Boat Docks, Piers and Marinas Annual Checklist

Minimum Protection Required:

GFCI = Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter - Protection for Branch Circuits such as receptacles, head gallery etc.

ELCI = Electrical Leakage Current Interrupters - Protection for Main - Protection 

Use Proper Wiring Methods, Overcurrent Protection, Grounding and Bonding based on the following standards:

1. For Piers, Marinas and Boat Docks See NFPA 303 (Fire Protection Standard for Marinas and Boat yards) and NFPA 70 The National Electric Code (NEC) Article 555

2. For Boats See Standard ABYC E-11 

• Use an ELCI for Shock Protection of shore power -Classification not greater than 100ma

• Use proper Classification of GFCI protection - Not your typical home GFCI

• DO NOT do your own 120-volt AC electrical work on a boat. Making the system works does not make it safe...All electrical fatalities occur on systems that "are working" 

• All work must be performed by a "Qualified Person" in accordance with article 100 of NFPA 70. The qualified person must understand how to apply electrical theory and associated standards to the job tasks to be performed.

DO NOT use common household extension cords for providing shore power to your boat. Use, and encourage other boaters to use, shore power cords built to UL standards.

Annual and Monthly Inspection and Testing Required NFPA 303.20 and NFPA 70.110.4:

1. Make yearly inspections of docks, piers, floating buildings, wharves, boatyards, boathouses, yacht clubs, boat condominiums, launching, hoist, cranes, monorails  and storage

2. Test wiring methods for potential shock hazards annually (Dielectric & Polarity Test)

3. Perform Ground Loop Impedance Test on grounding and bonding system

4. Test the GFCI/ELCI at least once a month or per the manufacturer's specifications

5. Additional testing may be required based on application. All the above are basic requirements.

6. Boats should be tested for Ground Leakage Current

**** IMPORTANT

USE ONLY A QUALIFIED Electrical Worker, Field Evaluator or Inspector. The evaluator must understand the test procedures and how to mitigate any potential or existing shock hazards.