multiple circuits to residential boat lifts?

[florida-sparkey]

Hello all. Is there a code requiring only one circuit to a residential dock? I have looked over article 555 and it just points to art 3. No place for remote panel so If possable, I want to just run two circuits for the lift motors and dock lights. One circuit is 120/240 other 240 volt. Both 20 Amps. Both circuits GFI protected at main panel or subpanel mounted to house. Thank you.

 

[oldsparky52]

I think your installation is fine.

 

[winnie]

It will come down to the question of the dock being a 'separate structure' requiring a single separate feeder rather than a bit of outdoor equipment associated with the house. You are only permitted to run a single circuit/feeder to a detached structure....and we could have a 277 post thread about what defines a structure.

-Jon

 

[LarryFine]

I would probably opt for a single feeder and a small panel at the dock, even if not required.

 

[oldsparky52]

I would probably opt for a single feeder and a small panel at the dock, even if not required.

That would trigger referencing the ground to ground rods near the water making a difference of potential between the water and ground conductor less likely which is much safer.

 

[infinity]

I agree with Jon, as dumb as it sounds this would be a separate structure by definition.

 

[roger]

I don't understand the "there is no place for a panel" part, if that's the case what are you going to do for the control box(es)?

Roger

 

[Niteshift1]

Boat lifts, jet ski lifts, shore power twistlocks, gfci recepts, lights. Control boxes mount to the pilings (of sufficient height). Sub panels are on shore, PVC to outlets, upsize for voltage drop.

 

[infinity]

I don't understand the "there is no place for a panel" part, if that's the case what are you going to do for the control box(es)?

Yes good question, there are pedestals made specifically for boat docks.

 

[roger]

Boat lifts, jet ski lifts, shore power twistlocks, gfci recepts, lights. Control boxes mount to the pilings (of sufficient height). Sub panels are on shore, PVC to outlets, upsize for voltage drop.

Don't know where that is coming from, I have mounted many panels / load centers on pilings. Please elaborate on your statement.

Roger

 

[Niteshift1]

Don't know where that is coming from, I have mounted many panels / load centers on pilings. Please elaborate on your statement.

Roger

Didn't mean to imply panels can't be mounted there as well, just that one way to do it is to mount the outlets/control boxes on the pilings.

 

[tom baker]

Mike Holt recommends no electrical power on boat docks. He did a video on the dangers, showing the voltage gradient
This is a different video https://www.mikeholt.com/marina-and-boatyard-safety.php

 

[tom baker]

And please see

https://www.mikeholt.com/files/PDF/Dock_electrical_tips.pdf

https://www.mikeholt.com/files/PDF/DockElectricalInstallRequirements.pdf

 

[retirede]

Mike Holt recommends no electrical power on boat docks. He did a video on the dangers, showing the voltage gradient
This is a different video https://www.mikeholt.com/marina-and-boatyard-safety.php

We vacation frequently at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. Every dock is powered and I am always wary when I’m there. They average 2-3 electrocutions per season, I think.

The gas pumps on docks make me even more nervous. That may be irrational, but it is what it is...

 

[don_resqcapt19]

The addition of new list item (8) to 225.30(A) in the 2020 code makes it clear that the code considers a dock as an "other structure".

(8) Docking facilities and piers

 

[Flanative]

Here in Fl Army Corps of engineers requires the feeder to docks be a gfci protected circuit before it crosses their right of way /easement.
so typically you see (1) small NEMA 3R panel on the first post or on a seperate post before the dock. And the circuits for the boatlift and lighting are fed from there.

 

[florida-sparkey]

Thank you all. Been away. I agree with the separate structure argument. I have recommended the panel but think I was to expensive.

Here in Fl Army Corps of engineers requires the feeder to docks be a gfci protected circuit before it crosses their right of way /easement.
so typically you see (1) small NEMA 3R panel on the first post or on a seperate post before the dock. And the circuits for the boatlift and lighting are fed from there.

Fl Army Corps of engineers requiring GFI on feeder is very informative. Thank you

 

[florida-sparkey]

The addition of new list item (8) to 225.30(A) in the 2020 code makes it clear that the code considers a dock as an "other structure".

Thank you. We are still on 2014. The AHJ was OK with my 2 branch circuits but I recommended the panel to the customer

 

[florida-sparkey]

Yes good question, there are pedestals made specifically for boat docks.

The pilings were not installed yet and they wanted prewire. That is why I said there was no way to (conveniently) mount a panel.