Summer is also the time to host parties and throw weddings.

Our back yards, our personal retreats, are worth all the hard work we put into them when we get the chance to entertain.

Delicious food, lovely decorations, and wonderful company are all important parts to creating a backyard bash.

The other key ingredient that should never be overlooked is the thing that allows our parties to go on even after the sun has gone down – beautiful exterior lighting.

Lighting Your Party For Beauty

To throw out tons of light for an event, you could have a powerful 400 Watt lamp post installed in the middle of your yard.

This would throw out ample light for your guests to see everything.

But most people don’t want their yards to feel like a football stadium.

Lighting your landscape isn’t just about LIGHT.

Low voltage landscape lighting is about creating shadows and contrast.

The stimulating lighting designs stick to the ol’ saying: “less says more.”

Imagine bathing your deck or patio with a soft moon light.

Mounting fixtures high up in trees or on the soffit of your home and aiming them downward can help to create this.

When down lighting is done with a gently diffused light, it can recreate a serene magic that mimics the effects of moon light.

What’s more beautiful or festive than moonlight? The moon can be an incredible mood setter.

The only problem is that the moon doesn’t always cooperate.

While we do want our lights to be inviting, we don’t want them to scream or be too loud.

Moon lighting is a stunning and subtle approach to illuminating your outdoor living area.

Stringing the Festivities Along

Bistro lights (sometimes called string lights or festoon lights) are a very effective lighting approach to creating a festive atmosphere.

Strung over a patio or perhaps up inside a pergola, bistro lights provide soft ambient illumination.

They have become very popular these days.

People are stringing up bistro lights today for their upcoming parties and backyard events.

But be mindful when purchasing the LED version of these lights from a big-box store.

Just because they are LED doesn’t mean they are going to be what you want them to be.

The color temperature of these bistro lights often have a cool white/blue hue.

This cold color temperature isn’t desirable for creating an inviting atmosphere. Warmer temperatures should be used.

Contact NightVision Outdoor Lighting

Be it a small get-together or a neighborhood pool party, landscape lighting really makes all the difference in the world.

If you have a vision for lighting your property, talk to an expert at NightVision Outdoor Lighting today.

Aren’t sure where to get started, or would like to get some ideas that might work well for your specific home, contact us directly or give us a call at 678-828-2999!

Conclusion

Enhance your summer celebrations with the magic of outdoor lighting.

From the subtle allure of moonlight-inspired landscapes to the festive glow of bistro lights, NightVision Outdoor Lighting brings your vision to life.

Don’t just illuminate your outdoor space; transform it into a captivating haven for unforgettable moments.

For expert advice and tailored ideas, contact us at 678-828-2999.

Let NightVision Outdoor Lighting make your summer nights truly enchanting.

FAQs

Why is low voltage landscape lighting recommended?

Low voltage lighting creates shadows and contrast, offering a more nuanced and inviting ambiance without overpowering brightness.

How can moonlight-inspired lighting enhance my outdoor space?

By strategically placing fixtures high up in trees or on your home’s soffit, you can achieve a gentle, diffused light that mimics the serene magic of moonlight.

Are bistro lights suitable for all types of outdoor events?

Yes, bistro lights, also known as string or festoon lights, provide soft ambient illumination, making them versatile for various gatherings.

What is the downside of using LED bistro lights from big-box stores?

LED bistro lights from these stores may have a cool white/blue hue, which is not ideal for creating an inviting atmosphere. Warmer temperature lights are recommended.

Can landscape lighting be customized for specific events or themes?

Absolutely! NightVision Outdoor Lighting specializes in tailoring lighting designs to suit your vision and the specific atmosphere you want to create.

How does NightVision Outdoor Lighting approach small gatherings versus larger events?

We provide personalized guidance for both intimate get-togethers and grand occasions, ensuring the lighting complements the scale and theme of your event.

What makes NightVision Outdoor Lighting experts in the field?

With a wealth of experience, our experts understand the art and science of outdoor lighting, creating designs that go beyond functionality to evoke emotion and ambiance.

Can outdoor lighting increase the safety of my property during nighttime events?

Yes, strategically placed lights not only create a visually appealing atmosphere but also enhance safety by illuminating walkways and potential hazards.

How can I get started with NightVision Outdoor Lighting for my property?

Simply contact us directly or give us a call at 678-828-2999. Our experts will guide you through the process and help bring your vision to life.

Are there specific considerations for lighting a pool party or outdoor wedding?

Yes, our experts can offer tailored advice for different types of events, ensuring that the lighting complements the unique aspects of each gathering.

The Shift to Solid-State

Perhaps the biggest and most significant trend in outdoor lighting has been the shift to solid state. Solid-state technologies include cutting-edge technologies such as light-emitting polymers and organic light-emitting diodes (OLED). While these technologies are being adopted for use in the most current televisions and electronic devices, they haven’t really crossed over to outdoor lighting. However, another solid-state technology, light-emitting diodes (LED) has been taking the outdoor lighting market by storm.

Until recently, the most common commercial and municipal outdoor lighting utilized high (or low) pressure sodium lamps. These lamps produced the familiar orange light typical of street lights. For landscape lighting, many designers preferred halogen lamps. They provided a good balance of high luminosity and energy efficiency and produced better color rendering than high-pressure sodium lamps.

As solid-state LED technology has advanced, LED lamps have swept the outdoor and landscape lighting sector. LEDs continue to gain efficiency and better color rendering, all while becoming more compact and cheaper. In commercial and municipal lighting, the shift to solid-state has been slowly gaining steam. However, for landscape lighting, LEDs have almost entirely replaced the older halogen technology. LEDs allow for more compact luminaires, much more extended periods between burned out bulbs, and efficiency ideally suited to low-voltage systems.

