There's nothing like a Saturday morning on Lake Martin. Coffee on the dock, boat on the lift, the water still glassy before the wake boards come out.

What most people don't think about on that dock is the wiring under their feet. Lights, outlets and the boat lift motor are all running power a few feet above the water, through sun, storms and humidity year round. That's why dock electrical deserves more care than the outlet in your garage.

Why Dock Wiring Is Different

Water and electricity are a dangerous mix, and a dock puts them right next to each other. On top of that, dock wiring takes a beating from the weather. Connections corrode, covers crack and cords get stepped on.

Wiring that would be fine inside a house can become a real hazard on a dock. That's why outdoor and waterfront electrical work needs equipment rated for wet locations, proper ground fault protection, and a licensed electrician who knows how to put it together.

Warning Signs on Your Dock

Have your dock checked if you notice any of these:

• The boat lift motor runs slow, hums or struggles to lift
• A GFCI outlet or breaker for the dock keeps tripping
• Rust or corrosion on outlets, boxes or the lift controls
• Cracked or missing covers on outlets and switches
• Extension cords running from the house to the dock as a permanent fix
• Lights that flicker or don't work

A safety note for families: if anyone in the water ever feels a tingle or shock near a dock, get them out of the water away from the dock, don't jump in after them, and shut off power to the dock if you can do it safely. Then call an electrician before anyone swims there again.

What We Handle on Lake Martin

Abel Electric works on lake properties around Lake Martin, Dadeville and Jacksons Gap. Our lake services include:

• Dock and boat lift wiring
• Dock and outdoor lighting
• Lake house electrical repair
• Panel upgrades for homes adding a lift, lighting or other big loads
• Generac home standby generators

We pull the permits and schedule the inspections, and estimates are free.

Keep the Lake House Running When the Power Goes Out

Storms on the lake can knock the power out with no warning. If your lake house sits empty during the week, that can mean a warm fridge or worse when you get back. Abel is an authorized Generac dealer, and a home standby generator turns on by itself when the power drops, whether you're there or not. Every Abel Generac install is done in one day and comes with a 10-year warranty that's exclusive to Abel installation. Learn more on our Generators page.

Get Your Dock Checked Before Next Season

Abel Electric has been serving the Chattahoochee Valley and Lake Martin area since 2008. We're licensed in Alabama and Georgia.

Call 706-442-9093 or visit our General Electrical Services page for dock and boat lift wiring on Lake Martin, in Dadeville, Jacksons Gap or nearby.