Find the Right Lighting for Your Dock
Not sure how many lights you need? Use the DRSA Dock Lighting Calculator to get a personalized recommendation based on your dock's size, layout, and lighting goals. Whether you're after safety lighting, ambiance, or full illumination, the tool sizes the system for you.
How the Dock Lighting Calculator Works
The calculator uses real-world DRSA installation data from hundreds of South Florida docks. You enter your dock length, layout, lighting type (Single Color or RGBW), and power supply location. The tool returns the recommended fixture count, total wattage, power supply size, and zone layout.
Behind the scenes, it applies the same rules our installers use in the field:
- Fixture spacing. Piling caps are typically spaced every 8 to 12 feet for even coverage. The calculator picks spacing based on your dock layout.
- The 80% rule. Power supplies should run at 80% of their rated capacity, not 100%. The calculator sizes drivers with built-in headroom so you don't run hot.
- Voltage drop on long runs. 12VDC systems lose voltage over distance. On docks longer than 100 feet, the calculator splits the system into zones with separate feeds to keep brightness consistent end to end.
- Single Color vs RGBW load. RGBW fixtures draw more wattage than single color. The calculator adjusts power supply sizing automatically based on the type you select.
Single Color vs Color Changing RGBW
Both options use the same DRSA piling cap housing and IP67 marine-rated construction. The difference is what they do at night.
Single Color (3000K Warm White) is the most popular choice for residential docks. It gives you a soft, even glow that helps with safety and curb appeal without drawing attention. No remote, no app, no controller. You wire it up and it works.
Color Changing RGBW adds red, green, blue, and white channels controlled by a remote. You can match team colors, set scenes for parties, or run warm white as your daily setting and switch to color when guests come over. RGBW is the right pick for waterfront entertainers and commercial properties that want presence on the water.
Power Supply Sizing for 12VDC Dock Lighting
Every DRSA piling cap runs on 12VDC and needs a non-dimmable LED driver. Sizing the driver wrong is the most common reason a dock lighting install fails or burns out early.
The rule the calculator follows:
- Add up the wattage of all fixtures on a single power zone.
- Multiply by 1.25 to apply the 80% loading rule.
- Round up to the next available driver size (60W, 100W, 150W, or 300W).
For docks longer than 100 feet, run two or more zones with separate feeds. The calculator handles this automatically when you select Center Feed or End Feed under Power Supply Location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dock lights do I need per foot?
For piling cap lights, plan on one fixture every 8 to 12 feet of dock length. A 100-foot straight dock typically needs 9 to 13 caps depending on piling spacing. Use the calculator to get an exact count for your layout.
Can I install dock lighting myself?
Yes. DRSA piling caps are designed for DIY install by dock builders, marine electricians, or homeowners comfortable with basic 12VDC wiring. DRSA also handles professional installation throughout Florida.
What size power supply do I need for 10 piling cap lights?
Ten single color piling caps draw roughly 30 to 50 watts total depending on the model. Apply the 80% rule and you need at least a 60W driver. For RGBW, the same ten caps may need a 100W driver. The calculator gives you the exact size based on your selection.
Do dock lights need to be on a separate circuit?
The 12VDC LED drivers plug into a standard 120V outlet on your dock or on the seawall. The dock lighting itself runs on low voltage, but the driver should be on a GFCI-protected circuit, which is already required by code for any outlet near water.
How long do LED dock lights last?
DRSA piling caps are rated for 50,000+ hours of LED life and carry a 3-year prorated warranty. In real-world South Florida marine conditions, expect 10+ years of service before any fixtures need replacement.
Can I add more lights to my dock later?
Yes, as long as your power supply has capacity. This is why the 80% rule matters. If you size your driver right the first time, you have headroom to add fixtures later without replacing the power supply. The calculator notes the available capacity in the results.
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