The Benefits of Upgrading to LED Dock Lighting

Are you in search of a cost-effective and dependable illumination option for your dock? LED dock lights are the perfect solution. They help you save money on energy bills and provide greater visibility and safety. LEDs last longer than traditional lighting options, so you can enjoy their benefits for years. Plus, installation is a breeze! 

Check out all that LEDs offer when it comes to dock lighting.

Better Visibility

Compared to conventional incandescent bulbs, LED lights provide better quality light with a wider beam spread for enhanced visibility across the water. 

Cost Effective

LED dock lighting requires less upkeep and is more economical than other choices. LEDs can save up to 80% of power consumption compared to their counterparts while providing higher lumen output per watt – meaning that you get brighter light using less energy.

Easy Installation

Switching to LED dock lighting is easy - no hardwiring into walls is necessary, as switches can be used instead. IP67-rated marine-grade LED lights are water-resistant, making them an ideal choice for any marina or boat dock. 

More Control

Adding an automated timer can give users complete control over when their lights are switched on or off automatically. This is especially useful if you want your lights running during certain hours or days without having manually switch them each time yourself.

The benefits of LED dock lighting make it an ideal choice for boaters. Let's look at the various LED dock light options available today to reap the advantages of this kind of lighting system.

Types of LED Dock Lights

Different LED dock lights, with various features suited to particular requirements, are becoming increasingly accessible.

Surface-Mounted Lights

Surface-mounted lights offer a wider angle of light due to their clear top areas, making them ideal for illuminating larger areas like docks and decks. They come in a variety of lumen outputs so that you can choose the right amount of illumination for your area. Some surface mount models also feature adjustable heads to direct the light where it’s needed most.

Underwater Dock Lighting 

Underwater LED dock lighting provides visibility when navigating at night or during foggy conditions. These fixtures come with either white or colored lenses, which create an attractive ambient glow around your boat or dock while still providing plenty of illumination below the waterline. 

Underwater LED lighting also offers increased safety, since they don’t require glass parts that could shatter if disturbed by waves or debris. When selecting underwater LED lighting, look at factors such as wattage, beam spread, full charge run time, and materials used (polycarbonate/ABS plastic vs. aluminum).

Solar-Powered LEDs

Solar-powered LEDs are another option for dock lighting as they eliminate the need for hardwiring switch boxes into walls and don’t require any additional power sources beyond what’s provided by natural sunlight during daytime hours. With rechargeable batteries lasting 10-12 hours, you don’t have to worry about running out of light when it gets dark outside. 

Solar-powered LEDs typically come with motion sensors that turn on automatically when movement is detected near the illuminated area – this helps conserve battery life while providing enough light when needed most. 

It’s important to remember that these systems will only work properly if installed correctly; otherwise, there may be startup problems once activated or too much drain on batteries from overuse resulting in poor performance over time.

Lighting Timers

Say goodbye to unexpected surprises when coming home late at night! Timers ensure that you can pre-program activation times, so no need to manually turn on each light at dusk.

In addition to proper installation techniques, using timers can help extend battery life even further by allowing you to control how long your solar-powered LEDs stay lit after dark. 

Cost Considerations When Purchasing LED Dock Lights

When it comes to purchasing LED dock lights, the cost is an important consideration. It’s worth considering the wattage of the light and how many hours it will be used each day when calculating cost-effectiveness.

In general, LED lighting is more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs and thus can help save on electricity bills over time. To compare traditional incandescent bulbs with LEDs, look at the wattage rating on both types of lights. Incandescent bulbs typically have a higher wattage rating than LEDs, meaning they use more electricity per hour than their LED counterparts. 

A quick calculator for determining the electricity usage of an LED bulb (and a breakdown comparison of energy consumption between LED, CFL, and incandescent bulbs) can be found here.

Overall, investing in quality LED dock lights can save money over time due to their energy efficiency and low maintenance needs compared to traditional options - making them a worthwhile consideration for any marina or boat project.

Installation of LED Lighting

For underwater LED dock lighting systems to work properly, they must be installed correctly. Consider a timer system that controls when they turn on and off automatically throughout the day/night cycle. This will help prevent startup problems such as flickering or dimming lights caused by improper wiring connections or voltage fluctuations from storms or other environmental factors. 

It is also important to use waterproof connectors and seals during installation so water does not enter any part of the electrical system, which could cause damage or failure of components over time.
Dock Light Brightness and Color

Dock lights should be bright enough for safe passage and mooring yet not so intense as to generate glare or light contamination. The brightness of dock lights depends on the size and type of boat, the location of the marina, and any nearby structures that may cast shadows. Generally speaking, LED lighting is recommended due to its energy efficiency and long lifespan. Furthermore, it is important to consider local regulations when selecting a light intensity level to ensure compliance with safety standards.

The color of dock lights depends on their purpose. White or blue lights are best for illuminating a large area and creating visibility at night. For docks requiring more subtle lighting, yellow or green lights can create a softer ambiance while still providing adequate illumination. 

Retrofitting Existing Docks

Retrofitting existing docks with newer technology can save money and provide a safer environment while adding aesthetic appeal. Switches that avoid hardwiring to the wall are now available for dock lighting systems, making installation more manageable and less costly. 

Installing Underwater Led Dock Lighting

Proper installation and timers for underwater LED dock lighting are essential to ensure the lights function correctly. 

The first step for proper installation is to ensure that the light is completely submerged when turned on, as this will help prevent any potential damage from passing boats or other objects. Additionally, checking local online tide charts before setting up your light can help ensure it’s set deep enough to be unaffected by changing water levels.

When using a timer with an underwater LED dock light, there are two critical rules to follow:

1. Always check the voltage of the device you're connecting to.
2. Never exceed the rated wattage of your transformer or power supply. 

By following these guidelines, you can avoid any potential problems with your lighting system caused by faulty connections or overloading circuits.

Call Haven Dock & Marine to Light Up Your Dock!

LED dock lights are an excellent choice for any marina or dock. They reduce energy costs, increase visibility and safety, and provide longer-lasting lighting that is easy to install. Upgrading your existing lighting system with LED dock lights will give you peace of mind knowing that you have chosen an efficient solution for years to come. 

Experience the best in LED dock lighting with Haven Dock & Marine. Our selection of high-quality dock lights will keep your marina and docks illuminated, safe, and beautiful.