The rules in one table
| Item | What the plan requires | SMP section |
|---|---|---|
| Outlets and lights | Ground-fault protection on all of them | 15.3.10 |
| Service from the house | Buried underground, whatever the dock's age | 15.3.10 |
| GFI to dock connection | Flexible cord of the ship-to-shore, twist-lock type | 15.3.10 |
| Dock lights | Shielded, pointed down, not sticking out past the dock | 15.3.10 |
| Path lights | Mushroom style, no taller than 2 ft, wired underground along the path | 15.3.11 |
| Water line | Up to 2 in, buried along the path; may share the electric trench per the NEC | 15.3.12 |
| Pump | Electric, 2 hp at most, mounted on the dock, never submerged | 15.3.12 |
| Phone or intercom | Underground, in the same trench as the other wiring | 15.3.13 |
From the 2004 Shoreline Management Plan. Heat-pump loops that pull and return lake water are banned without a state discharge (NPDES) permit.
When the wiring gets recertified
Recertification comes at three points: each five-year permit renewal, any change of ownership, and any time an inspection finds the service doesn't meet the standard (SMP §15.3.10). That second one catches buyers: a dock that was fine for the seller still has to be certified for you. See buying a home with a dock.
The plan also prefers metal anchor posts because they add grounding if something fails (SMP §15.3.9). As for cost, Fixr's national figures are $6–8 per linear foot to run wiring for mooring or a lift, with most electricians charging at least $200, and $40–100 an hour for lighting work (Fixr). A long, steep run from the house costs more to trench.
Electric shock drowning
When current leaks into fresh water from a dock or boat, a swimmer nearby can be paralysed and drown. There is nothing to see. Lanier has had a death: in July 2023 a 24-year-old jumped from his family's dock in Forsyth County and was shocked in the water. A neighbour who swam out felt the current and cut the power at the box near the dock. The family said the dock was under three years old and had been wired by a licensed electrician; officials said it was unclear why the water was electrified (WTVM, July 2023). New wiring is no guarantee, so test it.
Safety habits for dock owners
- Test every GFCI monthly with its test button (Illinois Extension).
- Have dock and boat electrical systems checked once a year by an electrician who knows marine work.
- Don't swim within reach of a dock with power or a boat plugged into shore power, and tell guests the same.
- If you feel tingling in the water, swim away from the dock and shout for someone to cut the power.
- If someone is shocked, don't jump in. Shut off the power, throw a float, then call 911.
Questions for your builder
Who pulls the electrical work, and who signs the Corps certification? Is the GFI protecting the whole dock, lift and lights included? Where is the shut-off, and can a guest find it fast? If you are also adding a lift, plan both together; our lift guide covers the Corps' rules.
Common questions
Does my old Lanier dock have to meet the electrical rules?
Yes. The plan says that regardless of age, condition or grandfathering, all dock service must have GFI protection and be buried underground (SMP §15.3.10).
When does dock wiring need to be recertified?
At each permit renewal, at every change of ownership, and any time an inspection shows it doesn't meet the standard (SMP §15.3.10).
Can I run a water line and pump to my dock?
Yes, within limits: a buried line up to 2 in that follows your path, an electric pump of no more than 2 hp mounted on the dock, nothing submerged, and faucets no taller than 30 in (SMP §15.3.12).
What should I do if someone is shocked in the water?
Don't go in after them. Cut the power at the breaker or shut-off, throw a float, and call 911; start CPR once they are out if there is no pulse (Illinois Extension).
Sources & further reading
- Lake Sidney Lanier Shoreline Management Plan (2004), hosted by the Lake Lanier Association. §12, §15.1–15.3, §18
- Fixr: cost to build a dock (updated Jan 2025). Wiring and electrician rates
- WTVM: man electrocuted after jumping into Lake Lanier (Jul 31, 2023)
- University of Illinois Extension: hidden danger of electric shock drowning (May 2020). Safety tips
Editorial note: General planning information, not engineering or legal advice. Prices are estimates; confirm current rules with your local officials and a qualified pro.