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.

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