5 Factors to Consider when Choosing Landscape Lighting

09 May 5 Factors to Consider when Choosing Landscape Lighting

SERVING AREAS OF BRISTOL, JOHNSON CITY, AND KINGSPORT TN

Highlighting your home’s exterior aesthetic when dark can be easy when using landscape lighting. The powerful, hidden elements can accentuate specific areas such as flower beds, trees, columns, or a water fountain while increasing your property’s safety and security. Unfortunately, choosing the appropriate landscape lighting can be overwhelming and complicated. However, our Tri-Cities licensed electricians at Thompson Electrical Service share five factors to consider when choosing landscape lighting so that you can create a visual night-time masterpiece that illuminates your home.

1. What are the main types of landscape lighting?

There are two main types of landscape lighting: both can be effective methods for creating your desired look. Our Kingsport experienced electricians explain that line voltage runs at 120 volts and is common through household electrical outlets. This landscape lighting type demands a licensed electrician for installation as a higher voltage option. Line voltage is most appropriate for larger homes but used in security, commercial, or municipal applications. On the other hand, the second landscape lighting type is called low voltage landscape lighting, which runs at 12 volts and is the optimal choice for residential use. With little electrical shock risk and cables buried in a shallow trench, low voltage landscape lighting is safe for those who prefer a DIY project.

2. What are the main components of a landscape lighting system?

The first main components of a landscape lighting system are the fixtures. Not only do they contain the light source, but they assist in directing light to areas you want to illuminate. Next is the low voltage transformer that concerts line voltage radio silence down to 12 volts. Lastly, wire and wiring connectors carry power out from the transformer to the yard fixtures.

3. What are the common types of landscape lighting fixtures?

Although there are multiple options from which to choose when it comes to landscape lighting fixtures, below are a few of our Johnson City licensed electrician favorites.

• Spotlights – Spotlights are the most common landscape light as they highlight key features.
• Floodlights – Spotlights with a 60-degree beam angle are wider and use large pools of light to brighten broad areas using a single fixture.
• Path lights – Path lights guide residents and visitors as they illuminate pathways and walkways. An additional use for path lights is in large flower beds to showcase areas with ground vegetation.
• Hardscape Fixtures – Hardscape fixtures provide a low profile highlight for specific architectural features.
• In-ground Lights – In-ground lights create uplighting that requires the fixture to remain hidden from plain view.
• Underwater Lights – Underwater lights can be partially or fully submerged year-round to create an illuminated fountain or pond.

4. What are the main fixture classes of landscape lights?

Depending on your needs for landscape lighting, two fixture classes are available to address them. First, integrated fixtures include a built-in LED board, so there are no bulbs to install. However, the integrated fixture’s downside is that the complete fixture needs replacing instead of a single bulb when one fails. On the other hand, lamp-ready fixtures require a bulb, providing customization options for brightness (lumens), beam spread, and color temperature. Additionally, when a bulb goes out, the light only requires a replacement for the bulb.

5. What are some important landscape lighting terms?

During your search for landscape lighting options, you may encounter some unfamiliar terms that are crucial in deciding on the best lighting options for your property. Below, our licensed electricians in Bristol provide a few common terms to help you understand more about landscape lighting terminology.

• Beam spread – referring to the light spread or beam angle from the luminaire
• Color temperature – measured in Kelvin and refers to how cool (bluish) or warm (yellowish) the lighting appears
• Lumen output – the light’s brightness
• Understanding these concepts will help you make the best choice for your landscape lighting installation.

Landscape Lighting in Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, TN

Selecting the best landscape lighting can leave homeowners and business owners feeling stressed and confused. Fortunately, our experienced Kingsport electricians can assist you in making the most appropriate decision based on your illumination desires. To find out more about available landscape lighting options or schedule a consultation, please contact Thompson Electrical Service at (423) 343-5726 or contact us online.