The Pros and Cons of Low Voltage Dock Lighting
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You can purchase outdoor lighting in many styles and materials. One popular option is installing low-voltage dock lighting. This offers many benefits with minimal drawbacks. Let’s explore the pros and cons of low-voltage lighting before so you can determine the right fit for your outdoor space.
How Low-Voltage Lighting Works
Low-voltage lighting typically uses 12V of power to illuminate your outdoor spaces. Systems reduce power from a traditional 120V line through a transformer, which allows for thinner, more flexible wires between fixtures.
The reduced power of 12V systems limits their use and brightness. However, with advances in LED technology requiring minimal power, you can light up relatively large areas with low-voltage lighting systems. This helps to conserve electricity, which has environmental benefits. Additionally, LEDs have a long life span, which adds to the durability of low-voltage lighting.
Pros of Low-Voltage Dock Lighting
Many people find the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks when installing low-voltage dock lighting.
Simple To Install
Installation is more flexible, and many home and dock owners can complete it without the help of a professional. This is the case for several reasons. First, thinner wires are easier to manipulate than standard home wiring. You can also use smaller conduits for shallow and above-ground installation without struggling to pull wires through.
Additionally, many DIYers who would steer clear of 120V electrical projects will feel completely comfortable working with 12V wiring. Thanks to its increased safety profile, some jurisdictions that require an electrical license for 120V installations allow anyone to install low-voltage lighting systems.
Location Flexibility
You can install low-voltage lights almost anywhere. Thin wires and reduced code restrictions mean that low-voltage dock lights can go in many places where traditional line-voltage systems would pose a challenge.
They also tolerate wet locations better than many standard line-voltage fixtures, making them a good choice for docks and marinas.
In addition, there are many different ways to install low-voltage lighting. You can choose fixtures that integrate into steps or dock surfaces, path lights along walkways, spotlights to illuminate large areas, and post or piling cap lights to establish a perimeter.
When choosing lighting fixtures for marine environments, make sure to consider factors including:
- The amount of light required
- The typical use of each location
- How you want to direct the light
- Expected exposure of the fixture to water or rough weather conditions
These factors impact the ideal types of fixtures for each location, so choose one that safely meets your requirements.
Affordable Lighting Choices
Another massive benefit of selecting low-voltage dock lighting is the abundance of available fixture options. Some of this variety is due to the smaller bulbs these lights use. They allow for increased design options, such as inset fixtures that you can install directly into decks and docks.
Some other design choices include:
Underwater lights are another option that many dock owners enjoy. They help provide a clear view of what is happening in the water around your dock, which can provide an amazing view of marine life.
Safe Outdoor Lighting
If you want a safe outdoor lighting option, low-voltage may be the way to go. Because the wires carry less electricity, there is less risk of electrical shock. This improves more than installation safety; it also makes operating the lights safer.
If something were to go wrong with a fixture, there would be significantly less risks. For example, a frayed wire at 12 volts may cause discomfort, but it most likely will not cause a significant injury.
An improved safety profile benefits you as a dock owner by reducing the risk of electric shock or related injuries to yourself and others. It may also help you more easily keep your dock within local building codes. Both of these may contribute to lower insurance premiums.
Cons of Low-Voltage Dock Lighting
Low-voltage lighting also has some disadvantages. Understanding them can help you decide if it’s the right choice for your dock or other outdoor space.
Dimmer Than Line Voltage Lighting
Low-voltage lighting tends to be dimmer than traditional line voltage fixtures. This can be a drawback for many people considering new outdoor lighting systems. Dim lights can pose a safety hazard by providing insufficient illumination for stairwells, walkways, and docks.
The good news is that advances in technology have lessened the impact of low voltage on brightness. Additionally, you can take some measures to counter dimmer fixtures. For example, you can add a few extra fixtures so they are closer together. This reduces gaps in light coverage. Another strategy is to plan precise coverage with specialty fixtures.
Voltage Drop Issues
Voltage drop is the loss of potential electrical power that occurs over distances. The longer your wiring runs, the more drop you will experience. Since low-voltage dock lighting is already at the minimum needed to power fixtures, any drop could negatively affect the light quality and brightness. The most common effect is dimmer lights as you move further down the line from the transformer.
There are ways to counter voltage drop. For example, you can limit runs to shorter wire lengths. This requires using multiple systems for large areas. While that can add to upfront costs, there are some advantages, such as easier troubleshooting and the ability to replace lighting in sections without interfering with the overall effect.
Another option is to install thicker wire, which can drastically reduce power loss. An electrician will know what size wire to use to mitigate the effect of voltage drop within your system.
