Update: offshore electrical installation practices

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. Thus, the generation of electricity became a natural part of the scene on most platforms as the requirements grew to include cooking, heating and air conditioning, and lighting requirements for living quarters. This article discusses the development of electricity systems for offshore platforms form the 1950s to the 1990s. The development of the American Petroleum Institute's recommended practices (API RP) to cope with the unique design and installation requirements of the electrical systems is discussed. Revisions to the API RP 14F in the areas of power generating stations, distribution systems, electric motors, lighting, battery powered DC systems, and special systems are also discussed.