Today, Night Vision Outdoor Lighting uses LED lamps exclusively. We no longer install any halogen lamps and have actually been hired on some occasions to replace halogen systems with superior LED technology.

Lighting in RGB and Beyond

A more recent trend that has appeared almost exclusively in landscape and residential lighting is RGB lighting. RGB (red, green, blue) lighting is sometimes referred to as color changing lighting. As LED technology has advanced, the technology necessary to produce different colors has become commercially viable. Combined with the benefits of standard LEDs, RGB LEDs offer a whole new level of customization.

In most cases, the use of colored lights is meant to be subtle. A small area may be lit with red, green, or blue lighting as a highlight. The rest of the system continues to use white or non-colored light. (Depending on the color temperature, non-colored light can appear more yellow or more blue.) However, for some applications, brightly colored lights can create new designs. Celebratory lights might shine in the colors of a favorite sports team or red, white, and blue for patriotic holidays. Winter holidays can also be marked by striking displays intense colored light.

As outdoor and landscape lighting technology advances, the ability to shift the color of LED lights has become more precise. For instance, the recently released Hue system from Phillips Lighting can produce almost any shade of any color. In addition to the ability to produce precision colors, the Hue system includes a central control hub for easy control of the entire system.

Even without adding colors, precision control over individual LED luminaires has made the job of the lighting designer both easier and more complex. Once installed, LED lamps can be fine-tuned in brightness and color temperature. This allows designers to place lights first and determine the ideal luminosity and temperature in real time.

Smart Lighting

As wireless technology explodes, smart lighting is the wave of the future. Eventually, outdoor and landscape lighting will be tied into a vast internet of things. The internet of things provides a network to connect a wide variety of devices, not just computers or smartphones. The internet of things is still in its infancy, but it carries great promise. When diverse systems can communicate, each system can function in tandem and in response to other systems.

In the near-term, smart lighting allows for precise control of a lighting system from a central hub or even a smartphone app. To be fair, some level of control has been available since the mid-twentieth century. Simple timers were an early precursor to modern controls. Advances in timer technology have given rise to highly programmable astronomical timers that take into account sunrise and sunset times.

In addition to accounting for sunrise and sunset, modern programmable timers can be combined with photocells to avoid using light when it is not needed. It is also possible to turn off much of the ornamental lighting while maintaining adequate security lighting. For example, it may be unnecessary to light up every garden feature at 4:00 a.m. Programmable timers can shut off some garden lights in the dead of night while keeping important security lighting around the house on all night.

Competing Standards

The growth in smart lighting has led to something of a Wild West of competing standards. Cell phones today utilize common standards, such as 3G and 4G, to communicate across brands and carriers. In a similar way, the race is on to coin a standard for smart lighting. So far, the technology is in its infancy, and no single standard has risen to the top. Different manufacturers are vying for control.

Some manufacturers and technology companies have enrolled heavy hitters like Philips Lighting in their standards. Still, there is no single standard that is accepted across all smart lighting systems. Instead, there is a broad variety of communication standards. Some are proprietary while others are open source, allowing anyone to change and contribute to their technologies. Which standard will rise to the top is anyone’s guess.

One thing we do know is that even the competing tech and lighting companies look forward to a single, cross-platform standard. Each one just wants their system to become the only system. Looking toward the future, expect an integrated smart lighting system that works with other systems in your home. A smart lighting system can adjust to changes in seasons, weather, and human activity to provide the best possible light at the highest efficiency.

Designing Around Tech Trends In Outdoor And Landscape Lighting

Night Vision Outdoor lighting is a leader in high-quality, reliable, efficient outdoor and landscape lighting. While we embrace the rise of technology, we also like to err on the side of caution. While new technologies may offer great promise, we value reliability as a critical factor in our landscape lighting designs. That means that we use time-tested LED lamps in all of our installations. However, we tend not to install technologies that are still poorly tested in the field. Of course, the client is always our top priority. So at a client’s request, we are happy to discuss options for more cutting-edge lighting technology.

Night Vision Outdoor lighting has installed over 5,000 systems. We have a pretty good idea of what works and what looks appealing. When you choose to work with us, you can feel secure in your choice. We start every job with an in-depth analysis of customer goals, dreams, and budget to find the perfect outdoor lighting solution. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the field of outdoor and landscape lighting is undergoing a dynamic transformation driven by rapid technological advancements. The shift to solid-state lighting, particularly LED technology, has revolutionized the industry by providing enhanced efficiency, longevity, and adaptability. The introduction of RGB lighting has added a creative dimension, allowing for customizable and vibrant lighting designs in residential and landscape settings. Additionally, the emergence of smart lighting systems, fueled by wireless technology and the Internet of Things, is shaping the future of outdoor lighting, enabling precise control and integration with other smart devices.

At Night Vision Outdoor Lighting, we acknowledge the exciting potential of these technological trends while prioritizing reliability in our designs. Our commitment to using proven LED lamps ensures the longevity and quality of our installations. While we embrace innovation, we also recognize the importance of time-tested solutions that align with our clients’ preferences and expectations.

FAQs

Why has LED technology become dominant in outdoor lighting?

LED technology offers superior efficiency, longevity, and adaptability, making it a preferred choice for outdoor and landscape lighting. It provides better color rendering, compact designs, and is well-suited for low-voltage systems.

What is RGB lighting, and how is it used in outdoor lighting?

RGB lighting, or color-changing lighting, utilizes LEDs capable of producing red, green, and blue hues. It adds a creative dimension to outdoor lighting, allowing for subtle or vibrant color variations in different settings, enhancing aesthetics and customization.

What role does smart lighting play in outdoor and landscape lighting?

