Dock Electrical

J

jrpar

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Looking for sources for the power center for my private dock.

I don't want one of the lighthouse looking units, just the head unit to house dual 30a receptacles and maybe a 15/20amp.

Nothing fancy.

Looking at pricing, the few I've found are all north of 5-800 bucks. Any cheaper options anyone has found?
 
Almost any electrical supply house will have everything needed.
Bill
 
If you include normal 110V outlets they must be GFI. For the 30 amp twist lock, they depend upon the GFI in the boat.
 
As folks have suggested, if you don't want a "lighthouse" looking pedestal, the parts are available to construct your own at any electrical supply house or even a home center.

I have to wonder though, if you haven't already figured this out (constructing it yourself from off the shelf parts), are you qualified to construct and install such a device and have it be safe and conform to the electrical and marine safety codes? Electricity and water can be a lethal combination if not done correctly.

Consider having a licensed electrician install this for you. Sleep well at night.
 
There are a few things to think about. Just to start.

How far is the pedestal from the circuit breaker panel.

How big a boat (or future boat) are we talking about. Bigger boats need more amps.

How many circuits do you want to bring out to the pedestal, or do you want a buss and divide it at the dock.

You want a service circuit, it must be gfi protected.

Do you want a light or lights.

Do you want water in the pedestal.

The pedestal cannot be fabricated until these and other questions are answered. I'd be more than happy to help, but this is not a simple project to answer. You can make a 4 x 4 post into a power pedestal or you can make a 2 x 8 four sided pedestal with 250v 50 amp outlet, service gfi and have the water at the bottom.

Billy K.
 
google.......Eaton marine power pedestals and lighting.
 
I'm fairly competent with the electrical work, but being next to water I'm engaging a qualified electrician that does have experience with this type of install. What I've been shocked by is the overall costs of the components, so I'm looking for alternate sources to see if there are any savings to be had.

I like the idea of a pre-fab power center designed for marina use, but I'm not opposed to individual outlets for each 30a circuit, as long as they have the proper disconnect at the dock and the house..

This is a short term setup, so I'm only needing the two 30amp outlets, however I'm planning on running a conduit size that provides the fill for expansion and I'm upgrading the wire to provide the option for 50a service (and eliminate any possible voltage drop). Run is about 100 ft one way from the main panel.

It's really about how to: 1) Minimize the costs of the parts but still provide the right equipment and 2) Minimize costs by providing as much of the labor/parts I can safely.

Thanks for all the comments so far!
 
Eaton has great product.. Quotes from distributors/retailers and the electrician all put these surface mount "dockmate" style units at 5-600.00.
 
a word of advice.....use a GFI breaker in your panel.....rather then GFI receptacles at the pedestal. The receptacles don't last long in an outdoor environment.
 
Just an idea.....I have made a few out of 6 X 6 PVC fence posts ( Lowes )......just cut out the needed receptacle size and use a water tight snap or bubble cover.....you can also install a water valve too.......top with a decorative post cover........done.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Double D

Just an idea.....I have made a few out of 6 X 6 PVC fence posts ( Lowes )......just cut out the needed receptacle size and use a water tight snap or bubble cover.....you can also install a water valve too.......top with a decorative post cover........done.

Click to expand...

I have made a few that have internal Mesh WiFi units that provide smoking coverage for slips in addition to the electrician installing power outlets and our plumber providing water.
Bill
 
quote:
Originally posted by Billylll

quote:
Originally posted by Double D

Just an idea.....I have made a few out of 6 X 6 PVC fence posts ( Lowes )......just cut out the needed receptacle size and use a water tight snap or bubble cover.....you can also install a water valve too.......top with a decorative post cover........done.

Click to expand...

I have made a few that have internal Mesh WiFi units that provide smoking coverage for slips in addition to the electrician installing power outlets and our plumber providing water.
Bill

Click to expand...


I made one for my personal use with the 6X6 PVC post that had....1-50A receptacle....1-20A GFI protected receptacle.....1-20A non protected receptacle ( for my ice eater ).... CATV receptacle.....Phone receptacle....water bib....dusk to dawn light on top....and a fire extinguisher bracket.
 
quote:
Originally posted by pdecat

Don't they need breakers on the pedistal??

Click to expand...

Yes. Before you plug or unplug the boat you are supposed to switch off the breaker so there's no arcing if power is being drawn by the boat. This would be very inconvenient if you had to walk a hundred feet or so to turn it off.

Required or not, you want breakers at the pedestal. Lights and water are nice also. Even cable TV.

Yes, you can nail some boxes to a 4X4 and get the same results, but a commercial dock pedestal puts it all together in one neat and easy to install package. You'll save on labor costs and end up with something that's worth something.
 
You can also shut the main breaker off in the boat panel....so there will be no load arcing.
 
It has always been my practice to shut off boat breakers before plugging in.
 
quote:
Originally posted by pdecat

It has always been my practice to shut off boat breakers before plugging in.

Click to expand...

Same here Bruce, I have transome breakers in addition to my main panel breakers. It's a nice feature for an older boat.
They were factory installed on my model Mainship. I replaced them with new breakers when I rewired a few years ago.
Bill
 
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