Landscape Lighting Basics
Landscape, garden or outdoor lighting adds to the ambiance and security of your home. There are a variety of options you can use based upon types of lights, function and technology.
Low Voltage, High Voltage or Solar Garden Lighting
There are three ways to deliver electrical power to your lights; low voltage, high voltage and solar.
Solar lighting is the easiest to install and the least expensive to purchase. Solar light fixtures are usually based upon LED technology and can be placed almost anywhere since they require no power cables to install. Solar lights are powered by a rechargeable battery. The lack of an external power source means there is no cost to operate the lights except to replace the battery every 1 to 2 years. The disadvantage of solar lighting is that the sun is needed to charge the internal battery and the battery will only last 6 – 10 hours when fully charged. Solar lighting will turn on at dusk and off with the battery charge is gone or at dawn. This may be a problem during cloudy days, certain seasons of the year and in some locations. Any solar lights should be placed to get maximum sun during the day. Solar lighting typically has less light output than either low voltage or high voltage. Home improvement stores like Sears, Home Depot and Lowe’s do have solar lights at reasonable prices.
High voltage lights are good for large areas that require a lot of light and on your home exterior walls where high voltage is easily available. There are many types of high voltage (120 volt) fixtures; examples are porch, patio and post lights. This high voltage is the same as used within your home. The disadvantages of high voltage lighting are energy costs and less flexibility in lighting techniques when trying to install in areas not attached directly to your home. If installing a high voltage cable to an area away from your home, more attention and cost must be given to safety.
Professionals will generally use low voltage (12V) lighting around trees, shrubs, flowers and garden areas. Low voltage lighting uses little electric current (power) and the 12 Volts is the same as your car battery. There are many different types of fixtures with several different functions. Low Voltage can use halogen, incandescent or LED light bulbs. The LED bulbs are very energy efficient and come is several colors if needed.
Landscape Lighting Effects
Path Lighting – Path lighting is used to illuminate a path like a sidewalk or steps for mainly safety reasons. Lights can be alternated from side to side or kept on one side only for easier installation. Path Lighting fixtures will be pointing down towards the path, not across or up.
Grazing – Grazing is when the light is shown across a wall or natural surface to accentuate the surface texture. The surface can be a brick wall or a well trimmed hedge.
Spotlighting – Just as it sounds, spotlighting is a method to highlight fountains, trees or any large object by using a spotlight fixture mounted off the ground and pointed directly at the object. This technique can cause light pollution if not mounted carefully.
Silhouetting – A silhouette shows the shape of an object when the light source is place behind the object. This can be a little tricky but does provide a nice effect. You do not want the light source to be seen, only the outline or shape of the object from the front.
Uplighting – Uplighting is when the light is placed on the ground and the light output is pointed up towards the object. This technique places emphasis on a tree or some artwork. The problem with Uplighting is it causes light pollution and tends to distract from the other landscape lighting. This is a technique that is over-used and makes objects look ghostly.
Step Lighting – Again, the name defines the technique, using lights to illuminate steps. Typically the lights are mounted within each step during the construction of the stairway.
Related Information:
- LED Outdoor Lighting If you are considering LED landscape lighting for a new installation or upgrading your existing system, there are a few things you should know....
- Landscape Lighting Installation How To tips on how to install your low voltage garden lighting system....
- Landscape Lighting Design A few landscape lighting tips will help you get better results for both the do-it-yourself person or to help you communicate with your landscape professional....
- Landscape Low Voltage Wire Gauge For any low voltage landscape lighting design, you will need to pay special attention to your cable wiring, including the length and wire gauge....
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