Smart lighting, driven by wireless technology and the Internet of Things, enables precise control of lighting systems. It allows for adjustments based on factors like sunrise and sunset, weather, and human activity. The future may see integrated smart lighting systems that work seamlessly with other home automation systems.

Why are there competing standards in smart lighting technology?

The rapid growth of smart lighting has led to the emergence of competing standards as different manufacturers and technology companies vie for control. This diversity poses challenges in achieving a universal standard, but the industry anticipates the development of an integrated cross-platform solution in the future.

How does Night Vision Outdoor Lighting approach the use of technology in its designs?

Night Vision Outdoor Lighting prioritizes reliability in its designs, opting for proven LED technology. While embracing technological advancements, the company values client preferences and offers a comprehensive analysis of goals, dreams, and budget to ensure the perfect outdoor lighting solution. Clients can also explore cutting-edge options upon request.

Why Voltage Drop Matters?

The most basic goal of wiring in your lighting system is simply to deliver electricity to all of your lights. Without the right amount of electricity, your lights won’t work. And if your lights don’t work, no amount of creativity or planning will save your lighting design.

Getting enough electricity to each of your fixtures is not as simple as just sending out a wire that connects all of your lights back to a power source. The nature of electrical wiring is such that it acts as a resistor. It doesn’t send 100% of the electricity at the source all the way down the wire. So if you don’t plan your system with that in mind, you will end up with some lights that are not receiving the electricity they need to shine with their full brightness. And what good is it if the fixture doesn’t glow as you planned?

The Difference Between Low-Voltage and Standard Voltage

The standard voltage for commercial and residential buildings in the United States is 120 volts. This is a great voltage for use in wiring buildings. It allows for reasonably sized conductors (in other words, the wires) to conduct electricity without significant voltage drop.

All conductors are, to some extent, resistors. This means that the farther a current travels, the weaker it becomes. At 120v, less current, measured in amps, is required to provide the wattage needed for home lights and appliances. With a lower current, there is less voltage drop.

But when it comes to outdoor lighting, 120v has some drawbacks. The largest drawback is that it is dangerous to work with. You wouldn’t want to come into contact with the wires in your house. You could risk a serious shock. In general, if you are working with home wiring you are probably an electrician, plus you have the power switched off. Otherwise, the average homeowner shouldn’t be interacting too much with their home wiring. The wiring is hidden in the walls of your home and you have little occasion to mess with it.

Outdoor lighting is typically 12 volts

With landscape lighting, the wiring is much more exposed. It may be buried in a relatively shallow ditch in a garden. Wiring can also run along decks, up trees, along the base of a wall, and other exposed areas. Outdoor lighting is also more of a DIY project for a lot of homeowners. So to keep everyone safe, lighting manufacturers settled on 12 volts as a standard. Most outdoor lighting requires relatively low wattage, so you don’t need the extra voltage anyway. And you are much less likely to injure yourself with 12v than with 120v. So if you fancy yourself a DIYer, outdoor lighting is a safer place to start than interior home wiring!

What Causes Voltage Drop

Voltage drop is a result of the quality of your conductors. In general, nothing is a perfect conductor of electrical energy. For some special uses, scientists have developed highly conductive materials and wires that lose very little voltage. These are known as superconductors and they have many important uses.

But when it comes to consumer conductors used for transmitting electricity to power our devices, it is much more cost-effective to use copper and other common wiring materials. These materials do a fine job of transmitting the electricity we need for all of our various appliances.

However, with these consumer-grade conductors, there is some significant resistance. That resistance increases with smaller gauge wire and higher currents. At 120v and with standard gauge wire, the resistance is usually not an issue. But with 12v sending a stronger current, the resistance can become an issue if not properly planned for.

How to Avoid Voltage Drop

The key to planning a successful landscape lighting system is an understanding of voltage drop and how it affects your layout. No matter what you do, the voltage at the end of your wire will be lower than the voltage at the energy source. But you can plan your lighting layout in a way that will minimize voltage drop. This will ensure that all of the fixtures in your lighting design are receiving adequate energy to function at their full desired brightness.

The main issue in voltage drop is distance and the number of light fixtures. The more light fixtures on a single run of cable and the longer the cable, the greater the voltage drop. So the key to avoiding voltage drop is to limit those factors. Having fewer fixtures on a single run of cable will allow each fixture in a series to draw more current.

Some Ideas for Avoiding Voltage Drop

There are a few ways to design your electrical layout so that you don’t have too much distance or too many fixtures on one line.

• Multiple Straight Runs. Instead of snaking a long cable around to reach all of your lights, use a few shorter lines that each include just a few lights and less total distance. You will need to make sure that your transformer is centrally located.
• Loop Design. You can design your wire route so that it reaches each fixture and then returns to the transformer. This will give a more even voltage to each fixture. Just make sure that you match the polarity of your wires to the transformer.
• T-Design. With a t-design, you run one cable out from your transformer to a central spot, then run a cable in two (or more) directions from there. You can use heavier gauge wire for the first run so there is less resistance, then switch to the smaller gauge for the runs with the lights on them.

By employing these designs or using a combination of these techniques, you can ensure that each fixture is getting the voltage it needs.

Calling in the Pros

Of course, while the 12v standard has made it safer and easier for homeowners to do it themselves, there is no replacement for the professionals. If you have a question about your lighting, you might consider calling in help. The friendly professionals at Night Vision Outdoor Lighting will work with you to come up with a plan that works.

One of our designer/installers will discuss all aspects of your project with you. We will listen to what you need, what you want, and what your budget allows for. Then we will work with you to come up with a plan that is aesthetically pleasing and electrically sound. We’ll make sure that you end up with lighting that looks great and works like a charm. And you’ll have no need to worry.

