The Importance of GFCI Protection for Marinas and Boaters

As relaxing as it can be to hang out on your boat or docks, there are certain threats that you should be aware of. Drowning is always possible when you spend time near or in deep water, but electric shock drowning is particularly threatening when you’re at the marina. Since your boat requires both electricity and water to work, you should recognize the importance of marine electrical services in Annapolis. GFCI protection seeks to prevent ground faults, reduce the chance of electric shock, and keep the water safer for swimmers. Keep reading for more on the importance of GFCI protection for marinas and boaters.

Preventing Ground Faults

A ground fault can be dangerous in a residential setting, so think about how hazardous it can be when it happens on a boat that is stationed in the water. Ground faults occur when electricity strays from its intended path and instead seeks the ground. A GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter, springs into action when it notices that electricity is not following the route it’s supposed to, and it shuts the electricity off. Your marine electrical systems should make use of GFCI protection so that if electricity does break off from the path, it won’t result in disaster.

Avoiding Electric Shock on the Boat

If a marine electrical device malfunction and the electricity powering it seeks the ground, the results can be tragic. When you’re on a boat, the ground is water. Additionally, you might be using electrical equipment in a damp or moist area. GFCI protection inhibits your marine electrical appliances from sending that misdirected electricity through a person or down to the water.

Keeping the Water Safe for Others

A marine electrical problem might not just affect people on the boat or in contact with the electrical appliances. In some cases the ground fault can electrify the water, making the area unsafe for nearby swimmers. Even if the marine electrical problem doesn’t send out enough volts to electrocute a swimmer to death, the electrocution can paralyze his or her muscles and cause electric shock drowning. Use GFCI to prevent this tragic scenario.