Those who think that a small light bulb is sufficient for outdoor lighting should reconsider their thinking. Outdoor lighting is equally important as indoor lighting is. Along with motion detectors and spot lights, outdoor lighting is capable of providing security against trespassers. It also prevents someone inconvenience caused by darkness.
Prerequisites for Outdoor Lighting
Water proofing and correct grounding comprises basic steps to appropriate installation of outdoor lighting. Certain permits need to be attained and particular codes need to be compiled before installing the outdoor lights. Unlike the installation of low-voltage lights alongside the walkway, specialized outdoor lighting requires the help of a professional electrician. Once the process of installation is complete, inspection is necessary to avoid any hazards and risks.
Before installation, a proper written planning of the outdoor lighting needs to be done along with the layout of the house and plot. This plan will also help you in deciding, the particular area in which the additional lighting can be installed. Then, the wiring conduit needs to be placed to connect the electricity source to the receptacles and lighting fixtures. While choosing the fixtures of exterior lighting, certain factors must be considered such as voltage specifications, sort of activity indulged by the family outdoors and the location of underground cables, water lines and wires.
While selecting the lightings fixtures, such lighting technologies can be availed that do not require lengthy wiring, like the solar powered exterior lights. These kinds of lights are available in many designs and styles and can be placed in various exterior areas in the home such as stairs and walkways. It is better to ask for guidance from an experienced electrical specialist while you choose the fixtures.
Other Factors Important for Outdoor Lighting
The standard current used in most places has a voltage reading of 120. This voltage can be converted to an efficient and safe 12-volt current by means of a reliable transformer. Such low voltage ensures safer and simpler installation. To install low lighting, a GFCI receptacle is required. Those who want to highlight a small area can make use of outdoor lighting of four or seven watts, whereas, a larger area requires more lights.
Besides security and safety purposes, lighting is also used for decorative purposes. The design of lights for outdoor is dependent on certain factors such as, the landscape, site characteristics and personal taste of the homeowner. The desired lighting effect can be achieved by various methods such as backlighting, uplighting, downlighting and much more. Apart from providing an appealing decorative look, it offers security by illuminating the dark background.
Common Mistakes
If you try to do outdoor lighting on your own, then here are some common mistakes that you can avoid. Planning on paper may not match your expectations and understanding what you are planning is important. Also, it becomes very difficult to put up any additional fixtures in the future if the present plan does not have room for future up-gradation. Sometimes homeowners make the mistake of driving the stakes into hard soil. Though the stakes are made of high-grade plastic, attempting to drive it through soil-clay mixture or hard soil can result in breakage. Some even buy a completely new lighting fixture. It is advisable to either make use of water or spade to loosen the soil before placing the fixture. Also, the cables to the lights should not be placed in a tight manner so that repositioning of the lights can be done later on. The cables need to be buried at a depth of at least four or five inches.
Prerequisites for Outdoor Lighting
Water proofing and correct grounding comprises basic steps to appropriate installation of outdoor lighting. Certain permits need to be attained and particular codes need to be compiled before installing the outdoor lights. Unlike the installation of low-voltage lights alongside the walkway, specialized outdoor lighting requires the help of a professional electrician. Once the process of installation is complete, inspection is necessary to avoid any hazards and risks.
Before installation, a proper written planning of the outdoor lighting needs to be done along with the layout of the house and plot. This plan will also help you in deciding, the particular area in which the additional lighting can be installed. Then, the wiring conduit needs to be placed to connect the electricity source to the receptacles and lighting fixtures. While choosing the fixtures of exterior lighting, certain factors must be considered such as voltage specifications, sort of activity indulged by the family outdoors and the location of underground cables, water lines and wires.
While selecting the lightings fixtures, such lighting technologies can be availed that do not require lengthy wiring, like the solar powered exterior lights. These kinds of lights are available in many designs and styles and can be placed in various exterior areas in the home such as stairs and walkways. It is better to ask for guidance from an experienced electrical specialist while you choose the fixtures.
Other Factors Important for Outdoor Lighting
The standard current used in most places has a voltage reading of 120. This voltage can be converted to an efficient and safe 12-volt current by means of a reliable transformer. Such low voltage ensures safer and simpler installation. To install low lighting, a GFCI receptacle is required. Those who want to highlight a small area can make use of outdoor lighting of four or seven watts, whereas, a larger area requires more lights.
Besides security and safety purposes, lighting is also used for decorative purposes. The design of lights for outdoor is dependent on certain factors such as, the landscape, site characteristics and personal taste of the homeowner. The desired lighting effect can be achieved by various methods such as backlighting, uplighting, downlighting and much more. Apart from providing an appealing decorative look, it offers security by illuminating the dark background.
Common Mistakes
If you try to do outdoor lighting on your own, then here are some common mistakes that you can avoid. Planning on paper may not match your expectations and understanding what you are planning is important. Also, it becomes very difficult to put up any additional fixtures in the future if the present plan does not have room for future up-gradation. Sometimes homeowners make the mistake of driving the stakes into hard soil. Though the stakes are made of high-grade plastic, attempting to drive it through soil-clay mixture or hard soil can result in breakage. Some even buy a completely new lighting fixture. It is advisable to either make use of water or spade to loosen the soil before placing the fixture. Also, the cables to the lights should not be placed in a tight manner so that repositioning of the lights can be done later on. The cables need to be buried at a depth of at least four or five inches.
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