Are you ready to add some excellent outdoor lighting to your home? You’re definitely in the right place. Just browse around our website to see what we do. You can see some pictures of our recent projects here. Want to hear from customers just like you who loved our work? Our testimonials page is full of helpful reviews. And when you are ready, you can visit our contact page to set up a consultation to figure out what the best lighting solution will be for your unique needs.

Professional Outdoor Lighting Experts

Low-voltage yard lighting is impressive and safe to use outdoors. It can enhance a deck, highlight a walkway, or simply point out an attractive shrub. Many homeowners and even some business owners think they can install this type of lighting on their own. But only a professional outdoor lighting expert can get the most dramatic results. Amateurs who try to install low-voltage outdoor lighting themselves can also make costly and dangerous mistakes. An outdoor lighting professional will help ensure that you use the right types of fixtures and that they are correctly installed. The result is incredibly beautiful nighttime lighting for your entire yard.

Yard Lighting Fixtures

Low-voltage yard lighting comes in many styles, designs, and sizes. From entrance lighting—which offers general illumination of driveways and walkways—to unique globe lighting that offers general lighting without unwanted glare, the possibilities are virtually endless. Low-voltage lighting can also come in the form of fixtures that illuminate walls, shrubs, and other focal points in your yard. When you purchase your fixtures, stay away from cheap or low-cost equipment. Quality yard lighting fixtures that can endure the elements will ultimately save time, trouble, and money. And the quality materials and products you invest in upfront will eventually pay for themselves down the road.

Quality Outside LED Lights

You can even purchase floodlights as part of a low voltage or low wattage lighting system. Use low-voltage floodlights to create highlighting or backlighting for a particular area of a yard. If you require security lighting, you may wish to install high-powered floodlights that are operated independently from the main landscape lighting setup. This will ensure the highest level of security at all times for residential or commercial lighting systems.

Modern outdoor lighting using LEDs can be installed almost anywhere, effectively adding dimension to your landscaping. A lack of light, on the other hand, causes a yard to look two dimensional and dull. Lighting at night is essential in helping the human eye detect depth correctly.

Low Wattage Light Fixtures

Low-profile fixtures are another excellent strategy for enhancing any yard, large or small. You can hide low-profile outdoor lighting fixtures behind trees, shrubs, and even small plants to produce a glow of light that seems almost magical. Creating interest and subtle shadows is best achieved through using low-glow or low-wattage light fixtures throughout a landscaped yard. One of the biggest mistakes that people make is in using lights that are too bright and too overbearing. Enjoy beautiful outdoor lighting by staying subtle in all that you do. Contact Night Vision Outdoor Lighting today for the best in Atlanta outdoor house lights.

On the other hand, a lighting system that was installed poorly or not planned well can break down very quickly. Installation and planning affect both the longevity of the system and the longevity of your bulbs and fixtures. So it’s crucial when planning your outdoor lighting system that you account for high-quality installation of a well-planned system.

Planning Is Crucial

If you have decided to install an outdoor lighting system, you probably have an image in your head of what you want your home to look like when it is all lit up. But going from a mental image to a written plan detailed enough to guide your installation takes a bit of work. You will have to figure out exactly which lights you want to install and where. There are a couple of ways of doing this.

First, you can start by drawing out a scale diagram of your home and any landscaping around it. Include large trees and other landscaping features. Once you have the scale drawing, make a copy and work on the copy. That will keep the original clean so that you can make more copies and try more designs as much as you like. Once you have your scale diagram, start filling in where you think you’ll put the lights. For this part, you can use a little imagination. But the next step is to test out and fine-tune your design.

To test out your design and get an idea of what it will look like, you will need a strong flashlight and a cheap clamp light. Go outside on a dark night and approach an area where you placed a light on your diagram. Shine the flashlight or the clamp light in the direction you imagine your light will face. Move around your home and landscape in this way, testing out the light and adjusting your diagram as you go.

Finally, once you have planned where all the lights will go, you are ready for the next step: planning the wiring.

Planning Your Wiring

This is one of the most critical parts of the process and will have a significant impact on the longevity of your lighting system. When planning your wiring, you need to keep a few things in mind:

• Splicing
• Voltage Drop
• Ability to Expand in the Future

In general, a good wiring plan will allow each fixture to receive just as much electricity as it needs, no more and no less. It should also avoid too much splicing. Every splice is an opportunity for water to infiltrate your wiring system, causing damage and even short circuits. Finally, you want a system that can be expanded at some time in the future. If you ever plan to add lights, even if you’re not thinking about it now, a system built for expansion can solve a lot of problems before they ever occur. If a system is not developed with expansion in mind, adding new lights can be a fraught and challenging task that risks damage to your whole outdoor lighting system.

Splicing and Voltage Drop

Splicing and voltage drop go together because they are both functions of how you lay out your wiring. Typically, a good lighting design minimizes both. A poor lighting design will be full of splices and will fail to deliver equal amounts of electricity to each fixture.

Many beginning DIY outdoor lighting installers make the same mistake. They try to lay out their wiring like you lay out Christmas light. The power source is on one end, and a wire leads to the first fixture. From there a wire leads to the next filter and so on, creating a daisy chain of fixtures. This may seem like a simple and easy way to install lots of fixtures, but it opens the door for many problems. First, you run the same risk you do with Christmas lights. If one fixture in the chain becomes damaged or burns out, it can affect all the other lights on the chain, or even put them out. Second, a daisy chain installation requires splicing between each and every fixture. With that many splices, the chances of something going wrong are multiplied.

