Water and electricity demand more care than any other combination in our trade. For marinas, resorts, rental docks and lakeside businesses around Grove, we install and maintain marina and commercial dock electrical systems with safety as the first priority.
Why dock electrical is different
Electric shock drowning happens when current leaks into the water from a faulty dock or boat circuit. A swimmer in that water can be paralyzed by a level of current that would barely be felt on land. For that reason, the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) requires ground-fault protection on marina and dock circuits, and current editions set specific limits for shore power receptacles and the feeders that supply docks.
Freshwater lakes like Grand Lake are a particular concern because fresh water conducts current through a swimmer’s body more readily than salt water does.
Marina and dock services
- Shore power pedestals and receptacles
- Ground-fault protection on dock feeders and branch circuits
- Dock, walkway and slip lighting
- Boat lift and ramp equipment circuits
- Corrosion repair on boxes, connections and conductors
- Periodic testing and safety inspections
We work on fixed and floating commercial docks and on the land-side equipment that feeds them.
Corrosion and seasonal wear
Moisture, temperature swings and the constant movement of floating docks are hard on electrical equipment. Connections loosen, enclosures corrode and cords get damaged. Regular inspections catch those problems early, before they cause a nuisance trip on a busy holiday weekend, or worse, a fault that puts current in the water.
We recommend checking dock systems before the season starts and again after storms or high water.
Testing ground-fault protection
Ground-fault devices only protect people if they work. Test buttons should be used on a regular schedule, and any device that trips repeatedly is telling you something is leaking current. We trace the leak, whether it is in the dock wiring, a pedestal or a customer’s boat, so the fix addresses the cause.
Frequently asked questions
What is electric shock drowning?
It occurs when electrical current leaking into the water from a dock or boat passes through a swimmer, causing paralysis that can lead to drowning. Proper ground-fault protection and maintenance on docks greatly reduces the risk.
Why does the ground-fault breaker on my dock keep tripping?
It is detecting current leaking to ground, often from damaged wiring, corroded connections, water in a box or a fault on a connected boat. The source should be found and repaired, not bypassed.
How often should marina electrical be inspected?
At least once a year before the season, and again after storms, flooding or any repeated tripping. Busy marinas benefit from more frequent checks.
Need an electrician in Grove?
Call Grove Electrician Pros and tell us what is going on.