Outdoor Lighting
Low Voltage Outdoor Lights: Here’s What You Need To Understand (Part 1)
Have you been considering the installation of low voltage outdoor lights?
Landscaping architects around the world will confirm that nicely chosen low voltage outdoor lights can bring a touch of serenity to anyone’s back yard. With the evolution of illumination technologies during the last 10 years, low voltage outdoor lights have become very popular. And why not? When carefully planned and installed, low voltage outdoor lighting may actually transform your home, turning structures, shrubbery, and other landscape characteristics into spectacular focal points. They can also play a part inside your overall protection strategy as they light up walkways, steps, decks, and patios. Additionally when prepared correctly, lighting can hide apparent landscaping blunders while boosting the positive features.
Okay, you have seen the benefits of installing low voltage outdoor lights, and made the decision to go for it. But how do you decide what things to buy?
To that end, I’ve detailed the top six points to consider before choosing low voltage outdoor lights.
Three Points are explored in this article, and three more are highlighted in part two.
Low Voltage Outdoor Lights Point #1: Tungsten
Tungsten lights were common materials used for landscaping lighting a few decades ago. They are recognized for their capability to enhance the rich tones of stucco, wood, brickwork, along with other home style highlights. They’re also considered to be easily dimmed to change the ambiance in the spur of the moment. The issue with these conventional lights had been they burned out quickly. And even though they usually have the smallest price tag, they turn out to be much more pricey when the substitute bulbs are factored in.
Low Voltage Outdoor Lights Point #2: Low Voltage
Low voltage outdoor lights use 12 volt electrical rather than the 120 volts that’s usual for indoor home current. The low voltage amount ensures that there’s no need to employ an electrician for installation that is really a benefit for the do-it-yourself home owner. An additional advantage of low-voltage cabling is it can be laid on the ground or buried just beneath the surface. When installed, conventional 120 volt systems are essentially permanent, while low voltage outdoor lights can easily be picked up and moved as the property owner chooses.
Obviously it should also be pointed out that low voltage outdoor lights are an essential component in any home protection strategy by lighting pathways, pools, driveways and entrys.
Low voltage outdoor lights are really quite affordable and are available in the majority of big box retailers. On the other hand you can purchase a multitude of products on the web from Amazon.com. Of course, there’s always the option of hiring a professional to perform the set up for you if you aren’t the handy type.
Low Voltage Outdoor Lights Point #3: Solar Lighting
Solar lighting is a relative newcomer to the low voltage outdoor lights industry but is becoming very popular, particularly in the last 10 years or so. And no wonder! It provides a huge selection of fixture styles, it is a breeze to install, and costs next to nothing to run. What’s not to like?
Low voltage outdoor lights are similar to landscaping lighting for the reason that they’re used to light up stairways, paths, and swimming pools. Nevertheless, solar lights replace the standard power source (the 120 volt variety) with a photocell that charges an internal battery throughout the day which powers the lighting through the night. With virtually no cabling to speak of, solar lighting packages have grown to be very popular.
This information proceeds in part two of Low Voltage Outdoor Lights.
About the Author
Paul has a lifelong appreciation for the subject of landscape decoration, and has compiled 100′s of articles, videos, etc. for the pleasure of his visitors It is his desire to help anyone interested in improving the appearance of their property. His website is located here: Outdoor Holiday Lights.
What are some alternate methods to outdoor lighting for filming with a camcorder at night?
Could I try to use some sort of lantern or flashlight, what are some realistic options besides a camcorder light?
Depends on how much you want to spend, and how much you want to light up an area.
try here it will give you some ideas and prices
http://www.cameragrip.co.uk/acatalog/Camcorder_Lights___Lighting_Kits.html
http://www.dsmpower.tv/video-lights/Video_Lighting_Kit.htm
http://www.jr.com/category/cameras-and-optics/camera-accessories/camcorder-accessories/lighting/
Unless you want to go for a full flood light then the above options are probably the best.
Flash lights the light is concentrated into a beam.
lantern not that effective
Good luck
RR
How to Choose and Install Landscape Lighting
