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 Properly
Using Low Voltage Lighting in Your Landscape Design
Some of you may be familiar with
low-voltage outdoor lighting, where as others of you may not be sure
exactly what it is, or how to use it.
This article will hopefully clear up any question that you may have
concerning low-voltage outdoor lighting.
Low-voltage outdoor lighting systems usually steps down the 110-volt
current to 12 or less volts of electricity with the help of a
transformer. The low-voltage current then flows through wires to light
fixtures, which can be placed along walkways or used to enhance gardens
or any outdoor feature of your home that you wish to draw attention to
at night.
One of the largest advantages of low-voltage lighting systems is that
homeowners can safely and easily installed these lights without have to
use special tools. The next advantage that low-voltage outdoor lighting
has is their energy efficiency using only 4 to 7-watt bulbs.
When installing your low-voltage outdoor lighting systems the number of
lights you can add on to the system is determined by the transformer,
which is rated according to the total bulb wattage. If you add the
number of bulbs, which you want on your system then multiply that number
by the wattage of the bulb you will be using, if this number is below
the rating on your transformer then you will not overload your system.
However, if the number is above the transformers rating then you run the
risk of overload.
For those naysayers you can use different wattage bulbs in your
low-voltage lighting system just as long as the total bulb wattage does
not exceed the transformer's capability. This versatility allows you to
place brighter bulbs in certain areas to highlight even more those
special features of your home at night.
You can purchase a transformer that has a higher wattage rating or
purchase a second transformer and split the number of lights if you
happen to go over the recommenced total bulb wattage for your
transformer. However, under no circumstances do your ever use an
extension cord between transformers and electrical outlet. You always
plug the transformer directly into the outlet. Never, ever use an
extension cord.
Low-voltage outdoor lighting has several benefits and advantages to
offer, including the fact that its simple to install and maintain. So,
when you are considering outdoor lighting, consider installing a
low-voltage outdoor lighting system for your home.
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