Power for Progress: Dock electrical safety

Dock safety
As warmer weather approaches, the Grand River Dam Authority wants to remind all dock owners of the importance of maintaining compliance with dock electrical systems to ensure they are in proper working order.

Power for Progress…

A weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority

Reminder: Dock electrical safety

As warmer, spring weather approaches many people are not only spending more time on the water but also more time on their docks. With that in mind, the Grand River Dam Authority wants to remind all dock owners of the importance of maintaining compliance with dock electrical systems to ensure they are in proper working order.

The unfortunate truth is that a faulty dock electric system can be very dangerous, and may even prove fatal, for those in the water near the docks or those in contact with the dock. System defects can cause electric current to be discharged into the water or the metal components of the dock. That is why GRDA-issued dock permits require you to have your dock inspected by a licensed professional electrician.

Those inspections cover many areas of the dock, including proper grounding, conduit, breakers, wiring, dock receptacles, dock metal works and electrical service boxes.

GRDA’s application for dock permits requires any dock wired for electricity to have a completed electrical certification form signed by an Oklahoma Licensed Electrical contractor before a final permit will be approved. Dock standards also require docks to have an electrical disconnect clearly identified and located above the high-water mark. Also, any residential dock that has electrical service must adhere to the regulations set forth in the National Electric Code. Finally, any docks constructed or modified, relocated, or transferred, are required to provide GRDA with a certificate signed by an Oklahoma licensed electric contractor, showing compliance with all laws, regulations and codes regarding electrical systems and wiring.

“There are standards in place for new and modified docks and transfers,” said Alberty. “However, all dock owners should have a regular inspection due to the simple wear and tear and weathering that occurs over the years.”

For more information on dock permits or other GRDA lake permitting issues, contact the GRDA Lake Permitting at (918) 256 0852 or stop by the GRDA Ecosystems and Education Center in Langley.