| 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:
- 16-gauge cable can carry 150 watts
- 14-gauge cable can carry 200 watts
- 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 |
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| How Many Transformers Will I Need? |
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.
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| Solar Lighting |
Sun-powered,
solar accent lighting outs 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.
 |
All solar-powered lighting requires a sufficient amount of sunlight
to recharge the batteries. Solar lighting performance is based on
the amount of sunlight received during the day. |
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| Number of Lights Needed |
The number of lights used and the distance placed between them greatly changes the
overall lighting effect. Generally, it is better to use fewer lights,
placed closer together (within 10' of each other) than to use many lights,
scattered too far apart. For more information on planning your outdoor
lighting, click
here.
In high-maintenance areas, be sure to select the proper lighting: lawnmowers, power trimmers
and other equipment can destroy your lights.
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| Finishes |
Choose verdigris and black for fixtures that you want to blend in with surrounding foliage,
. For fixtures with higher visibility, choose styles an 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. |
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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.
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| 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.
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| 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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