Dock & Pier Lighting

All dock and pier lighting fixtures are constructed from solid marine-grade brass with an IP68 waterproof rating, meaning they are tested for continuous submersion and will withstand the spray, splash, and humidity conditions found on Lake Wylie and Lake Norman. Brass naturally develops a protective patina in lake environments that actually strengthens its corrosion resistance over time, unlike painted aluminum or steel fixtures that degrade when their coating is compromised. Every fixture uses stainless steel mounting hardware rated for saltwater exposure, which exceeds the demands of our freshwater lake installations.

Our dock lighting systems operate on 12-volt low-voltage circuits powered by UL-listed multi-tap transformers mounted on shore. Low-voltage operation is critical for waterfront safety because it eliminates the risk of dangerous electrical shock in wet conditions. Each circuit is protected by a GFCI device at the transformer output, and additional GFCI protection is provided at junction points along the dock run. Wire connections use marine-grade adhesive-lined heat-shrink tubing over soldered joints, creating watertight seals that maintain integrity through thermal cycling, UV exposure, and constant moisture.

Fixture optics are selected based on function and position. Piling cap lights use wide-angle diffused lenses that cast soft, even light across adjacent dock surfaces without creating hot spots or sharp shadows. Recessed deck fixtures use narrow beam angles directed straight down to mark edges and transitions without contributing to ambient glare. Under-rail LED strips are specified with frosted diffuser channels to eliminate individual LED dot visibility and create smooth, continuous lines of light. All fixtures use warm 2700K LEDs that render dock surfaces, boat finishes, and water in natural, comfortable tones.

Wiring infrastructure follows marine electrical standards with all conductors run through Schedule 40 UV-resistant PVC conduit or flexible marine-rated conduit where dock articulation requires movement tolerance. Conduit is secured to dock framing using 316 stainless steel clamps at intervals no greater than 24 inches, and all penetrations through decking are sealed with marine-grade silicone. Wire gauge is calculated for the total run length and load to maintain consistent voltage at every fixture position, preventing the dimming effect that occurs when undersized conductors create excessive voltage drop over long dock runs.

Smart control systems for dock lighting use WiFi-enabled or hub-based controllers housed in NEMA 4X rated enclosures. Astronomical timers automatically calculate sunset and sunrise times for your specific GPS coordinates on Lake Wylie or Lake Norman, adjusting daily so your dock lights always activate at the right moment without manual intervention. Zone programming allows independent control of dock lighting, pier lighting, shoreline path lighting, and accent features, so you can illuminate only the areas you are using on any given evening.

Is dock lighting on Lake Wylie required to meet Duke Energy regulations?

Duke Energy manages both Lake Wylie and Lake Norman under their shoreline management program, which includes guidelines for structures and improvements on or near the water. While dock lighting itself is not prohibited, it must be designed to avoid creating navigational hazards for boaters. This means fixtures must be fully shielded to prevent horizontal light projection across the water surface, and lighting should not mimic or interfere with navigational markers. Our designs are specifically engineered for Duke Energy compliance, using downward-directed, shielded fixtures that illuminate dock surfaces without casting light across the water. We handle the compliance details so you do not have to worry about regulatory issues.

What kind of fixtures hold up best on Lake Wylie and Lake Norman docks?

Lake environments are surprisingly demanding on lighting fixtures. Constant humidity, temperature swings between hot Carolina summers and cooler lake water, UV exposure, and occasional wave splash all take their toll. We exclusively use marine-grade solid brass fixtures with IP68 ratings for dock installations. Brass is the gold standard for waterfront lighting because it naturally resists corrosion and develops a protective patina that actually strengthens over time. The IP68 rating means each fixture is sealed against continuous water submersion, far exceeding the demands of typical dock spray and splash. We avoid painted aluminum and steel fixtures, which corrode rapidly in lake environments once their coating is compromised.

Is dock lighting safe with water so close? What about electrical shock risk?

Electrical safety is our highest priority for every waterfront installation. All of our dock lighting systems operate on 12-volt low-voltage circuits, which eliminates the risk of dangerous electrical shock even in the unlikely event of a wire or fixture failure in wet conditions. Every circuit is protected by GFCI devices at the transformer and at junction points along the dock, providing multiple layers of fault protection. The transformer is mounted on shore in a weather-rated enclosure positioned above the established high-water line. All wire connections use marine-grade heat-shrink connectors that create permanent watertight seals. These combined safeguards make our dock lighting installations as safe as any lighting system on your property.

Will dock lights disturb boaters or neighbors on the lake?

This is one of the most important design considerations for waterfront lighting, and unfortunately many dock lights are installed without proper attention to glare control. Unshielded fixtures that project light horizontally across the water create dangerous glare for boaters and annoy neighbors across the cove. Our fixtures are fully shielded with internal baffles that direct all light downward onto dock surfaces. The result is a well-lit dock that is easy and safe to walk on, with virtually no light escaping horizontally toward the water. From a boat passing on the lake, our dock installations appear as a soft, contained glow rather than a blinding point source. Many of our clients' neighbors have asked us to install similar systems after seeing how unobtrusive and attractive the result looks from across the water.