Another problem with the daisy chain approach is voltage drop. Voltage drop is the name given to the problem that occurs when fixtures father away from the power source don’t receive enough voltage. The leading cause of voltage drop is the linking of fixtures together into a chain. The first fixture in the chain may receive enough energy, but the amount of voltage that is passed on to the next fixture is reduced. This carries on along the chain. Fixtures that are a few steps down from the power source can receive too little voltage to function correctly.

The Problem with Voltage Drop

Voltage drop causes a few problems. The main problem is, as the name suggests, a decrease in voltage. That means that the fixtures farther away from the power source will not shine as brightly as they should. If you designed your lighting layout with care and expect your lights to shine with their full intensity, you may be disappointed by the effects of voltage drop.

The next problem with voltage drop is that sometimes DIY installers attempt to make up for voltage drop by supplying more voltage at the power source. If you read the labels on your LED lamps, it would seem that this is a plausible solution, since most LED lamps function properly within a range of voltage. However, if you want your system to last, blasting the voltage is a bad idea.

The main enemy of LED lamps is heat. Heat can shorten the life of an LED bulb significantly, and everything about LED bulbs is designed to drain heat away from the diode. One way to turn up the heat is by turning up the voltage. So if you are blasting your closest fixtures with extra voltage, you could be burning them out at an accelerated rate. LEDs are more expensive to install, so their value comes mainly in their longevity. If you are burning them out prematurely, you could be losing money on the installation instead of saving it.

Designing to Avoid Voltage Drop

Three main design tactics aim to address voltage drop:

• The loop
• The T
• The hub

The loop is basically a modified daisy chain. Like the daisy chain, each fixture is installed in a long chain. The first fixture is wired directly to the power source. The next fixture is wired to the first, and so on. In a plain daisy chain, each consecutive fixture receives less voltage. However, the loop controls the voltage by linking the final fixture in the daisy chain back to the power source. If you are going to use this system, it is crucial that you match the polarity of the wires all the way around the loop. Failing to do so will result in a short and a failed system. When a loop is installed correctly, each fixture receives equal voltage. However, this method still relies on a lot of splicing. It is also harder to add onto in the future.

The T is a combination of the hub and the daisy chain. The first fixture is wired directly to the power source. From there, a daisy chain flows out in two or more directions. This minimizes the number of links in each chain, controlling voltage drop by cutting it in half or more. There is still a lot of splicing, and voltage drop is reduced instead of eliminated. However, in situations where a hub is difficult, a T-shaped installation is an improvement on a basic daisy chain.

Finally, the best option is the hub method. In this method, every single fixture is wired directly to a single hub that is wired directly to the power source. There is no underground splicing, and each fixture receives the same voltage.

Professional Installation

Some people may consider a DIY solution to residential outdoor lighting. However, there are lots of places where a small mistake can cost you dearly. A lousy splice, a poor design, or mismatched wire can ruin your entire system. For the most long-lasting outdoor lighting system, there is no replacement for the skill and experience of professional outdoor lighting designers and installers. Contact Night Vision Outdoor Lighting to learn more about our services and how we can help make your home look great.

What Is Voltage Drop?

Voltage drop is a problem that plagues low-voltage outdoor lighting systems. It is caused due to the fact that a 12-volt low-voltage systems run a higher current than your household 120-volt system to send the same amount of energy (measured in Watts) to the lighting fixtures. With a higher current, resistance becomes an issue. Due to the higher resistance, voltage drops over the length of the wire. For a low-voltage lighting system, that means that the fixtures farthest from the energy source, in most cases a transformer, will receive significantly lower voltage.

The Problem With Voltage Drop

Modern outdoor lighting systems usually use LED lamps. In fact, at Night Vision Outdoor Lighting, we use LED lamps exclusively. One benefit touted by the manufacturers of LED lamps is that LED lamps can function with a range of voltages. In other words, even if you get a slightly higher or lower voltage, the light will shine the same. However, that’s only part of the story. While an LED lamp can function within a range of volts, unless it is getting its ideal voltage it will not last as long. Sending too many or too few volts to an LED lamp will either reduce the lifespan or the brightness of the lamp, respectively.

Despite what the manufacturers say, if you want to get the most out of your outdoor lighting system, you need to make sure that each fixture is getting as close to 12 volts of electricity as possible. Unfortunately, some of the most common wiring styles for outdoor lighting don’t achieve that at all. However, there are ways that you can adapt your wiring to get better results.

The Daisy Chain

The daisy chain is one of the most common methods of wiring an outdoor lighting system. Unfortunately, it has many drawbacks. In a daisy chain setup, a wire is run from the transformer to the first fixture. This is often called the home run. The first fixture in a daisy chain will receive the most power. After the first fixture, a wire is run to the second fixture. That second fixture will receive less power than the first. As the chain continues, each subsequent fixture receives less power. This is a prime example of voltage drop. The extent of the voltage drop depends on the wattage of the lamps in the chain and the length of the wire runs.

For most purposes, the daisy chain is the least effective method of wiring an outdoor lighting system. However, there are some instances where it can be useful. If you are installing lights in hard-to-reach places, like on a second floor or a tight space in a home’s architecture, a daisy chain may be the most effective way to get power to multiple lamps. Even so, the daisy chain should only be used when installing lights above ground. As we will see, the disadvantages of the daisy chain are significantly increased when you install it underground.

Problems With the Daisy Chain Method

One of the main issues with the daisy chain, besides voltage drop, is that you have a large number of connections. In fact, at each fixture, the wire has to be spliced. This creates many more opportunities for wiring failures. If a splice is not perfect, it can result in a heat buildup. The heat melts the wire, and the lighting fixture fails. Water infiltration is also more common at splice points. Finally, since each lamp is wired to two other lamps, it makes it hard to change a layout. Designing a lighting system with the potential for repositioning of the lamps is crucial because landscaping is prone to change over time. All of these issues are multiplied if the wires are buried underground.

