Step 1: Study
Get to know the types of low voltage equipment. There are many different kinds of lighting fixtures for different kinds of lighting needs. For instance, a pathway that runs through a garden will benefit from a path lighting that illuminates the ground or nearby shrubs.
On the other hand, a post light fixture can illuminate a whole garden or emphasize outdoor structures. Post light fixtures are great for patios where more light may be needed. It can create playful shadows in your garden, leaving unwanted spots and emphasizing your favorite ones.
Other outdoor low voltage lighting designs include spotlights, tree-hung fixtures and deck lighting. These give off a very artistic visual effect on landscapes and structures. At the same time, they also make some areas a bit safer to cross.
Furthermore, there are designs that include added features. Motion sensors allow fixtures to light up automatically when there is movement nearby. Timers automatically turn a fixture on or off depending on the time of day, to save more energy.
Outdoor low voltage lighting can come in kits. This means you get all the appropriate wires, transformers and fixtures all in one. If you want to customize your lighting system, you may buy individual parts.
Step 2: Select
You need to choose the right outdoor low voltage lighting equipment. For structures that typically carry water like fountains, pools and ponds, make sure you use waterproof pond lights. For outdoor pathways in your backyard or driveway, use path lights. Low voltage path lights reveal pathways without the glare. Tree-mounted spotlights can be used to make plants glow in the dark as if the light they reflect was coming from the moon.
Outdoor low voltage lighting is generally low cost. So choose one that isn’t overpriced. Kits generally cost less than $100. With low voltage lighting, you’ll often get great value for your money. Low voltage lighting should last up to 10,000 hours. If it dies suddenly in a short period of time, then you haven’t got the right product.
Select just the right brightness. Outdoor areas look best when they are accented by light, not washed out by it. Also consider seasonal elements. Select low voltage lighting for the right area. Make sure they are water and tamper resistant.
Step 3: Install
Take care when installing. Avoid installing an excessive number of fixtures on the circuit or utilizing the inappropriate wire size. These can cause a system overload. Make sure cables aren’t too small for the load.
Plan out your landscape. Good landscape lighting can hide up-lights and areas behind plants, revealing just the ornamental path lighting. The bulb should not be visible or cause a lot of glare.
There you have it, 3 simple steps to achieving great results with outdoor low voltage lighting. For more advice and instructions on planning and installing low voltage lighting systems, find more sources online.
Outdoor Patio Lighting Tip #1
Give your home a dramatic entrance with strategically placed outdoor lighting. You can use lighting to create a play between light and shadow that will enhance the detailed designs of your entryway.
Outdoor Patio Lighting Tip #2
Outdoor lighting can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. It can enhance security by keeping access to your home brightly lit, while highlighting architectural features of your home.
Outdoor Patio Lighting Tip #3
If you have a swimming pool in your yard, you can design an outdoor lighting system to show it off. Your pool will look absolutely stunning with lights reflecting off the water.