Lv Landscape Lighting: Giving the Garden and Patio A Unique Look At Night
Thursday, November 17th, 2011When installing garden or deck lighting, low voltage landscape lighting can provide the desired illumination, at a reduced cost as well as reducing the potential for injury to pets and curious children. Many homeowners do not believe that these types of lights can provide adequate illumination since they are typically 12-volt lamps, forgetting that their car’s headlights are also operated on the same type of power. The brilliance of low voltage landscape lighting will be determined by the ones being installed and not the power source.
Planning Your Purchase
It’s very easy to be overwhelmed at the choice of lighting for outdoor landscaped yards. The sole purpose of illuminating this special area of your property is to give it a distinctive mood whether you are entertaining or simply enjoying your own personal space. Decide on what type of image you want to project. Is it a quiet elegance? Or maybe you want a soft romantic feel? The type of low voltage landscape lighting you select can be enhanced by the look of the fixtures, the voltage and where you place them.
Keeping Underground Wiring Protected
When installing low voltage landscape lighting a power line will from the transformer and connect to every light in the chain. The cable has to be designed to be buried under the ground and in some communities, it will have to be encased in a waterproof conduit. Even though the power running through the wire is low, a short circuit by a faulty wire can cause electrical problems if installed incorrectly.
Safety is a minor concern when using low voltage landscape lighting as curious children and pets may end up exposed to wires incorrectly installed. If the wiring is not fully protected underground before it rises to light the light, lawn mowers or weed trimmers could mean additional work to reinstall new wiring. While the voltage is low, it could cause a momentary surprise if bare wires are touched.
Another very practical reason for outdoor landscape lighting is safety. Having pathways properly illuminated makes it easier for guests to visit. Low voltage lighting usually accomplishes this to everyone’s satisfaction. Another benefit of outdoor lighting is that it may discourage a break-in, especially if you install motion sensors. Selecting proper landscape or patio light fixtures and placing them to their best advantage will make your landscaped property an extension of the interior of your home as well as a showplace for your friends and family to enjoy.