How do fluctuating lake levels on Lake Wylie affect dock lighting?

Duke Energy manages Lake Wylie water levels for power generation and flood control, which means the lake surface can fluctuate several feet throughout the year and even more during drought or heavy rain events. Our dock lighting designs account for these fluctuations in several ways. All electrical connections and transformer equipment are positioned well above the maximum recorded high-water line for your specific shoreline section. For floating docks, we use flexible marine-rated conduit and waterproof quick-disconnect connectors at articulation points so wiring can accommodate movement without stress. Fixed dock installations place fixtures and wiring at elevations that remain above water during normal seasonal fluctuations, and we discuss with you the historical water level range for your particular cove or inlet.

How much does professional dock lighting cost on Lake Wylie?

Dock lighting costs vary based on the size and configuration of your dock, the number of fixtures required, the distance from your power source to the dock, and the control system you select. A basic dock lighting package for a standard single-slip dock on Lake Wylie typically starts in the range of $2,500 to $4,500 and includes piling cap lights, recessed edge lighting, and a smart controller with astronomical timer. Larger configurations with multiple slips, covered structures, or extended pier walkways can range from $5,000 to $12,000 or more. We provide detailed, itemized estimates during our free on-site consultation, and there is never any pressure to commit on the spot. Call us at (803) 889-0096 to schedule your free estimate.

Can dock lights be added to an existing dock without major construction?

Yes, and this is one of the advantages of our low-voltage marine-grade lighting systems. Because we use 12-volt fixtures rather than line-voltage electricity, the wiring is smaller and easier to route through existing dock structures without significant modification. Piling cap lights mount directly to the top of existing pilings with stainless steel hardware, recessed deck lights require only a small hole in the decking, and under-rail LED strips attach to the underside of existing handrails with marine adhesive and stainless clips. The conduit that protects wiring runs along the underside of dock framing where it is concealed from view. Most dock lighting retrofits on Lake Wylie and Lake Norman are completed in a single day without disturbing the dock structure.

What maintenance do dock lights require on the lake?

Lake environments do demand more attention than standard landscape lighting, but our marine-grade fixtures are designed to minimize maintenance. We recommend an annual inspection that includes checking all connections for corrosion or loosening, cleaning fixture lenses of mineral deposits and algae film, verifying GFCI devices are functioning properly, and confirming that fixture alignment has not shifted due to dock movement or wave action. Brass fixtures should be left to patina naturally unless you prefer the bright finish, in which case a simple brass polish restores their original appearance. We offer annual maintenance plans for dock lighting clients that cover these inspections along with any needed adjustments. The combination of marine-grade materials and professional installation means most dock lighting systems operate trouble-free for years between service visits.

Do you install lighting on floating docks?

Absolutely. Floating docks are common on Lake Wylie and Lake Norman, and they present specific challenges that we have extensive experience solving. The primary consideration is that floating docks move with changing water levels and wave action, which means rigid wiring connections would eventually fail from repeated flexing. We use flexible marine-rated conduit at all articulation points, typically where the gangway meets the floating platform and where dock sections hinge together. Waterproof quick-disconnect connectors allow sections to be separated for seasonal removal or storm preparation without cutting wires. All fixtures on floating sections are mounted with through-bolted stainless hardware to prevent loosening from constant motion. The result is a reliable lighting system that accommodates the full range of dock movement throughout the seasons.

How long does a dock lighting installation take?

Most dock lighting installations on Lake Wylie and Lake Norman are completed in one to two days, depending on the complexity of the project. A straightforward single-slip dock with piling caps and edge lighting can be installed in a single workday, including running conduit from the shore power source. Larger projects involving multiple dock sections, covered structures, or extensive pier walkways may require a second day. We schedule installations based on weather conditions since waterfront work requires dry conditions for safe operation on dock surfaces and proper sealing of electrical connections. We coordinate with you to minimize disruption to your dock use and always clean up completely at the end of each work session.

Can I control my dock lights from inside the house or from my phone?

Yes, and most of our dock lighting clients choose smart control systems for exactly this convenience. Our WiFi-enabled controllers connect to your home network and are managed through a smartphone app that lets you turn dock lights on and off, adjust brightness, and set schedules from anywhere. The astronomical timer feature automatically calculates sunset time for your location on Lake Wylie or Lake Norman and activates your dock lights at dusk without any manual intervention. You can also create custom scenes, such as a full illumination mode for docking your boat and a dim ambient mode for sitting on the dock in the evening. The controller is housed in a weatherproof NEMA 4X enclosure mounted on shore near the transformer.

Does Fireflies Landscape Lighting offer a warranty on dock lighting?

We offer our lifetime warranty on workmanship for every dock lighting installation. This means that if any aspect of our installation work fails, whether it is a wiring connection, a fixture mount, or a conduit run, we repair or replace it at no cost to you for as long as you own the home. Fixture manufacturers provide their own warranties on the fixtures themselves, which typically range from 10 to 15 years for the marine-grade brass units we specify. LED modules carry separate warranties, generally in the range of 5 to 7 years, though our experience shows they consistently last much longer in actual service. We maintain records of every fixture and component we install so warranty claims can be processed quickly and easily.