Outdoor Lighting information for both businesses and consumers

Low voltage outdoor lighting can be used in a landscape to provide safety, security, accent, and character. The specific design of a lighting system will be influenced by a variety of things, including the site characteristics, the scope of the landscape, its function, and the homeowner’s desires.

Types of Outdoor Lights:

• Uplights: Lights placed at ground level with the lights aiming upward to highlight focal points in the landscape, such as specimen trees, signs, and architectural features. The lights not only highlight features from the outside, but they also provide for an extension of the interior living spaces at night. Fixtures of this type may include spot or flood lights as well as in-ground fixtures.
• Downlights: Lights placed above an object or area and aimed downward to imitate natural light such as simulating moonlight, or for providing security to an area, such as at back entrance. Care should be taken to hide or shield these light fixtures from view to create a true natural light. Fixtures of this type include spot or flood lights.
• Backlights: Lights placed behind artistic objects or plant material to cast a silhouette on a wall for a striking effect. As with downlights, care should be taken to place the fixtures so that they are hidden from view. Lights of this type may include spot or flood lights as well as in-ground fixtures.
• Pathlights: Lights placed just above grade level along sidewalks, driveways, or informal paths in the landscape to safely lead a person from one location to another. Path light fixtures are generally low to the ground and cast a spreading light.
• Specialty lights: Lights that add accent to a space, especially in the evening. Their purpose is to set a particular mood or create atmosphere. Examples of specialty lights include string lights in a gazebo, lights that resemble patio torches and/or flickering flames, and lights used in underwater settings to highlight a waterfall or rock bank.

As you can see there are many important aspects that go into the desgin and installation of a quality lighting system. For more information visit our site at www.deltaoutdoorlighting.com or www.lightupaustin.com.

If you are thinking about installing an architectural or landscape lighting system you should strongly consider a low-voltage system. With no end in sight to escalating energy prices the benefits of a low-voltage system over an  “energy hog”, 120-volt lighting system are significant.  The advances in low-voltage fixtures and transformers over the last ten years have produced systems that create comparable illumination for a fraction of 120-volt systems (both in terms of upfront cost and ongoing costs).

 Low-voltage fixtures will generally average $150 - $200 per installed fixture (this includes the fixture, transformers, cable, accessories and installation). 120-volt systems will average $250 - $350 per installed fixture.

The fixture price is not the only area of savings.  An average low-voltage system of 15 light fixtures and a total wattage consumption of 500 watts will cost $.40 (40 cents) to operate for 8 hours per night. A comparable 15 light, 120-volt system with total wattage consumption of 1500 watts would cost $1.20 for 8 hours per night. While the difference doesn’t sound huge multiply that times 365 days and you have suddenly saved almost $300 in just one year!

 In addition, low-voltage systems are safer for families with children and pets and are much more flexible when it comes to adapting to your changing landscape (120-volt systems will require licensed electricians to install or change fixtures).

The overall benefits of low-voltage systems will surely point you in that direction.