![]() The 12 gauge wire is best for most residential low-voltage runs. Use 16 or 14 gauge wire for short runs and light loads only. Remember, the larger the number, the smaller the cable. It comes in gauges (sizes) 16, 14, 12 and 10. Wiring should be multi-strand which is cooler and safer to use. You must also make a choice between incandescent and halogen bulbs. The type of lights desired can also play a role in this question, because not all light styles are available in sets.ĭo you buy pre-packaged kits or build the system from individual components? While choosing the correct wiring is relatively simple, the wide range of fixtures and transformers available can cause some anxiety. Sets can be less expensive, but have limited expandability. The next step is to determine how many lights you want and whether or not to start with a set or buy all the components individually. Practicality: Which lights are best for you given the budget and durability required?.Durability: How long do you want it to last?.( top) CHOOSING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT.Ĭonsider these things when choosing lighting: It is cheaper to install and will handle more fixtures without significant voltage drop. The finished product is checked by an inspector for code compliance. Though you might pay a little more for the system, since it needs special transformers, low-voltage lights and a few more wire leads, you can save on expenses by “doing it yourself”. It is safer! Low voltage presents no severe shock risk-and requires smaller trenches and less power. Because this outdoor system is only 12 volts, home owners can install it themselves. The 12 volt lighting system is better known as low-voltage lighting. There are two basic landscape lighting systems for residential use: Flood Lighting: Use to highlight trees, rocks, or buildings.ĬHOOSING THE BEST TYPE OF LANDSCAPE LIGHTING.Well Lighting: Use in lawns or rock areas.Highlighting: Use to illuminate trees, plants, or statues.Back Lighting: Use against walls, trellises, or for shadowing trees.Don’t outline your walks and driveways like airport landing strips (the runway effect). Path Lighting: Use random and alternate spacing.Landscape lighting is most often used for: There are 4 primary reasons for using landscape lighting: Handy installation and maintenance tips are also listed to help with your project. What is the purpose of landscape lighting? What kind of lighting is best for you? How do you choose fixtures, bulbs, wiring and transformers? The following paragraphs will answer these questions and more. Choosing the Best Type of Landscape Lighting.Landscape lighting is safe and will create beauty and provide safety to your home.Choosing and using the right equipment Print the PDF Here The lighting will provide the light that is needed for a safe walk and illuminate your property. Landscape lighting provides more benefits than danger. Using different wiring, lowering the voltage or even adding a higher transformer can minimize all the dangers of landscape lighting. An experienced landscape contractor should know if your landscape lighting will cause any danger to your home, family, and pets. The dangers of landscape lighting are minimal. Mosquitoes are attracted to outdoor lighting, but LED lighting attracts less mosquitoes, which is safer for you, your family, and pets. The LED landscape lighting also provides excellent energy efficiency, use less wire to install, and the lighting attracts less insects to your outdoor space. They are free from any toxic chemicals and are completely recyclable. The LED contains no glass components and are very vulnerable. ![]() LED landscape lighting provides no danger. Your family and pets would still all be safe and there would be no danger with the landscape lighting. There are ways that this can be prevented and that is by using heavier cable wires or having a higher transformer. There is, however, a downside to lowering the voltage the further away the lighting is from the transformer, the dimmer the lights can be. There would be no danger to people or pets with the lower voltage. When the voltage is reduced, the danger lessens if the wiring were to get exposed by the weather. A transformer has to be installed to reduce the voltage power to twelve volts. It has 120 volts of electricity running from the home to the lighting and if the low voltage wiring gets exposed and the weather elements hit the exposed wires, the safety of family members and pets may be at risk. ![]() Low voltage landscape lighting does potentially have dangers. ![]() Are there any hidden dangers that a homeowner should be aware of when it comes to landscape lighting? Luckily, the dangers that are associated are minimal, as landscape lighting has improved drastically over the years.
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