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Benefits of Outdoor Lighting
Properly installed outdoor lighting offers many benefits for your home or business. Using outdoor outdoor lighting can enhance the beauty as well as the safety and security of any home.
Affordability:Outdoor lighting costs little to install and power.
Safety & Security:Strategically placed low voltage lights provide low levels of equally distributed illumination, whereas high voltage floodlights create dark shadows and unseen areas. Illuminated walkways help prevent pedestrian accidents, and outdoor lighting is the number one crime deterrent at night.
Beauty: The soft glow of outdoor lighting accents the unique landscape and architectural features of your home which adds beauty and ambiance to the outdoor living areas.
Useability: Illuminating the outdoors with low voltage lights provides the ability to enjoy outdoor living areas safely and comfortably long after sunset.
Ease of Use: Outdoor lights are easy to operate and require very little maintenance. You can turn your outdoor lights on and off via a switch or, for added convenience and safety, use the timer function to have the lights turn on and off automatically at specific times.
Outdoor lighting systems can be controlled in several different ways.
Photocells: These systems will detect when the sun has set and turn the system on, and then turn it off when the sun rises. (On at dusk, off at dawn).
Timers: Programmable to turn the lights on and off at specific times of the day.
Photocells and timers can also be used together, for example, to turn the system on at dusk and to turn it off at a specific time. Since it gets dark at a different time every day we recommend installing the photo cell/timer combination. This lowers your energy costs while eliminating the hassle of constantly trying to remember to adjust your timer.
There are four types of outdoor lighting, all of which provide numerous lighting effects. Which type you choose depends upon the area to be illuminated and the desired effect.
Solar Lights: Solar powered lights are the easiest to install because there is no electrical wiring involved thus no cords to restrict the placement of the lights. Solar lights are typically mounted on a standard 8" stake which is pushed into the ground. On the downside, solar powered lights provide the least amount of illumination and the light tends to have a blue tint.
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) Lights: The newest option, LEDs are the most efficient, use less power and have extremely long life span. However, they are not as bright as conventional light bulbs and the illumination they provide can have an unnatural look. The initial purchase price is more expensive but the increased cost is offset over time by their low running cost.
Line Voltage Lights: 120-volt lighting systems require the use of conduit to protect the wires and an electrical junction box which must be hardwired to the electrical service panel. If not properly wired, these lights are not safe. Per NEC and local code, the conductor must be buried in an underground trench. 120-volt light fixtures are not as energy efficient as other choices.
Low Voltage Lights: 12-volt lighting systems are less expensive to install and maintain, and they require a fraction of the energy required by high voltage lighting systems. They are more difficult to install than solar lights because they require underground wiring; however, their illumination is far superior. These lighting systems require a GFCI circuit or GFCI receptacle which makes it an ideal choice for outdoor lighting near water such as a swimming pool or fountain.
There are many techniques to outdoor lighting that achieve different effects. The techniques you use should depend on the area to be illuminated and the desired effect.
Pathway Lights: An attractive way to illuminate sidewalks, steps and garden pathways for safe passage.
Uplighting: The positioning of a light to shine upwards, creating focal points in the landscape with shadows and silhouettes.
Downlighting: Lights that shine down to illuminate objects below. Whenever possible, downlights used in landscaping applications should be hidden to reduce glare.
Moonlighting: An effect created by positioning lights high in trees to simulate light reflected from the moon. Positioned and installed properly, moonlighting is very elegant and dramatic.
Cross Lighting: Highlights a focal point on a particular object or group of objects. A three dimensional look can be achieved through the use of multiple lights aimed from different angles.
Shadow Lighting: Illumination from the front and below an object to project interesting shadows on the wall.
Silhouette Lighting: A dramatic lighting accent produced by illumination from behind and below an object which results in a sharp contrast between the lighted object and its background.
Accent Lighting: Lighting that highlights a specific object, small area or architectural feature.
Outdoor lighting options and installation requirements can be very confusing! Calculating voltage, laying out circuitry - take the guesswork out of the process by using a licensed Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor to install your outdoor lighting.
Nisat Electric can help you create a custom outdoor lighting system to achieve the effect you wish to accomplish. This includes determining proper placement of the lighting and completing the necessary electrical wiring. Also, when you hire Nisat Electric as your electrician, you’ll take a proactive approach to preventing flickering lights, electrical fires, circuit breaker problems, and other electrical issues.
Nisat Electric is proud to maintain three different categories of electrician licenses in the State of Texas: Electrical Contractor, Master Electrician and Journeyman Electrician.
Before you hire someone to install outdoor lighting for your home or business, please take a few minutes to read Reviews from Nisat Electric customers as well as electrician licensing regulations and Nisat Electric's Licensure in the State of Texas.
Call Nisat Electric at (214) 536-5555!
Outdoor Lighting
The addition of outdoor lighting to homes throughout Collin County, Texas has increased dramatically the past few years. Homeowners appreciate the ability to customize the appearance of the outside of their home at night and enjoy the many benefits outdoor lighting offers.