OLC's Lighting Tutorial
Landscape Lighting has become extremely popular in recent years due to it's aesthetic curbside appeal and low operating cost of using LED bulbs. In addition to the aesthetic appeal it provides, a landscape lighting system also provides added security to your home and increases safety to dimly lit pathways. It's also a great idea to plan and install Landscape Lighting at the same time you are considering an Irrigation System if you are looking to bury lines and wiring along the same routes used for tubing around your property.
We have designed a simple solution to designing and installing a great outdoor lighting system with our 3 step approach:
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Highlight Your Features and Landscaping.
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Picking Your Fixtures and Power Supply.
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Installation and Wiring.
Overview
Before you can have a beautifully lit landscape, we must first become familiar with the components that make up your Landscape Lighting System.
Transformers
The Transformer controls your lighting system and can usually be installed indoors or outdoors. Most controllers can be controlled via a WIFI module for easy programming, or can be controlled by a simple outlet timer. For more information on sizing and installation of Transformers, please click here.
Lighting Fixtures
While the Transformer is the muscle behind your outdoor lighting system, fixtures are the true stars of the show! Fixtures come in a variety of styles and finishes but in general most fixtures fall into the following categories. Understanding where the different types of fixtures are used will make planning your system a breeze. Below is a brief summary of the most commonly used fixtures. For sample photos and installation examples please click here.
Accent Lights
Accent Lights are also commonly referred to as Spotlights. Accent Lights are most commonly pointed upwards to illuminate garden beds, shrubs, small trees, and other accent features such as statues, and garden archetecture
Wall Wash Lights
Wall Wash Lights are used to illumintate larger surfaces and are commonly used on walls, rows of hedges, and larger foilage areas.
Path Lights
As their name would indicate Path Lights are commonly used illuminated Pathways. Path Lights can also be used to highlight foilage in growing areas.
Well Lights
Well Lights illuminate larger trees and garden features. Well Lights are installed in-ground to provide protection to the fixture from lawn equipment, or where hiding the fixture is desired.
Hardscape & Accessory
Hardscape and Accessory lighting provide you with endless possibilities for lighting fence posts, stairs, and integrating into hardscape features such as stone and deck flooring.
Wire & Accessories
The wire is the connection between the Transformer and the Fixtures of your lighting system and is usually connected using Silicone Filled Wire Nuts. Landscape lighting wire is very simple to install and since virtually all outdoor lighting systems are low voltage using LED fixtures it is very safe for DIY installations. The most common wire used in outdoor lighting systems is 12 gauge with 2 conductors.
