Choosing the Right Marine Power Pedestal Unit for Your Marina: Key Considerations

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HyPower is the industry’s power solutions leader for residential docks, marinas, and RV parks across the US. We combine innovative designs with a commitment to safety and reliability to provide operators with versatile solutions that enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. 

Below, we go through the primary considerations when choosing a marine power pedestal and enhancing your marina’s convenience and functionality with HyPower. 

Introduction to Marine Power Pedestals  

Marine power pedestals are multi-purpose utility stations mounted on docks. They provide boaters with convenient access points to electricity, water, lighting, and other essential utilities right from the slip, making them a critical component of a marina’s customer experience.  

Quality power pedestals offer the following benefits:

  • Convenience: With multiple outlets and various power configurations right from the slip, boaters can easily run appliances and essential systems while docked. 
  • Safety: Marine power pedestals ensure safe and efficient supply of electricity, reducing the risks of electrical hazards, such as short circuits and fires. 
  • Efficiency: For boaters, marine power pedestals provide a central access point to essential utilities. Centralized power and water distribution also help simplify management for marina operators. 

HyPower pedestals can be customized to deliver power and utilities where you need them, including outdoor establishments such as campgrounds, resorts, and restaurants. Contact us today to learn more about HyPower solutions.  

Key Features to Look for in a Marine Power Pedestal  

To provide your customers with a seamless marina experience while enhancing operational efficiency, consider the following marine power pedestal features: 

  • Versatile power capacity: The power demands of boaters can vary. Premium marine pedestals offer various amperage options to accommodate different boat sizes and power requirements. The HyPower PowerPort’s 400-ampere capacity, for example, can power up to two slips and includes receptacles (with matching breakers) ranging from 20 to 100 amperes for unrivaled versatility. 
  • Water and lighting: Modern power pedestals often come with water valves and integrated boat dock lighting. HyPower power pedestals feature photo-cell activated 360̊ downward lighting with a 9W LED bulb, eliminating the need for overhead lighting and enhancing visibility and safety during night-time operations. 
  • CATV and internet connectors: HyPower offers optional connectors you can seamlessly add to the pedestal’s panels to further enhance your marina’s customer experience. These ports allow boaters to access the internet and cable TV services directly from the marine pedestal.  
  • Safety features: Safety is paramount in marine environments. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, “Any water-damaged equipment, even if thoroughly dried, will pose serious long-term safety and fire risk if not properly reconditioned (ESF, n.d.).” Look for pedestals with built-in ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection, weatherproof enclosures, and clearly marked emergency shut-off switches. 
  • Ease of ownership: Easy-to-maintain pedestals help ensure uninterrupted service, minimizing downtime and potential revenue loss for marina operators. HyPower’s PowerSnap technology allows you to perform routine maintenance, repairs, and power system upgrades to your marine pedestal without calling an electrician or performing complex rewiring work. With HyPower, maintaining and servicing an RV power pedestal is as easy as snapping a panel off and putting a new one in. 

HyPower power pedestals utilize modular components, allowing you to upgrade or reconfigure the unit to accommodate changing requirements. Whether changing breaker and receptacle configurations or adding remote monitoring capabilities, you can customize HyPower solutions to your specific requirements. 

Comparing Different Marine Power Pedestal Units for Sale  

Here’s a closer look at the primary HyPower power pedestal options:

PowerPort

With four functional built-in sides, a modular design, and 400-ampere capacity, the HyPower PowerPort is a highly versatile and advanced power pedestal designed to meet the diverse needs of marinas and other outdoor establishments. Its customizable PowerSnap panels let you configure individual pedestals to support the varied power requirements of vessels, from smaller fishing boats to yachts. 

The PowerPort features a non-conductive polycarbonate injection-molded body with UV protection, designed to resist corrosion and withstand harsh marine conditions. It also uses brass connectors and stainless steel screws at all high-stress points for stronger assembly, preventing the pedestals from leaning on the docks or wallowing out.  

EnergyMate

Designed to be mounted on a pole or stand, the EnergyMate marina power pedestal combines its compact design with a 120-ampere capacity to provide a simple and affordable power solution for marinas, residential docks, and RV campgrounds. It includes 20, 30, and 50-ampere receptacles with matching breakers to accommodate varied power requirements. 

Like its big brother, the EnergyMate features PowerSnap panels with weather-resistant components and housing for an easy-to-use power solution that’s built to last. With the EnergyMate, you get an excellent alternative for less demanding environments.   

Contact our team at (800) 825-3379 to discuss your power needs and discover the HyPower advantage. 

Installation and Maintenance Tips  

All wiring and plumbing must meet all local building codes and should be performed by certified professionals. With that said, here are a few guidelines: 

Installation:

  • PowerPort can be installed on any solid surface, such as concrete, wood, or steel. If mounted on a surface that allows water to pass through, it’s necessary to provide shielding to prevent electrical shorting and damage to the unit. 
  • HyPower offers optional stands and mounting brackets for the EnergyMate. Alternatively, you can mount the unit to a post, railing, or wall. This requires drilling four mounting holes for 1/4” bolts in a rectangular pattern 10” high by 6” wide.

Maintenance:

  • To remove dirt, grime, and other debris on the exterior, use a mild solution of dishwashing detergent at approximately one teaspoon per gallon of warm water. Do not use solvent or corrosion-inhibiting products on any part of the power pedestals. 
  • Turn off the power source before performing maintenance on interior components. 

According to NFPA 303, “An inspection of all electrical wiring, ground connections, conduit, hangers, supports, connections, outlets, appliances, devices, and portable cables installed or used in a marina, boatyard, boat basin or similar establishment shall be made at regular intervals to ensure a complete inspection at least annually (NFPA, 2021).”

Choosing the Right Marine Power Pedestal for Your Marina

Here are the primary considerations when choosing a power pedestal for your marina:

  • Power requirements: Assess the marina’s power needs, including the number of slips and the types and sizes of boats that will use the pedestals. 
  • Customer preferences: Gather feedback from boat owners about their power needs and preferences.
  • Cost and warranty: Evaluate the cost and warranty options. While staying within budget can be a primary consideration, investing in quality pedestals with good warranty coverage can save money in the long run.

HyPower’s TotalPower Solutions are designed to streamline and enhance the electrical infrastructure of marinas and RV parks. This service includes integrated electrical design to optimize layout and load distribution and the necessary electrical components, such as substations, panelboards, transformers, wiring, and cabling — all from a single source. Contact us today at (800) 825-3379 to learn more. 

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