Boatlifts made by Hewitt, Shoremaster, Shore Station and others all have the option to add an electric motorized, rubber wheel that engages the large 36" diameter hand-turned wheel and changes the hand powered lift to a motorized lift which is a very nice option for raising a heavy boat. These motorized rubber pulleys or wheels can be purchased, for about $600, to be powered by either 12-volts dc, or by 110-volts ac, so they get powered by either an automobile battery that sets on the dock nearby in a plastic battery box, or else a power line is run to 110-volts house current and presumably through a ground fault interrupter outlet.
If I know of a neighbor's 110-volt powered boat lift, and do not know if it is correctly grounded through a GFI outlet, then how close in feet, (for example 10-feet or 20-feet or what distance?) does one need to be to start to feel an electrical buzz? What distance when swimming nearby is a good margin for personal safety here?
What is considered to be a safe distance from a 110-volt powered boat lift, when the safety of the electrical system is unknown, and can it be tested with a voltmeter? How does one apply a voltmeter to test for leakage.....one prong on the dock.....and one prong in my hand....while standing in the water with a light bulb ..
... in my mouth....just kidding.....or what? ...........ZAP!
You know those testers like the $7.97 digital multi-tester at Walmart, that have two wire tester prongs attached to three feet of black and red wire for each prong........how exactly does it get used to test a dock for safety? I know.....if I go to Aubuchon.....I can probably get it for $14.99....but one still has to know how to use it! ..... so probably I should buy it at Walmart ....and then ask the guy at Aubuchon's about using it......that's my good plan?