Benefits Of Low Voltage Garden Lighting Kits

Having a gorgeous outdoor garden can be a wonderful addition to any home. And that beauty doesn’t necessarily have to fade once the sun goes down if you make use of low voltage garden lighting kits. The truth of the matter is that low voltage outdoor lighting really does have many benefits. Unlike solar lights, you will never have to worry about the brightness being too dim or shaky. Low voltage is a step up from regular lighting and has many advantages over it.

For one, low voltage garden lights use a lot less energy. In times like these when saving every bit of energy is beneficial, there is no better way to achieve this peace of mind than through good lighting fixtures for your garden. Your electric bill will be a lot lower at the end of the month because of it. This means that you can save hundreds of dollars each and every year just by making this rather small switch.

Another fact would be that low voltage landscape lighting bulbs do not burn as hot as traditional bulbs. Many people will be familiar with touching a bulb that has been on for several minutes and having to keep their hand away because it is just too hot. This added heat can actually harm certain plants and should be avoided if you would like to use them as your garden lighting option. Instead, low voltage is a smarter decision for any of your outdoor needs because you will not have to worry about this extra heat and the damaging effects that it can have on all of your precious plants.

And yet another reason to look for this type of lighting is the fact that it also lasts longer than other varieties. You will not have to worry about constantly changing bulbs and putting out money for new lights. So, not only will you be saving money on your energy bills but you will also have a fixture that lasts in the long run. For most people, this decision is an easy one to make considering all of the many benefits that low voltage lighting has to offer to anyone who uses it.

You can even install the lights yourself by using low voltage garden lighting kits. They are a safer option than others because the risk of electrocution is a lot lower than most other systems. You can design your garden any way you want and be able to enjoy it once the sun sets. Just imagine the pure beauty that these types of lights have to offer and the fact that you will also be saving a lot of money by switching to them. You will be able to admire all of your hard work in the garden even during the late night hours. If you have company comes over, you will be sure to receive compliments about both your garden and the lighting choice that you have added to that particular space in the front or back yard.

Installing Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting Kits

A nocturnal animal may be able to navigate a darkly lined street, but for many people, the absence of light can be an accident waiting to happen. Most properties have at least some illumination to guide residents, pedestrians and drivers, but sometimes it is not enough. Homeowners worried about the price of installation and electricity have the economical option of installing low voltage outdoor lighting themselves. Easy to install and adjust as needed, this type of low-maintenance system does not require an electrician and saves on energy costs.

Just as complete darkness may be dangerous, so are monstrous outdoor flood lights which distract drivers, eat up energy bills and annoy the neighbors. In contrast, low voltage systems use up far less energy while serving several purposes. In addition to safety at night, fixtures highlight landscaping or architectural details at the owner’s discretion. Appropriate for spotlighting gardens and yards, lights are commonly found on patios and decks routinely used for evening parties or outdoor dinners. Ponds or lakes may be illuminated for dramatic effect while dark zones are brightened to dissuade thieves. Fixtures can line hedges, fences, driveways, pathways or any area that must be navigated.

Light It Up

Do-it-yourself installation is a no hassle job, which is why many homeowners are turning to this alternative in recent years. Pre-packaged low voltage outdoor lighting kits come with a transformer power supply, a weather-resistant cable and varying amounts of bulbs. Items are also sold individually, to be combined as needed.

The power supply and cable connect to a grounded outdoor power receptacle. When electricity is transmitted, the 120-volt current is reduced to 12 volts. Most transformers on the market are also equipped with auto-timers, so power can switch off at pre-set intervals. This ensures that walkways are lit even when a resident is not home and energy is saved when light is not required.

Halogens range in brightness from 4 watts to 50 watts. Pre-packaged kits come with a specific amount of bulbs. Additional lights can connect to the system as long as the total wattage is served by the transformer’s maximum capacity. So for example, if a transformer is 100-watts, no more than 25 four-watt lamps or two 50-watt lamps can be attached. Although an additional transformer may be purchased, it is recommended to buy a larger transformer at first, and add lights as desired.

Light It Right

Any arrangement is greatly affected by where each individual lamp is placed. Haphazard lines, zigzags or clusters are just jarring. Fixtures that are greatly spaced apart without reason, or those that miss the edges of pathways, are equally disorienting. For correct design applications, here are a few outdoor lighting ideas.

Intense flood lights should be used as architectural accents, not in packed groups. Lights for walkways and pathways should be evenly distributed; generally, a 20-watt bulb placed every ten feet. For planted areas, lights require powder coated finishes in colors that blend with greenery. Leave enough cable available so fixtures can move later if necessary. Finally, the further a bulb is from a transformer, the dimmer the bulb will be, so stay within the prescribed range. Kits should include this information.

