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.

Purchasing Outdoor Ceiling Lights

Choosing outdoor ceiling lights can be difficult if you’re not sure of the style that you want, or where exactly you would like to put them. You should explore all of your options when you are offered a chance to find out which works best for you. If you’re working outside, or hosting a party outside than you will want to ensure that you and your guests can see everything while you’re outside. This allows you to get all the light you need when you choose from various outdoor lights that are available. With outdoor ceiling lights, you get everything that you need above you without having to worry about tripping over a light that is placed on the ground, because you did not see it was sitting there.

If you’re looking for something a bit more different, then you can choose to go with outdoor wall lights which allow your lights to be placed lower within the porch or patio on the wall instead of on the ceiling. With outdoor flood lights, you’re offered the safety of knowing that if something were to happen, you will be prepared. This gives you more of a thought towards getting the flood lights you have always wanted to put in your yard. There are many ways to set this up, either by placing them along your walkways, or perhaps across your porch. This can be a good addition to lighting up the night around your home.

With outdoor patio lights you have all of your lighting needs right in your front or back yard, across your porch. Everyone will be able to find your home if it is dark out, and you flick the lights on. This allows you to have all the parties, or reunions that you would like, and allow them to go on late into the night since you have the option of turning on the lights if people need to see, or would like to stay outside because it is nice out. So what are you waiting for? They are available right over the internet, or in nearby stores. This is your choice, and you have many styles to choose from, so you can start all of your shopping whenever you would like. You can be sure to get exactly what you’re looking for when you need to light up the courtyard, backyard, or front yard.