Uplighting, also known as directional or low-voltage landscape lighting St. Louis MO, is a good way to draw attention to a specific feature. Uplighting is great for highlighting architectural details. Step and deck lights, on the other hand, provide safety for people navigating dark stairs. They are usually incorporated directly into the hardscape of the yard. Uplighting, as its name suggests, is designed to highlight taller structures. Tree trunks, undersides of the tree canopy, and other dramatic shapes may all benefit from uplighting. To achieve this effect, the source of the light must be hidden.
Uplighting
Uplighting in landscape lighting has numerous benefits. Designed for aesthetic purposes, uplighting can highlight landscape features while creating visual contrast, drama, and intrigue. A well-lit outdoor space feels more inviting and calming. You can use uplighting to draw attention to trees, shrubs, and other structures without sacrificing safety. These effects can add a touch of drama to your landscape while providing both practical and decorative lighting for your home.
A landscape spotlight is another popular technique for accentuating specific areas. It is a simple process in which light is placed at the foot of an outdoor feature. Its beam is adjusted to highlight the specific feature. Landscape spotlights can be placed behind a feature, aimed at an adjacent wall, or at a different angle to cast shadows on the feature itself. This technique works particularly well when accentuating densely packed features, such as trees and bushes.
Low-voltage landscape lighting
Choosing the right type of lighting for your home landscape is essential so that your lighting scheme complements your outdoor space. Low-voltage landscape lighting can enhance any landscape while ensuring the safety of your family. The process to install low-voltage landscape lighting starts with positioning light fixtures. Next, lay the wires and wrap them around any possible obstacles. Make sure that you choose quality fixtures and wiring. Then, program your timer to turn on the lights when they are not in use.
There are several different types of low-voltage landscape lighting, each with its own pros and cons. Most low-voltage lighting is safe and easy to install. It also does not require a certified electrician to install it. Low-voltage lighting also avoids the risks of shock and is appropriate for residential properties. However, be aware that this type of lighting is not equivalent to high-voltage landscape lighting.
LED spotlights
LED spotlights are a great choice for lighting your landscape. They’re versatile and can be mounted on the ground or in trees to create an enchanting moonlight effect. They can be adjusted to be between fifteen and thirty feet from the ground, depending on how high the light is installed. Tree lights are particularly effective for illuminating tall trees and wide house facades. These lights are available separately or as part of a lighting kit.
Hardscape LED lights are most often used to highlight stone applications such as walls and columns. However, they can also be used to provide accent lighting to fences and deck posts. Available in a variety of colors and lengths, these lights can be attached to the surfaces of retaining walls. Some even feature adjustable mounting plates so that they can be positioned outward. The lighting produced by hardscape LED lights is maintenance-free and does not require any electrical wiring.
Transformers
One of the most important things to consider when installing a landscape lighting system is the transformer. These are used to power the lights, and they can be purchased in different wattage levels. You should always stick to 80% or less of the total wattage for your landscape lighting system because the fixtures can use a variety of wattages. To determine how much wattage you need for your landscape lighting system, add up the wattage of each fixture. Take into account any additional needs you may have in the future.
Generally, a landscape lighting transformer uses a magnetic coil to convert the voltage input to an output voltage. The stronger the magnetic field, the more low-voltage electricity is produced. The transformer process is controlled through a simple electrical circuit and additional components such as a primary coil, secondary coil, and core control the voltage. Once you have chosen the appropriate transformer for your landscape lighting, you can then select the fixture and choose its controls.
Wire sizes
You’ll need to know the wire sizes for landscape lighting and the proper connections for each fixture. The size of the wire you use depends on the wattage of your system. For systems up to 200 watts, use 12-gauge wires, while larger systems may require a smaller wire. If you’re not sure what wire size to use, make sure you buy a landscape lighting transformer with a GFCI circuit breaker to ensure that the wire is protected from moisture.
Typically, landscape lighting suppliers include detailed installation instructions with your order. However, they will likely tell you to measure in volt amps instead of watts. Volt amps are the potential energy of the light and represent about 10% of the wattage. Using a volt amp chart will allow you to make sure you’re using the right wire size for your lighting system. When you purchase landscape lighting, don’t forget to read the manual.
