Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting Benefits
If you are looking to elegantly light a garden, patio, or walkway, or to increase the security of your home, low voltage outdoor lighting is the ideal solution. Low voltage outdoor lighting is becoming increasingly popular, but there are a few things that you should know before buying and installing outside lights.
While some outside lights can be overly bright and cast strong unpleasant glares, low voltage outdoor lighting will produce a soft, non-glaring light that glows beautifully in the dark. Low voltage lights are wonderful for highlighting focal points in your garden, patio, or deck, while also providing safety light around walkways, stairs, and other paths. In addition, they can provide light in areas of darkness where intruders could hide.
Advantages of Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting
Beauty and security are two very important advantages of low voltage outdoor lighting, but they are also extremely energy efficient, saving you a lot of money over higher voltage outside lighting. Their reduced voltage makes them more environmentally friendly.
Other benefits of low voltage outdoor lighting include automatic timers which can save you both time and money, a large selection of various wattage sizes, and motion sensors. A light that turns on when motion is detected can deter burglars and other unwanted intruders while saving you money due to lowered energy demands. Well-lit areas are a deterrent to intruders and lights that automatically turn on when darkness sets in can improve the security of a home. With all of the benefits of low voltage outdoor lighting, there is undoubtedly a style that will fit your needs and budget.
If you are one of those do-it-yourself types, you will find many types of low voltage outdoor lighting kits to choose from that contain everything you need to quickly and easily install simple light systems yourself. These kits will include light bulbs, also called lamps, transformers or power packs, and all necessary wiring. The transformers will lower the voltage to 12 volts which will make it much safer for homeowners to install their own outdoor wall lights or other type of outside lighting. Outside lights are exposed to the elements, such as rain and snow, and always present a risk of electrocution. With low voltage outdoor lighting this risk is almost non-existent due to the lowered voltages, but it is still important to buy lighting kits that are weather resistant.
Due to the many types of lamps or bulbs, it can be difficult for some people to make a final selection. Your typical choices are incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, or LED lights. All of these types can be found in various colors and offer a soft light without the glare. Each type of bulb has its own unique benefits. Low voltage fluorescent lighting can operate on very little energy and are most efficient if the lights will be left on for long periods of time.
Low voltage garden lights and other types of low voltage outdoor lighting are typically installed for aesthetic reasons. They are intended to make your yard and home look more beautiful at night. If brighter high voltage lights are used to light your exterior home you will spend more money on electricity while detracting from your home’s aesthetic appeal. Unless your goal is to light an area for safety reasons, low voltage outdoor lights are usually the best solution.
When installing low voltage outdoor lighting it is important to plan ahead. Think carefully about where the lighting will best suit its purpose before installing it. Be sure to light walkways and dark areas with low wattage outdoor lighting for safety. You can also save money by using reflectors to increase the light instead of buying additional bulbs. Another money-saving tip is to install systems that include timers and motion sensors.
Power packs or transformers have their limits when it comes to wattage. You need to make certain you do not overload it by using lamps with too much wattage. For example, with a 60-watt transformer you can use three 20-watt lamps or six 10-watt bulbs.
When shopping for low voltage outdoor lighting you can find a full assortment of styles, options, and wattage. These handy kits make it easy for a homeowner to install their own economical low voltage outdoor lighting systems that will add an elegant look to a home as well as increase safety.
Video: How to Install Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting
