411homerepair.com

Designing a Landscape Lighting System

by Guest Post on Apr 29, 2012

Before deciding what and how to light, we must first ask "Why light?" Our design decisions are dependent on proposed uses for landscape lighting...for safety, security, property value, or enhancement of the beauty of the garden and structures. Most likely, the answer will be a combination of two or more of these uses. a specific technique can be employed to satisfy more than one requirement...for example, uplighting a prominent tree near the house entrance will provide safety, security, and aesthetic enhancement.

Landscape lighting design is very similar to the design of the landscape itself: we must determine focal points, use areas, traffic patterns, outdoor "rooms," style, mood, etc. We need to consider how the proposed lighting will enhance the form, color, and texture of the soft and hard landscape elements. Lighting should serve to unify both interior and exterior design themes, conceal what may be unattractive, and shape the view of the landscape at night.

The design process should begin with a site map, drawn to scale, showing all landscape features and areas that need lighting. Fixtures and lamps are chosen for each area based on the desired effects ...path lights for safe passage along walks and stairs, wash fixtures for silhouette effects against a wall, etc.

One common mistake is to overlight; low levels of light create subtle beauty and are often also sufficient for safety and security. Use brighter lighting effects for focal points, and consider the effects that different light intensities will have on the overall design.

after deciding on the size and placement of lighting fixtures, the electrical system is designed. The heart of the system is the transformer, which converts the household 120 volts into safe, efficient 12 volts, and delivers this voltage to several circuits. Using appropriately sized cables and approved connectors, fixtures are connected to the transformer.

Group fixtures in zones are determined by the distance to the transformer. The number of fixtures on each circuit will be limited by the wattage of individual lamps, distance to the transformer, and associated voltage drop in the circuit.

Voltage drop calculations are critical; excess voltage results in hot lamps with greatly shortened life - insufficient voltage results in weak, ineffective lighting. The design challenge is to match cable size, total lamp wattage, and circuit length to produce voltage within the range of 10.5 to 12 volts. a new generation of transformers uses a multi-tap configuration to provide voltages over 12 volts for those zones at a sufficient distance from the transformer. (The excess voltage is reduced by the length of run to the first fixture). This allows greater design freedom and efficiency

a common practice among lighting designers and installers is to allow for plenty of movement of the fixture locations. By leaving extra cable at each fixture, changes can be made to the system after installation, and after several years of plant growth.

This has been a very brief introduction to the world of landscape lighting. There's a vast amount of additional knowledge available for the homeowner to consider, whether he or she wishes to design and/or install a home lighting system, or merely to learn more about the possibilities. The following are highly recommended sources:

The following are highly recommended sources: The Landscape Lighting Book by Janet Lennox Moyer...both available from online and offline sources.

Latest Articles

Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan

When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...

on Jan 12, 2025

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Beginners Guide

By combining the advantages of stock market and real estate investing, Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, offer an alluring investment...

on Dec 19, 2024

Global Real Estate Trends: What’s Driving Property Investments This Year?

For investors hoping to optimize returns in the ever-changing world of real estate, knowing current trends is not merely a matter of staying...

on Dec 19, 2024

5 Reasons to Use Gutter Cleaning Services

Gutters protect your home from water damage by directing rainwater away from your roof, walls, and foundation. However, they often required regular...

on Nov 14, 2024

Before You Sign: How Home Inspections Identify Hidden Hazards in Your Future Home

Buying a home is exciting, but hidden dangers can turn that dream into a nightmare if not addressed early on. Beyond what is visible during a...

on Oct 18, 2024

Actions

More DIY Articles

The Importance of Keeping Your Home Clean and Tidy

Everyone understands the importance and benefits of keeping a home clean and orderly. Having a clean home is very important for your health as well...

Cleaning / Maintenance

Tips on the Ideal Garage Door Size for Your Home

A good number of units that have different garage door sizes are being offered throughout the home improvement industry. These options allow you to...

Doors / Garages

Plumbing Repairs Done By You

You don’t have to be an expert plumber for simple plumbing repairs. Don't waste your money on small leaks when they could be fixed by a simply...

Plumbing / Basements

Gas Range or Stove Troubleshooting and Repair Tips

The gas burners--or heating elements--of a range/oven are the heating units that you cook things on stopped working. Maybe there is a humming...

Appliance / Repair

Long Distance Moving Tips to Save Money

When moving long distance you may want to contact a long distance moving company to help you with your move. A moving company can help you by doing...

Real Estate / Finance

Contact Us | Submit Article | 411homerepair © 2025