Okay, let's break down your dock electrical system and address your questions and concerns. I'll focus on the general principles of electrical safety and relevant code requirements, but keep in mind that local codes may vary, and a licensed electrician should always be consulted for final approval.

Summary of Your System (as you've described it)



Dock Structure

Metal frame bonded with #6. Walkway bonded with #6.

Grounding

Walkway at shore grounded to a ground rod with #6. Dock stiff arm not bonded (you believe it should be). Outdoor panel grounded to the house ground. Outdoor panel not bonded to the ground rod.

Power Supply

Main lug outdoor panel fed from the house with a 4-wire system (likely L1, L2, Neutral, Ground). GFCI breakers in the outdoor panel feeding individual branch circuits on the dock.

Wiring

Device boxes on the dock are bonded and connected to the ground bar in the outdoor panel. Neutral and ground are not bonded in the outdoor panel (correct).

Disconnection

Breakers in the outdoor panel serve as branch circuit disconnection means. You're unsure if this satisfies the requirement for a shoreline disconnecting means.

Analysis and Recommendations



1. Bonding of Dock Structure



What You Have

You're on the right track with bonding the metal dock frame, walkway, and swim ladder. This is critical for equipotential bonding to minimize voltage differences between metal parts and prevent shocks.

Missing



The stiff arm MUST be bonded. Any metal part of the dock that a person could come into contact with needs to be bonded to the system. Use #6 wire for this.2. Grounding of the Outdoor Panel (Critical)



Your Current Setup is Problematic

Relying solely on the ground wire from the house to ground the outdoor panel is not ideal, and likely doesn't meet code requirements for a structure like a dock.

NEC Requirements

The NEC requires supplemental grounding at the dock's electrical panel, and it is highly recommended for safety.

NEC Article 250.32(A) and (B) states

"A building or structure supplied by a feeder or branch circuit must have a grounding electrode or electrode system." Since your dock has an outdoor electrical panel, this is considered a 'structure' by the NEC. "The grounding electrode conductor MUST be connected to the grounding electrode and the equipment grounding conductor at the service equipment or feeder disconnecting means." "A grounding electrode system as described in 250.52 must be connected to the grounding electrode conductor as close as practicable to the point of entrance of the feeder or branch circuit into the structure."

Your Correction

You are correct;

the ground bar in the outdoor panel MUST be bonded to a ground rod with a #6 copper wire. This is in addition to the ground wire coming from the house panel. Important Note

This creates a local ground reference at the dock. This local ground helps to equalize any potential voltage differences, especially during fault conditions. The code requires this supplementary electrode system to improve ground fault protection at the remote structure/dock.

Feeder Equipment Grounding Conductor (EGC)

The EGC from the house back to the main panel is there to clear any ground faults back at the main panel. As stated above, the code requires a Ground Electrode system at the dock to protect against local ground faults, hence the addition of the grounding electrode conductor from the ground bar in the sub panel to the ground rod.

3. Grounding and Bonding at the Main Panel Make sure that the equipment grounding conductor (bare copper wire) in the feeder wire is properly connected to the ground bar at the main panel where the feeder is fed from. Also, be sure that the ground and neutral ARE bonded here! This is very important!4. Neutral-Ground Bonding



Correct

You are correct that the neutral and ground should NOT be bonded in the outdoor panel. They are only bonded at the service entrance (main panel at the house). This prevents circulating neutral currents on the grounding system, which can cause shocks.

5. Disconnecting Means



Code Requirement

The requirement for a disconnecting means at the shoreline (top of the walkway) is intended to provide a way to easily de-energize the entire dock electrical system in an emergency or for maintenance.

Interpreting "Disconnecting Means"

While individual breakers can disconnect branch circuits, the code is generally interpreted as requiring a single disconnect that can shut off all power to the dock. This is typically a circuit breaker.

Solution

The simplest solution is to install a

main breaker in the outdoor panel. This breaker acts as the required disconnecting means. When you switch this breaker off, all power to the dock is cut off. You can add a rain-proof cover over it.6. Branch Circuits and GFCI Protection



Excellent

Using GFCI breakers for each branch circuit on the dock is exactly what you should be doing. GFCI protection is critical in wet environments.

Detailed Action Plan


Hire a Licensed Electrician

Seriously. Docks are unique environments, and electrical work near water is extremely dangerous. Get a professional involved.2.

Bond the Stiff Arm

Connect the stiff arm to the existing bonding system using #6 copper wire.3.

Ground Rod at the Dock

Install a ground rod near the outdoor panel. Bond the ground bar in the outdoor panel to the ground rod with #6 copper wire.4.

Confirm Feeder Grounding

Make sure the ground wire in the feeder cable is properly connected to the ground bar in the main house panel. Make sure that the ground and neutral are properly bonded at the main panel.5.

Main Breaker in Outdoor Panel

Install a main breaker in the outdoor panel to serve as the disconnecting means at the shoreline. Wire it to the feeders as they come into the panel.6.

Waterproof Enclosures

Ensure all electrical boxes, connections, and devices on the dock are in waterproof enclosures rated for outdoor and wet environments.7.

Thorough Inspection

Have the electrician inspect all wiring, connections, and grounding to ensure compliance with local codes and best practices.

Important Considerations



Local Codes

Always consult your local electrical codes and permitting requirements. Dock electrical systems are often subject to specific regulations.

Saltwater

If you're in a saltwater environment, use corrosion-resistant materials (e.g., stainless steel) for grounding rods, connectors, and enclosures.

Floating Docks

Pay special attention to flexible connections for floating docks to accommodate movement.

Winterizing

If you experience freezing temperatures, take appropriate steps to protect your electrical system during the winter months (e.g., disconnecting power, covering panels).*

Signage

Post clear warning signs regarding electrical hazards on the dock.

Disclaimer: I am an AI chatbot and cannot provide professional electrical advice. This information is for general guidance only. Consult a qualified and licensed electrician for all electrical work. Incorrect wiring can be dangerous and even fatal. Flag for review