Dock Electrical Inspection

Protect your loved ones from electric shock drowning (ESD) by having your dock routinely inspected.

Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air wants you to know if you have electrical service on a dock, houseboat, or anything else on the water, you and your family members could be in danger. If the wiring, switches and outlets have not been inspected by a professional electrician in the last six months, turn off the circuit breaker and call Dixie right away to schedule your comprehensive Safe & Sound dock inspection.

Electric shock drowning is often called a silent killer as there are no warning signs when water is energized. In fact, it may not even happen until after the victim is in the water. In most cases the current paralyzes a swimmer who then drowns. Across Alabama families are spending time at the lake or on the river without realizing they could be in danger. The recent deaths of two women in Lake Tuscaloosa are being called a case of electric shock drowning (ESD). It happened almost exactly one year after a 15-year-old girl died the same way on Smith Lake. According to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, more than 3,000 people drown every year. The CDC states it’s unclear how many of them are due to electric shock.

Even a simple malfunction can end in a disaster. In the case of the 15-year-old who died on Smith Lake in 2016, water had entered the electrical box, resulting in a short circuit on the dock. The water became electrified when a metal ladder was hung on the dock into the lake. This is just one example of why dock inspections are so crucial. Ensure the safety of the ones you care most about by having one of our fully trained and certified electricians come out to your dock to complete a safety inspection. Our electricians have years of training, not to mention a keen eye for detail. You can rest assured that your safety and peace of mind are always at our forefront.

During your inspection, one of our trusted and expert electricians will look at the following:

• All electrical connections
• Grounding
• Outlets
• Lights
• Boat lift
• Battery charging station
• Electrical panel
• Ensure there is GFCI protection

We consider our customers more like family, and family takes care of one another. Because we genuinely care about your safety and overall wellbeing, we are particular about the electricians we hire. They must pass our background check and drug tests; they must be fully trained and licensed; and they must strive to complete top-quality work, all the time, every time. You can count on Dixie to fully meet your expectations, from the initial phone call to the completion of your inspection. Should we come across a potential hazard, we have the skill and equipment needed to correct it.

There are some things that you can do, too, to prevent a disaster from occurring. Make sure to follow these water and electricity safety tips:

• Check wiring often: This should be done twice a year. Even a routine storm can cause minor to severe damage to your electrical components, making way for a dangerous situation.

• Install proper safety devices: Every circuit on or near the water should have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breaker.

• Know what to do: Everyone present should know where the power shutoff is and how to cut electricity to the dock or boat.

• Use the right ladder: Use plastic or wooden ladders on a dock instead of metal (especially aluminum).

Don’t let summer become the season for tragedy; schedule your dock inspection with Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air as soon as possible. This is not a task you want to forgo. The best thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones is to create a safe environment. We are also fully equipped to inspect your entire home for electrical hazards. No matter your cause for concern, we guarantee making us your go-to company will produce the most effective results. Give us a call now! Our friendly and professional team members are standing by to assist you.