electronic Devices (PEDS). was added to enhance
safety during the use of portable electronic devices (e.g.,
pagers, cellular telephones, cameras, video equipment, and
laptop computers) in hazardous (classified) locations. This
section recommends that when portable electronic devices
are used in hazardous (classified) locations, they should
either be suitable for the location or be used in conjunction
with a hot work permit.
H. Annexes
Five informative annexes were added to RP 14 F. These
annexes are not part of the document and are not intended to
be requirements, but are provided for the convenience of the
reader.
1) Annex A contains suggested inspection intervals for
typical electrical equipment. These intervals are offered to
users of the document to assist them in developing an
effective electrical maintenance program.
2) Annex B is a reprint of referenced sections of the ABS
Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels.
-
 3) Annexes C, D and E contain excerpts from USCG
Requirements ( 4 6 C F R , Subchapter J) that are referenced
within the document.

IV. CONCLUSIONS

Through the dedicated efforts of a large and diverse

working group, API R P 1 4 F has been significantly updated
and improved and should now satisfy the needs of the rapidly
changing offshore oil and gas industry. Membership in the
group included representatives from many major offshore
user companies, equipment manufacturers, engineering
consultants, NRTLs, and AHJs. Acceptance of this RP by the
MMS and USCG as the applicable regulatory document for
offshore electrical installations will simplify and streamline the
AHJ approval process, and ultimately will result in safer and
more cost effective installations.

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