Before deciding what you should light, call Nisat Electric, Inc.
The two most commonly used landscape lighting fixtures are LOW voltage (12V) and LINE voltage (120V). The difference between the two systems is that LOW voltage is a process of “stepping down" 120v HIGH voltage into LOW voltage using a 12v transformer.
LOW voltage 12v system requires a GFCI circuit or GFCI receptacle, 12v bulbs or a larger variety of wattages with different colors and beams, which makes it an ideal choice for outside lighting is lighting is going to be install near a body of water, like swimming pool or a fountain.
LOW voltage is the most electrician-friendly installation due to the cost effectiveness to operate and less labor or trenching for the cable as opposed to 120v.
HIGH voltage or 120v LINE voltage comes directly from the electrical panel - just as any electrical outlet or receptacle in your home.
GFCI, a separate electrical circuit with switch or timer. is required.
120v circuit may not be safe if not properly installed or wired. A trench for a buried conductor underground per NEC and local city electrical code is a must. 120v light fixtures are not as energy efficient as low voltage fixtures unless you use fluorescent lighting, dimmer switches, timers, mechanical controls, motion sensors or photo cells.
110V light bulbs have limited variety of wattages, colors and beam spread options as opposed to 12v bulbs.
If you consider high voltage 120v, we strongly recommend you consult a licensed electrical contractor. Do-It-Yourselfer's still need to consult with a good electrician for safer GFCI installation.
What are the reasons for installing landscape lights?
SAFETY, SECURITY, BEAUTY and UTILITY are all great reasons for installing landscape lights.
Install landscape lighting when you want enjoy your home garden's dramatic effect on a beautiful night or while cooking at your outdoor living space, or to avoid tripping on steps, pathways and decks. And do not forget, landscape lights deter unwanted guests from your property.
What are common landscape lighting techniques?
Here are a few Nisat Electric Inc. landscape lighting design tips:
- Light fixtures should be grouped into zones or clusters of 2 to 6 with maximum of 240 watts.
- Highlight your target while concealing the light fixture to control the load use photocells, timers, mechanical timers, switches, and GFCI used to turn your lights off and on.
- Fully shielded fixtures work best to produce glare-free landscape lighting. Partially shielded fixtures can be installed in taller, deeper shrubbery where the extra light emitted can also backlight.
- When spotlighting or highlighting a tree or architectural interest, 2-3 light fixtures can create different angles instead of one high wattage fixture. This will reduce glare and soften the overall light.
- You can calculate the voltage drop to your advantage while designing. When laying out circuitry, place low light at the end of a cable run where they will naturally be dimmer due to voltage drop. You are more likely to add lights rather than delete lights so buy a transformer that has 20% capacity leftover.
- Try to mix your lighting techniques to include up lighting, path lighting, moonlighting, down lighting and wall washing.
- Use only well lights in your lawn to reduce damage from lawnmowers.However, well lights should not be used for fast growing trees as they are difficult to move.
Call Nisat Electric at (214) 536-5555 to find out how we can assist with your landscape lighting!
