The LED One Distribution team has some tips if you’re ready to plan an LED-lit landscape. If you’re getting ready to light up your home or business this will help you get started. Lighting can turn your home or business from unnoticed to unforgettable. You’re going to be so glad you’re doing this!
Getting Started
Decide what areas to accent and highlight. You may have architectural areas of interest that you’d like to show off. Walkways can be lit for beauty as well as safety. Do you have landscaping or trees you’d like to show off?
Look at businesses or homes whose lighting appeals to you. This could be in your neighborhood, or you might take a look at lighting examples on the internet. This will help define what you like and how you want it to look.
What Comprises a Low Voltage Lighting System?
Low voltage lighting has just a few parts. A transformer will reduce your home or business’s 120-volt electrical service to a safer 12 volts. The fixture’s housing protects the lighting from weather and directs the light. The bulb. Its lumens will be an indicator of its color and brightness. A stake holds the fixture housing in place. Wiring will supply electrical service to each fixture. That’s it – just 5 parts!
Lighting Choices
There are several types of lighting available. Each serves a different look or purpose. The following lighting types are available for landscaping:
- Spot Lights
- Flood Lights
- Path Lights
- Step or Deck Lights
- Fence Lights
- Recessed Lights
- Pond or Fountain Lighting
Each type has variations in style, brightness, and color or color temperature. Color includes white light color temperature variations ranging from cool to warm. Also, consider whether you prefer plug-in lighting or hard wiring.
Create a Layout
Once you know what you like and what options are available it’s time to start laying out the design. Get a paper and pencil. Walk around the property to determine light installation areas and take measurements. Take into consideration yard maintenance and trimming needs. Note on your diagram installation location, distances and how many lights will be needed. When you’re through, add up the total wattage used. You’ll need to know your total wattage to choose the transformer size and wiring.
Choose a Power Supply
A transformer converts your 120 voltage current to a safer, low 12 volts. Two things determine what type of power supply is needed. First is the amount of total voltage planned for your project. But you should also consider whether more lights may be added later. Pick a transformer based on the projected total voltage number. Determine the transformer capacity by multiplying the projected total voltage by 1.20. This is the size of the transformer needed.
A multiple voltage tap transformer might be desirable if there is a voltage drop concern. A voltage drop is what happens when many lights are strung together in a line sequence. Each light gets a little less power than the one before it, causing the lights to gradually get dimmer. Also, some transformers have timers or timer receptacles. Adding photocells to a transformer can automatically turn lights on and off at dusk or dawn.
One other option to consider is using a landscape lighting kit. Kits come with a variety of different light options and everything needed for an easy installation.
We are Here to Help, Give Us a Call!
Our LED One Distribution team is available to discuss lighting options available or questions you might have. Adding lighting to your home or business can make a dramatic difference in its appearance. Give us a call, we are always here to help.