Dock & Marine Electrical

Safe, Licensed Dock Electrical Services for Lake Travis & Texas Hill Country Waterfront Properties

(512) 301-9111 – Free Estimate

Dock Electrical Safety Notice

Improperly installed dock electrical is one of the leading causes of electric shock drowning (ESD). All dock electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician using marine-rated components and proper GFCI/ELCI protection. Never use an unlicensed electrician for dock or waterfront electrical work.

Lake Travis and the Texas Hill Country offer some of the most beautiful waterfront living in the state — and your dock electrical should match the quality of your property. Whether you need a boat lift wired, dock lighting installed, or a complete shore power system, Malco Electric brings the same licensed, professional approach to your waterfront that we bring to every job.

Since 1983, we've been serving Lakeway, Bee Cave, and waterfront communities throughout the Hill Country. Led by Master Electrician Randy Mallory (Lic. #6328), our team installs all dock electrical to NEC Article 553 standards — keeping your family safe on and around the water.

Dock & Marine Electrical Services

Boat Lift Wiring

Complete electrical service for boat lifts including dedicated circuits, motor connections, weatherproof controls, and proper GFCI protection. Compatible with all major lift brands.

Dock Lighting

Underwater dock lights, overhead dock lighting, pathway lighting, and step lighting. All fixtures are marine-rated and properly sealed for continuous water exposure.

Shore Power Installation

30A and 50A shore power pedestals for keeping boats plugged in at the dock. Includes proper metering, GFCI protection, and weatherproof enclosures.

GFCI & ELCI Protection

Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupters (ELCIs) and GFCI protection on all dock circuits — essential protection against electric shock drowning for swimmers and boaters.

Underground Feed to Dock

Buried conduit runs from your home's electrical panel to the dock — the safest and most code-compliant method for delivering power to waterfront structures.

Dock Electrical Inspection

Safety inspection of existing dock electrical systems. We identify code violations, deteriorated wiring, and missing GFCI protection — and make it right before it becomes dangerous.

Why Dock Electrical Must Be Done Right

Electric Shock Drowning RiskCurrent leaking into water is invisible and deadly. Proper GFCI/ELCI protection is non-negotiable.
Harsh EnvironmentConstant moisture, UV exposure, and temperature swings require marine-rated components and proper sealing.
Code RequirementsNEC Article 553 has specific requirements for floating buildings and docks — only licensed electricians should perform this work.
LCRA ComplianceLake Travis properties may have additional LCRA requirements for waterfront electrical work that must be followed.
Property ValueA properly wired, inspected dock adds value and reassures buyers — while unpermitted work creates liability.
Insurance RequirementsMany homeowner's insurance policies require permitted, licensed electrical work on waterfront structures.

Common Dock Electrical Projects

Every waterfront property is different. Here's what's typically involved in common dock electrical projects:

Basic Dock Package

Lighting & Safety
  • GFCI/ELCI protection
  • Weatherproof outlets
  • Dock & pathway lighting
  • Underground feed from panel
  • Permit & inspection

Boat Lift Package

Lift + Lighting
  • Dedicated lift circuit
  • Motor & controls wiring
  • GFCI/ELCI protection
  • Dock lighting
  • Weatherproof enclosures
  • Permit & inspection

Full Shore Power

Complete System
  • 30A or 50A shore power pedestal
  • Boat lift wiring
  • Underwater & overhead lighting
  • Weatherproof outlets throughout
  • Full GFCI/ELCI protection
  • Subpanel at dock (if needed)
  • Permit & inspection

Our Dock Electrical Installation Process

1

Site Assessment

We evaluate your property, dock layout, distance from panel, and specific power needs to design the right system.

2

Permits & Planning

We pull all required permits and verify LCRA compliance requirements for your Lake Travis or Hill Country property.

3

Professional Installation

Licensed installation of all underground conduit, marine-rated wiring, fixtures, and safety protection devices.

4

Inspection & Safety Test

Full inspection, leakage testing, and GFCI/ELCI verification before we consider the job complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does dock electrical installation cost in Texas?

Dock electrical costs vary by project scope. Basic dock lighting and GFCI protection typically runs $500–$1,500. A full shore power system with boat lift, lighting, and outlets ranges from $2,000 to $6,000+. Distance from your home's panel is a major cost factor. Malco Electric provides free on-site estimates.

Is dock electrical work dangerous?

Improperly installed dock electrical is extremely dangerous — electric shock drowning (ESD) is a real and serious hazard. All dock electrical must be done by a licensed electrician using marine-rated components, proper GFCI protection, and equipment leakage circuit interrupters (ELCIs). Never allow unlicensed electrical work near water.

What is electric shock drowning and how is it prevented?

Electric shock drowning (ESD) occurs when electrical current leaks into water around a dock, creating a voltage gradient that can paralyze or kill swimmers. It is prevented through proper GFCI protection on all dock circuits, equipment leakage circuit interrupters (ELCIs), and regular electrical inspections. Malco Electric installs all dock electrical to NEC Article 553 requirements.

Do I need a permit for dock electrical work in Texas?

Yes, dock electrical work requires permits in Texas and must be performed by a licensed electrician. Lake Travis properties may also require LCRA compliance. Malco Electric handles all permits and ensures full code compliance.

Can you wire a boat lift on Lake Travis?

Yes, Malco Electric installs electrical service for boat lifts on Lake Travis and surrounding Hill Country lakes. We run underground conduit from your home panel to the dock, install weatherproof outlets and controls, and ensure all connections are properly protected against the lake environment.

Dock Electrical Service Areas

We service waterfront properties throughout Lake Travis and the Texas Hill Country:

Lakeway Bee Cave Austin West Lake Hills Rough Hollow Hudson Bend Spicewood Lake Travis Jonestown Lago Vista

Need Dock Electrical Work Done Right?

Don't trust waterfront electrical to just anyone. Call Malco Electric
for safe, licensed dock electrical installation and inspection.

Call (512) 301-9111