With thousands of handcrafted and attractive outdoor lighting fixtures on the market, there are enough options to match any home’s exterior and garden décor. From antique to modern, simplistic to ornate, there is a style for all residences. Kichler outdoor lighting is especially known for its concept of transforming interior design standards into practical yard and garden lighting fixtures. The leading manufacturer has a wide collection of bronzed and brushed products to choose from.

Safe for children and pets, low voltage outdoor lighting is a relatively inexpensive way to provide evening security and highlight landscaping. Remember that transformers do not plug into standard outlets with extension cords. Always use a grounded outdoor power receptacle and enjoy the nightlife.

Garden Lighting Options Available Today

There are many varieties of garden lighting to choose from on the market today. Deciding on which style to go with all depends on the look you are going for, and your budget. There are pros and cons to each type depending on how you are going to incorporate the lighting into your outdoor space. Lets take a look at a couple of the more popular choices in garden lights available today.

Today more than ever we are seeing the increasing trend of smart products being introduced in the market. Smart products are materials and products that are designed to leave the smallest environmental impact possible. One technology that is becoming ever so popular is solar power. While solar technology is not new to the market, it has become more affordable than ever before.

Garden lighting that incorporates solar technology is smart because once your initial investment is paid for, there are no reoccurring electrical bills associated with lighting up your yard or garden. They are extremely environmentally friendly and help to reduce your carbon footprint. Since you do not need any cables to set them up, they are a lot easier to install and allow you to get up and running much quicker. Most styles are a self contained all-in-one unit that just needs to be pushed into the ground and your ready to go. You do not have to worry about the location too much, however, you still have to be sure they are in a place that gets enough sun during the day. The last thing you need is for your garden lights to go out while your entertaining guests.

Another great option that is still relatively cheap is low voltage garden lighting. Low voltage lighting is the most popular type of lighting for yard or outdoor garden. The upfront investment is less than solar but you will be using electricity from month to month which will make low voltage garden lights more expensive to operate in the long run. Installation is a lot more involved because each light needs a wire ran to it in order for the system to operate. One great tip is to use a gas or electric sidewalk edger and cut a small slit in your yard where you need to run wires. This will save you the hassle of having to dig trenches for the wire. Low voltage wiring is small and a small incision in the yard is all you need to hide the wire. Before you know it your grass will grow right back over those small cuts and you will never know your yard was ever cut up. Another major advantage is low voltage garden lighting will be brighter when compared to garden lighting using solar. Until technology progresses, this will always be a negative mark against solar garden lights.

Let’s face it, low voltage lighting may be your only option. For instance, if you have a yard with a lot of trees, your yard might not get enough sunlight to make it worthwhile for a solar light. If you are going to be putting in electric lighting, you will need a transformer, cables, fixtures and the lamp. There are packages where you can buy them all together at many home improvement stores, and this makes things a bit easier. Make sure to put the transformer in a safe place. They are sold in a number of different sizes, so just be sure to get a large enough model to handle the number of bulbs you require, should you choose to purchase it separately. You might want to have someone help you with the installation if you are not a DIY expert.

As far as garden lighting design, both solar and low voltage can be found in a number of different designs. If you are hurting for ideas, try going to the garden store. There are many styles of lights to get your hands on, or you can shop around online. You can also go through your neighborhood for inspiration. Just make sure you pick lights that go with your yard. They are sold in a lot of different shapes and styles, so picking the right one is critical. You have to choose between up lighting, down lighting, cross lighting, etc. You might want to experiment with a number of options and then pick the best looking design for your outdoor decor.

Also, do not forget that garden lighting is not just for gardens. For instance, putting them underwater in a pool, pond or fountain can be very stylish… of course make sure they are designed to be used underwater. A terrace or patio also looks much better with outdoor lighting shining on or around it. You can also get indoor garden lighting, as well as exterior garden lighting. In other words, there are a number of places you can use garden lights around your home.

Outdoor garden lighting has been known to even lower the risk of potential threat to your home. Criminals obviously stay away from well lit homes, so you might want to consider them for this reason alone. Also, if you want to save money, motion sensor outdoor lighting is wise because they only turn on when something is moving in the area. This will allow you to keep your lights off for the majority of the time and they will automatically come on when need be.

The bottom line: getting quality garden lighting is important. Make sure to shop around, generate some ideas, and find the best solutions for your yard or garden.