Low Voltage Lighting Systems

Low voltage lighting systems consist of the following:

• A power pack (or transformer) supplies the electricity. The power pack plugs into a standard outlet and reduces the regular household current (120 volts) to a safe 12 volts. Power packs have an automatic timer allowing lights to go on and off at preset times.

 

• A low voltage lamp is the source of light. Lamps are available in a variety of brightness levels ranging from 4 watts up to 50 watts halogen.

 

• The low voltage cable transmits the electricity. Low voltage cable is a weather-resistant, self-sealing, insulated stranded copper wire that is available in 12-, 14- and 16-gauge sizes. The gauge required for your lighting is determined by the amount of watts required to operate your system:
  
  o 16-gauge cable can carry 150 watts
  o 14-gauge cable can carry 200 watts
  o 12-gauge cable can carry 300 watts

 

Use the following chart to determine the correct size cable needed based on the length of your runs.

Total Wattage of Power  Pack	150 watts  16-gauge cable	200 watts  14-gauge cable	300 watts  12-gauge cable
88 watts	100 ft.	125 ft.	150 ft.
121 watts	100 ft.	125 ft.	150 ft.
200 watts	100 ft.	125 ft.	150 ft.
300 watts	100 ft.	150 ft.	200 ft.
600 watts	100 ft. x 2	150 ft. x 2	200 ft. x 2

The maximum number of garden lights that can be connected is determined by the total wattage of all the fixtures attached to the system.

The transformer is 100-watt. Therefore, the total wattage must not exceed 100 watts.

For example: 10 garden lights with 10-watt bulbs=100 watt

A standard, multifunctional 100-watt transformer has a dusk to dawn manual on/off switch as well as an auto on with a 4, 6 or 8 hour timer.

Solar Lighting

Sun-powered, solar accent lighting puts out enough light at night to mark and outline the locations of dark areas. Solar lighting should be used where a regular source of electricity is unavailable or difficult to access. No wiring is required, and solar lighting is easier to install than low voltage lighting.

The solar collection panel absorbs energy from sunlight and converts it into electrical power that is stored in highly efficient rechargeable batteries. As the sun sets, the solar lights turn on. In ideal situations, fully charged solar lights remain on for up to 15 hours.

Finish Options for Your Exterior Lighting

Choose verdigris and black for fixtures that you want to blend in with surrounding foliage. For fixtures with higher visibility, choose styles and colors that best complement your home's exterior design and landscape theme. The following are available finishes:

• Antique copper

• Polished copper

• Black

• Verdigris

• Pewter

• Antique brown

• Brass

Purpose and Effect	Type of Fixture
Illuminate Landscaping  Taller fixtures allow light to disperse over a larger area  providing more illumination to surrounding surfaces.  Tall  fixtures are preferred for single accent lights.  A wide variety of shapes and sizes are available. Each  style casts its own unique light pattern to provide  decorative accent lighting.
Highlight Architectural Surfaces Floodlights direct light upwards at controllable angles to illuminate statuary and highlight landscaping fences and architectural surfaces. For hedges, try tier lights with the tops removed, directing the light straight up and down. Well lights throw light up and out to highlight a garden structure or wall.
Walkways and Steps  A wide variety of shapes and sizes are available. Each  style casts its own unique light pattern to provide  decorative accent lighting.  Tier lights direct light downward on the ground or  shrubs and minimize glare, making them ideal for  lighting walks and steps.  Alternate lights from side to side to avoid the "runway"  look.
Flower and Rock Gardens  A wide variety of shapes and sizes are available. Each  style casts its own unique light pattern to provide  decorative accent lighting.
Security  Light areas of your landscape where would be intruders  could hide: A remote photo control accessory automatically turn lights on and off during daylight hours. A photo sensor accessory deters trespassers. When motion is detected, the outdoor lights come on for five minutes.
Surface Mount/Decks  Surface/deck lights are mounted directly onto the  surfaces of walls, fences, decks etc. These lights help  to direct foot traffic around steps, benches, railings  and more.    Deck lighting can be built into posts or steps to create a  visual effect and add an extra measure of safety.
Driveways Under 200 Feet  Low profile fixtures contain the light close to the  ground,  perfect for landscape borders and  driveways.  Alternate lights from side to side to avoid the "runway"  look.

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