The Loop

One modification that can significantly reduce voltage drop in a daisy chain is to run one more wire from the final fixture back to the transformer, creating a closed loop. This means that both the first and the last fixture are receiving the ideal voltage, which stabilizes the voltage throughout the loop. The main thing to watch out for in a loop setup is making sure that the polarity of the wires matches all the way through the loop and back to the transformer. If the polarity gets reversed, you could short out the system, damaging the fixtures and possibly endangering anyone nearby.

The loop is an effective way of stabilizing an existing daisy chain. However, it retains many of the disadvantages as well. First, there are still many splices along the loop, and each splice is an opportunity for damage. Also, it can waste a lot of wire. If you have a daisy chain that runs some distance from the transformer, you will have to run a long wire from the end of the chain back to the transformer. That basically doubles the amount of wire the system requires.

The “T” Layout

The “T” layout is somewhat less common than other methods but is a significant improvement on the daisy chain. In the “T” layout, a single heavier-gauge wire is run to the center fixture. From there, the run splits off in two directions, with the fixtures daisy-chained in either direction. This effectively cuts the voltage drop in half, since there is half the length and half the number of fixtures extending out from the home run.

However, it still maintains many of the same issues as the daisy chain. First, it doesn’t do anything to reduce the number of splices. Second, the daisy chain is cut in half, but it still has the voltage drop issue. One way to minimize voltage drop is to combine the “T” and the loop.

The “T” layout is far from perfect, but it can be a useful improvement over the classic daisy chain when you need to get lights into hard-to-reach spots above ground.

The Hub Method

The hub method is the gold standard and should be the first choice for every outdoor lighting installation. In the hub layout, a single run of wire is run from the transformer to a hub. Each fixture is then wired individually to the hub. There are many advantages to the hub method.

• Every fixture receives the same voltage.
• There are no underground connections.
• Because each fixture is individually wired, it is easy to move them around.
• It’s easy to add fixtures. Nothing needs to be moved around or spliced.
• Saves money on wire by using less length and a lower gauge.
• Reduces the amount of splicing, thus reducing labor costs on installation.

Professional Outdoor Lighting Design

If you are thinking about installing an outdoor lighting system for your home, you have two main choices. You can try to do it yourself, or you can hire professionals like Night Vision Outdoor Lighting. The internet is full of do-it-yourself guides to outdoor lighting installation, making it seem like an easy project. But the risks of designing and installing your own system are rarely discussed.

Without the years of experience and thousands of jobs completed by Night Vision Outdoor Lighting, there is a very high probability that your system will not have the optimal wiring. Remember, imperfect splices and poorly designed layouts can cost you time and money in failed fixtures and burned-out lamps.

If you really want your outdoor lighting system done right, contact Night Vision Outdoor Lighting for your free consultation. You’ll quickly see the difference experience makes.

Starting Without A Plan

The biggest mistake that do-it-yourselfers make is to jump in without a plan. You may want to get right to the installation of your new outdoor lighting. It’s exciting to start picking fixtures, buying lights, digging trenches, and laying down cable. But if you start without a plan, you are bound to fail. It’s important to take time to evaluate your home and its landscape.

Draw out a preliminary sketch of your design, taking into account your goals and budget. Budget is important. You don’t want to get halfway through your project and find that you have already spent more than you expected. A good rule is to install your outdoor lighting in sections. Don’t try to do your whole property at once. For example, you can work on the facade of your home first. Then move to a deck. After that, think about your yard and the landscaping there. Breaking the job down into pieces will make it easier to plan and execute.

Breaking the job into parts doesn’t mean that each part exists separately. Even though you will be installing the lighting system in sections, think about an overall plan. Even if you are not ready to plan your whole property, think about what your goal is. What kind of mood do you want to create? Will you eventually be lighting outdoor living spaces for use at night? Or are you just trying to highlight interesting features to view from inside you home or the street? Having some idea of your general approach before you begin will save you from trouble down the line. If you don’t plan, you may end up having to move around lights in the future. Or you may find that you have backed yourself into a corner and can’t using the lighting you want because it wouldn’t go with what you already installed.

Too Little Contrast

When planning your outdoor lighting system, think about contrast. During the day, sunlight hits your entire home all at once. Once your home is built, you have no control over areas of light and shadow. But with outdoor lighting, you have complete control. Make sure that you are layering different types of light.

It is a good idea to use some wash lights for a soft, broad light over the facade of your home. Then, add some spotlighting for unique accents on your facade, like dormers, columns, etc. You can also achieve various effects with downlighting coming from under the eaves of your roof. Just make sure that you are not using only one type of lighting over your whole house. In general, you want to think about layers of light. You need some soft background lighting, then on top of that you can add primary and secondary layers to create accents in both light and shadow.

The same is true of lighting fixtures. Usually, you want your landscaping features and the architecture of your home to take center stage. But some kinds of lighting will have visible fixtures. This is most common with path lighting. Pick a style of path lighting, but realize that there is no rule that you have to use only one type of fixture. It’s important to plan carefully here. You don’t want your lights to look like a hodgepodge of clashing styles. But when used properly, a few different styles of fixture placed around your garden can add interest and keep things from looking too cookie cutter. This is not the simplest technique to use, but with some good planning it can add a lot of interest.

Too Much Lighting in One Spot

Good planning ahead of time can help you avoid this mistake. Your outdoor lighting should be evenly distributed. Even if you think you have a greater concentration of interesting features to highlight in one area of your garden, look again. Having one section of your garden all lit up while other sections have large dark patches will look sloppy. Try to find features throughout your garden to spread the light around.

