LOW VOLTAGE LANDSCAPE LIGHTING
A properly designed low voltage landscape lighting system uses various techniques to enhance the beauty of a property’s landscape and architectural features as well as provides a safe and secure environment. Low voltage lighting softly illuminates a home, garden and backyard areas creating a warm and safe atmosphere for family and friends to enjoy in the evening hours. A professionally installed, low voltage outdoor lighting system can increase a property’s usefulness, yet still remain cost effective due to the system’s low energy requirements. See a fill list of Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Services
Despite concerns in today’s economy the movement towards outdoor living continues. The 2008 American Institute of Architects on Home Design Trends survey reports a growing popularity in exterior lighting, both for security reasons as well as aesthetics. An increased emphasis on the expansion of outdoor living fuels this need for outdoor lighting.
There are many low cost options when it comes to low voltage outdoor lighting. DIY kits are relatively cheap and are often popular amongst homeowners, however professionally designed and installed landscape lighting systems utilize high grade components and offer transferable product guarantees ranging from 5 years to up to a lifetime.
There are technical aspects present in 12V systems, such as voltage drop, that when not properly addressed would affect a system’s optimal performance. A low voltage lighting designer is not only trained to artfully create an ambience with the use of low level lighting, but is also familiar with the wiring, transformer and photometric aspects involved in a low voltage landscape lighting system. The art of landscape lighting involves more than just aiming fixtures at plants and shrubs. A plant material’s growth rate, texture and visual interest all play part on how they are illuminated. A properly executed landscape lighting design addresses and enhances a property’s architectural features and provides safe and secure passage for residents and visitors. Unlike glaring 120-volt floodlights, low voltage lighting provides low levels of even illumination, eliminating shadowed areas where trespassers may lurk.
A great benefit to low voltage lighting is its energy efficiency and cost savings. A lighting designer has an array of lamps in the 10 to 35 watt range and accessories such as louvers and lenses available, to provide for different effects and light beam patterns. Low voltage lighting fixtures are unobtrusive and are designed for accurate control of the light beam thus eliminating light energy waste and light pollution. Adding to its energy efficiency, low voltage lighting systems are controlled by photocell or electrical timers and are set to run for the specified time needed rather than all night long. The efficiency and lower wattage of these systems add up to substantial money savings throughout the year.
Additional benefits offered in12 Volt lighting systems are their safety to operate and flexibility; they are designed for wet locations and the wiring is easy to relocate since its burial requirements are not as demanding as a 120v system. The risk of shock is also much lesser due to the 120v input current being converted to a safer12v via a transformer.
When considering exterior lighting for your home or property it is strongly advised to find a qualified low voltage lighting installer. In New Jersey, professionally installed landscape lighting packages start in the $3,500.00 range and upwards. Like most professionals out there, knowledge comes with a price. A reputable firm will most likely charge a consultation fee, which in some cases will be credited towards the contract price. Research the company and their credentials with the New Jersey Consumer Affairs office and most importantly, view their work at nighttime. Landscape lighting is an investment that when properly planned and executed will reward you for years to come.
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