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Dock owners should check these four things
An ounce of prevention is worth well more than a pound of cure, especially when it comes to dock electric safety.
While it would be nice if every aspect of boating and Lake life was just plug-and-play, the reality is: things need to be maintained. And while boaters are typically diligent to winterize, maintain, and inspect their vessel (or pay someone qualified to do it), it can be tempting to gloss over the other stuff. But when it comes to safely enjoying the Lake life, there are few things that are more important than ensuring your dock’s electrical system is in good shape.
In business at Lake of the Ozarks for 11 years, Connect Power inspects hundreds of docks every year, and some of the electrical problems we find—and solve—are disconcerting.
By Ameren’s count (the utility company that permits docks on Lake of the Ozarks), the Lake has more than 30,000 docks along its 1,150 miles of shoreline. The vast majority of those docks use electrical connections: for everything from boat lifts to lights to water pumps to fancy bar setups.
The harsh elements of the Ozarks—from humidity and temperature swings to the rocking waves and wakes of a busy summer on the top recreational lake in the nation—can take their toll on the elements of a dock’s electrical system. And while the number of electric shock incidents on the water has been small—considering the hundreds of thousands of visitors the Lake sees every year—one electrical accident is too many.
There have been multiple electrocutions or near-electrocutions at the Lake over the past decade:
Electrocution Investigation Reveals Dock Wiring Problems
Update: Woman dies of dock electrocution in Dry Branch Cove
“The best way to prevent another electrocution is for dock owners to be diligent,”
“Honestly, you can’t be too careful. But at the very least, a good place to start is by visually inspecting your dock’s electrical system every spring, as you prepare to get on, or in, the water.”
Electricity can kill, so when in doubt, dock owners should always call an electrician. At the risk of sounding self-serving, Connect Power points out not all electricians are created equally… better to spend the extra few bucks on a reputable electrician than go with the guy who swears he’s real handy and can probably figure it out.
Dock owners don’t even need to touch any wires to perform a safe, visual inspection of their dock’s electrical system. Just looking closely—and knowing where to look—can help catch minor issues early, before they come major problems.
Here’s what to look at, and what to look for:
ELECTRICAL INSPECTION CHECKLIST FOR DOCK OWNERS
1. CHECK ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT BOXES & BREAKERS
-Boxes, Fittings & covers should be in good shape. If they’re broken, they can expose wires to the elements and possibly result in electrical problems.
-Every month during the recreational season, check all GFCI breakers by using the test button as well as a plug-in GFCI tester at any outlet on the dock. If you do not have one, they are worth the money at your hardware store. If it doesn't trip, the GFCI breaker needs to be changed.
-If you don’t have GFCI breakers at the shore power, it’s time to call an electrician… today!
2. CHECK YOUR CONDUIT
-Visually inspect the conduit coming from the house to the shoreline if exposed. It should be intact, and joints should be tight and not separated.
-On the dock, visually inspect conduit running overhead and/or under the decking. Current regulation forbids electrical under the dock unless it is a commercial Dock. If there’s any separation in conduit joints, conduit damage, or visible wear and tear, you might have a problem.
-(If wiring on your dock has not been run in conduit, it’s time to call an electrician)
3. ON THE SHORELINE
-Your grounding jumpers—from the dock to the shoreline—should have good connections and be secure in all pivot points even at lifts and ladders securely.
-Make sure that when the shoreline breakers are off, all power to the dock is off. If the breakers are off but you’ve still got power on the dock, you’ve got a problem.
-Visually inspect cords leading to pumps or lifts, and make sure they’re in good shape.
4. IN THE WATER
-Have a certified mechanic thoroughly check the boat’s electrical system. Faulty boat electrical grounds can be as dangerous as a poorly grounded dock.
-Use a current-detecting device to test the water around the dock before you go for a swim.