If you think you are going to have dark spots where there’s nothing to highlight, consider some other types of lighting. You may not have a specific tree or structure to focus on, but lighting itself can create a feature. Think about ways to add different types of lighting to create an interplay of light and shadow. If you really just have a wide area of grass with nothing in it, think about downlighting that can cast a broader light without being too overpowering.

Wrong or Mismatched Color Temperature

In these blogs, we’ve talked a lot about color temperature. Color temperature is how warm/red/yellow or cool/blue/white your light is. Different color temperatures can give different effects.

Lighting on the low end of the color temperature scale is redder, even mimicking candle light or firelight. This might be a great choice for an area that needs to be subdued, relaxed, or even a bit romantic. If you have an outdoor dining area, like a deck or outdoor kitchen, this might be a good choice. In an outdoor kitchen it can also be a good idea to get a dimmer. A dimmer will allow you to turn the light up for cooking and back down for eating and entertaining.

For the facade of your home, lighting in the 3500K range is standard. It’s a “soft white” light that will be relaxing to the eyes. Any lower would be too red, giving your home strange and inaccurate colors. Any higher would make your home look too commercial, or too stark and cool. Just make sure that all of the lighting on the facade of your home has the same color temperature to avoid some very weird and clashing effects.

For some areas you may prefer artificial moonlight. That uses the 4100K range. It can be beautiful, romantic, and relaxing.

The main goal is to avoid mixing light temperatures in a single area. You can use light temperature to your advantage for different purposes in different areas. But trying to use too many different temperatures in a single area will look messy and uneven, so plan accordingly.

Ignoring Glare and Light Pollution

Avoiding glare is a matter of using the right lighting fixtures and pointing them the right way. Think about all the different angles you will be viewing your lights from. Avoid pointing your lights in a way that they may shine directly into the face of someone viewing them. For instance, you may be tempted to shine your driveway lighting out across the driveway to light the whole length of it. Unfortunately, that can end up shining the light right into the eyes of someone driving up your driveway.

To avoid glare, think about every angle from which you will be viewing your light. This can be a bit tough to imagine during the day, but you can make adjustments even after installation. Walk around your outdoor area at night and look for potential problem spots. Reposition lighting fixtures as necessary.

Light pollution is similar to glare, though not exactly the same. Light pollution means that your outdoor lighting is going somewhere you don’t want it. That could mean a light that shines into a living room or bedroom window. This is especially important when lighting the facade of your home. It may be a good idea to shine a spotlight on a dormer. But make sure you are coming from enough of an angle that you are not lighting up the room behind the window.

Light pollution also means keeping your lighting on your property. No one wants to be the flashy neighbor whose lighting system is lighting up the whole block. Make sure you position your lighting to avoid lighting up your neighbor’s home or property.

If you live in an area with dark skies (anywhere outside of a city or dense suburb) you may also want to consider environmental light pollution. A dark night sky is a beautiful sight. Many residents in these areas may enjoy the night sky as a key feature of their location. So don’t ruin it for everyone. Use light fixtures that direct the light downward. With uplighting, make sure that you are shining light on the item you want to highlight and not at the sky beyond. Keep dark skies dark.

Not Getting Help

Designing an outdoor lighting system takes a lot of planning. And installing an outdoor system can be more complicated than you anticipated. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not bringing in the professionals when you need them. You may be able to install a few path lights on your own. But if you are considering a larger outdoor lighting scheme, don’t hesitate to call in an outdoor lighting company. The experts at Night Vision Outdoor Lighting have completed thousands of lighting jobs. And it doesn’t have to break the bank. You can contact us for a free estimate to get your project started today!

Is Outdoor Lighting A Do-it-Yourself Project?

The internet is full of how-to’s and instructions for installing your own outdoor lighting. So you would rightly get the impression that this is a great DIY project for a couple of pleasant spring weekends. But then again, there are instructions for lots of things online. And not all of them should actually be done by someone with no experience.

Is it possible to install outdoor lighting on your own? Well, if you are handy you might be able to put out some lights. But the question is not whether you are able to dig a ditch and run a line. (Although digging a ditch and running a line can sound a lot easier than it is.) The real question is whether you can install the kind of outdoor lighting you are dreaming of. The kind of outdoor lighting you see on luxury homes and resorts. The kind of outdoor lighting that inspired you to want to put outdoor lighting on your home in the first place.

Like with many things in life, there is doing it, and then there is doing it right. So if you just want to stick a few lights in the ground you can do that. But the kind of outdoor lighting that makes your house pop is a whole different story.

The Value Of Experience

There are a number of areas of knowledge that go into outdoor lighting. Generally, these fall into two categories. There is the process of designing outdoor lighting and then there is the process of installing it. Those are separate skills, and each one can be done more and less effectively. Like any skill, you probably won’t do your best job on your first try. Outdoor lighting design and installation can be taught and it can be learned, but there is no substitute for experience.

The professionals at Night Vision Outdoor Lighting have been installing outdoor lighting for our customers for twenty years. We have completed over 5,000 projects. (You can see some of them here.) That’s a lot of opportunities to learn to do it just a little bit better. In fact, we believe that our level of experience makes us the standard for outdoor lighting in Atlanta. Whatever type of lighting you are looking for, chances are we have done it before. In fact, we may have done it dozens or even hundreds of times. Of course, that doesn’t mean that every job isn’t unique. On the contrary, our experience means that we have the skills and flexibility to ditch the cookie cutter approach. We can create truly innovative designs for our customers. We know how to work with your needs and your budget to create an outdoor lighting system you will love.

So What Do the Pros Do Differently?

In short, the pros do everything differently. Because we have done thousands of projects, we have a very broad palette. We know what lighting can do, so we can dream big. And we will work with you to create your dream. Then, once we have built a dream together, we know how to achieve it.

