All along Florida’s coast, rivers, and lakes, there are a lot of boat docks with electrical systems. Boat dock electrical systems help provide light and needed power. However, as many well know, water and electricity don’t mix and there are a number of precautions that must be taken. For those who manage or own a boat dock, Burley Electrical Services will share proper boat dock safety considerations and tips.
Boat Dock GFCI Outlet Wiring
The National Electrical Code article 533 and 55 require that all docks be outfitted with a fast acting circuit breaker, which is essentially a GFCI outlet. GFCI outlets are specially designed outlets that enhance safety for power sources near water. You find GFCI outlet in your home such as in the bathroom, kitchen and outside. However, unlike the home where you will have two different types of outlets, on a dock you should only have GFCI outlets. GFCI outlets will automatically shut off if water makes contact with the outlet. The outlet will cut off power to the circuit within 1/40th of a second. To ensure your safety, make sure the dock has all GFCI outlets and that the GFCI outlets are regularly tested.
Bonding Jumpers
A bonding jumper is a device that connects to all of the metal parts on the dock and then to a ground rod on the shore. All homes use a ground wire that is fed into the ground where docks have water and not ground. A bond jumper is essentially when a power surge or other anomaly occurs, the excess power can be safely diverted away from the dock, water and boats.
Electrical Safety of Neighboring Boat Dock
Another major part of electrical safety is to make sure your neighbors have proper safety systems in place. You can always talk with the neighboring dock and see how they ensure their electrical safety. Their electrical system can affect you just as easily as your own electrical systems. To ensure proper electrical safety, it is good to work with and sometimes encourage your neighbors to follow proper safety procedures.
DIY VS Hiring a Licensed Electrician
When electrical work needs to be done, never do it yourself. Due to the nature of electricity, we know it is very dangerous and more so when around water. A professional electrical service knows what additional safety precautions to take when repairing electrical systems on docks and near the water.
Electrical Inspection of Power of Boat Dock
Another essential step to ensure electrical safety for boat docks is to schedule electrical inspections regularly. The water can quickly corrode electrical systems such as the wiring, the electrical panels, breakers, and outlets. With regular inspection, a professional electrician can monitor all of the electrical components for corrosion and other damages. Boat dock electrical systems should be inspected at least once a year. It is recommended to have it done before summer or before the season where you will be at the dock more often.
Electrical System Troubleshooting, Wiring Repairs, Wiring & More in Imperial Point, Pompano Beach, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Lighthouse Point, Parkland, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
For those who manage or own a boat dock and require inspection or professional electrical services, contact Burley Electrical Services today. For more information, you can also visit www.burleyelectric.com.
