Better Yards With Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

By Dave Johnson

On the deck or patio homeowners can unwind, entertain and generally live well. As the sun goes down, low voltage landscape lighting allows them to extend their time outside and get the most from the yard.

Quality landscape lighting that is installed in the right place improves your home in many ways. For a safer, more decorative area that has a distinct atmosphere, landscape lights are a must for every home.

Low voltage lights run on 12 volts instead of the standard 120 volts of your interior systems. They can be installed easily without an electrician and additional lights can be added or adjusted without dismantling or even shutting off the existing system.

Safety is an important concern for everyone. Lighting creates a well exposed path for traffic and when installed along the sides of a pathway, can actually direct people through the yard. Low voltage landscape lighting can illuminate a larger area such as a table or BBQ, giving you space to work and prepare.

The decorative value of landscape lighting is vast. Emphasize focal points or create completely different ones with a well placed light. Show off interesting forms, expose hidden nooks and create a space within a space with lights. In the dark of the evening, an area that is surrounded by landscape lights becomes a room of its own, no matter what the surroundings. If you have trees or shrubs in unique shapes, show them off in the dusk with lighting.

Create an intimate atmosphere with low voltage landscape lighting. Set into an overhead beam above a table, lights can provide the perfect mood for romance. They can also generate a party atmosphere, helping you and your guests keep going long into the night. Low voltage lights are not overpowering, but when concentrated together they can provide decent illumination and help to create the perfect atmosphere.

Low voltage lights are widely available in home improvement stores. Kits come in a variety of sizes and can be easily added onto at any time. Look for something with a decent warranty and the shape that you want. Some are tall and thin, others have shaped caps and still others are short and wide. Kits should come with the transformer and adequate wire for your application.

Transformers with timers are handy. A photocell is also helpful, allowing the transformer to switch the lighting on when the darkness falls. Make sure the unit will hold all of the lights you need by checking the maximum wattage allowed on the transformer.

For a higher grade and quality, source out your low voltage landscape lighting system from a landscape contractor or lighting dealer. They will have access to more unique sets that may run at a higher price, but will deliver better, more reliable lighting in most cases. They also may come with a longer warranty and more durable construction.

LED lights are a new addition to the low voltage landscape lighting industry. The lights run for a lot longer than traditional incandescent bulbs and are more energy efficient. They produce a different shade of light, but are just as attractive.

To better enjoy your outdoor living space, install low voltage landscape lighting systems. The atmosphere and decoration will inspire you while the added safety will allow you to relax, resulting in a much better time in the yard.

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