Have you ever heard of the term “pinterest fail”? It’s a snarky term that has popped up recently to describe the results of a project that looked great on Pinterest (or somewhere else online) but failed in the execution. Like those decorated clown cupcakes that looked perfect in the picture but turned out a little less clown-like in your own version. Don’t be the victim of a pinterest fail. With Night Vision Outdoor Lighting we want you to dream big. And once we’ve pinned down the dream, we have the experience to bring it to life.

A Knowledge of Materials

There are many materials that go into outdoor lighting. First of all, there are the bulbs. There are literally hundreds of choices. Choosing a bulb means you are making a lot choices about what kind of light you want. A bulb can vary by luminosity (how bright it is) and color temperature (how yellow or white the light is). Different bulbs also have different lighting spreads, that is the number of degrees in which the light is focused. Some bulbs give of a wide angle ray of light, while other can shine light in just a little pinpoint. Choosing the right bulb for the right location in your garden or around your house can make a big difference.

Besides bulbs, there are hundreds or even thousands of choices of fixtures. There are many kinds of fixtures that are specialized for particular uses around your home. For fixtures that will be visible, there are also many, many styles to choose from. Choosing the right style should be an overall part of your design plan. You want to make sure that your fixtures complement your house, your garden, and each other. Night Vision Outdoor Lighting will work with you to bring your vision to life with just the right combinations of bulbs and fixtures.

You’re Probably Not an Electrician

In addition to the bulbs and fixtures, there are materials that are much less flashy. The electrical components of your low voltage system are crucial to the success of your lighting plan. That means choosing the right transformer, the right cable, and a number of other components that go into the building of your low voltage system. If you’re not an electrician, a lot of this may be new to you.

While internet instructions can give you a good head start, there is no replacement for experience. You wouldn’t try to wire your own house, or install your own plumbing. (Or maybe you would. We don’t recommend it.) There is a reason people hire professionals. Night Vision Outdoor Lighting can save you time, frustration, and even money by getting the job done right the first time. And we guarantee our work. If your low voltage system is damaged in the future, even if it’s your fault, we’ll come fix it!

Save Yourself Time and Money by Hiring Professionals

The savings in time and frustration should be obvious by now. By working with experienced outdoor lighting professionals you are avoiding a lot of hard work and unnecessary stress. You would basically be learning on the job, something we took care of a long time ago. But did you know it could actually save you money?

That’s right! When you install your own system you have no guarantee that it will be done correctly. In fact, there is a very good chance that you will end up having to make changes, adjustments, and repairs many times. It’s just how this kind of project goes. It’s very hard to get right the first time around. Eventually, the cost of materials, new fixtures, new bulbs, new wiring, will catch up with you. You will have two choices. You can keep spending money on adjustments and fixes, or you can give up and live with a lighting system that doesn’t match your dreams.

By hiring Night Vision Outdoor Lighting, you know that you are getting competitive prices and great service. We will stick with a job until you are completely satisfied, and chances are that won’t take long. We will do the work with you beforehand to understand your needs and your budget. Then we will work with that budget to get it right the first time.

So there’s really no reason to subject yourself to a do-it-yourself lighting system installation. Contact Nightvision Outdoor Lighting today and we will arrange for a consultation and free, no-obligation estimate. If you’re not sure you’re ready, take a moment to look at some of our past projects for inspiration. We also encourage you to check out what other satisfied customers are saying about us. And when you are ready, we’re here to make your dreams come true!

According to many recent studies, from real estate industry insiders, installing certain lighting trends is a proven way to increase the worth of a house while making it significantly more eye-catching to potential buyers.

These lighting trends use safe and eco-friendly low voltage outdoor lighting solutions, which is rapidly becoming the favorite alternative to conventional options.

Reasons Why Low-Voltage Exterior Lighting Is Better Than Conventional Lighting

While these trendy low-voltage lighting fixtures are great for anywhere outside your home, there are some key areas of the home that work the best. One of these prime locations is the deck.

Atlanta homes with spacious decks will benefit from being properly lit, considering certain lights will enhance the visual appeal of the natural wood deck. Homeowners who opt to go this route should look into installing low-voltage lighting systems that are safer for outdoor use as well as being durable during bad weather.

Beyond the standard deck lighting, there’s a few more creative deck lighting options, including recessed deck lighting. While they typically cost more money, recessed light fixtures will add significant value to a home’s curb appeal and overall value.

Recessed deck lighting is made from durable plastic and won’t obstruct anyone’s path as they subtly illuminate walkways from wherever you choose to install them onto steps or the ground.

You may also find a use for deck post cap lighting on top of railing posts as these add a decorative touch during the daytime while simultaneously providing a romantic glow when they are turned on at night. You can combine these with post lighting that illuminates the bottom portion of your deck posts (either mounted on or recessed into the post itself) to give them a more striking appearance.

Lanterns are another option of low-voltage lighting that has the ability to make a house more attractive, especially to potential buyers. Lanterns are a suitable choice when it comes to covered decks, seeing as they can be hung from the ceiling as opposed to using unappealing plastic patio lights. What’s more, lantern light fixtures are available in a wide range of styles, including small LED lights and designer stainless steel.

Keep in mind, deck lights should be installed by a professional outdoor lighting company in Atlanta who specializes in low-voltage lighting, as they’ll have the options and experience necessary to get the job done right.
Homeowners should always take their time when it comes to choosing the right company for the job, in order to ensure they get the proper lighting fixtures for their outdoor lighting project at an affordable price. It is best to select products that come from trusted sources like NightVision Outdoor Lighting, which has an impeccable track record for providing quality lighting fixtures and installations in Atlanta.