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Did you know that if a 12-volt lamp operates at 13 volts, lamp life is reduced 65%? If this same lamp operates at 11.6 volts, lamp life is increased 200%.
12-volt lamps should actually operate within a range of not less than 10.8 to not more than 12.5 volts. Variables such as utility line voltage to the transformer, or lamp failures in certain fixtures on a ?EUR??,,????'??run,?EUR??,,????'?? cause lamps to operate at higher voltages, which reduce lamp life.
If you go to landscape lighting classes like I have, it seems you spend 75% of your time learning how to calculate proper voltage to 12-volt lamps. This will include different wiring methods and how to use multi-tap transformers. Just recently, I reviewed a landscape lighting book that devoted 38 pages on the fundamentals of voltage drop. Most installers do not have time to go to a lighting class, nor will they be able to read 38 pages on how to design for voltage drop. Perhaps they should but, from my observation, many don?EUR??,,????'???t even see the need for a voltage meter during an installation.
It is time for professional landscape contractors to get on the technology bandwagon, to insure proper voltage to 12-volt lamps. Landscape contractors can use a low cost low-voltage regulator, such as the LVR from RSL Lighting, at each fixture. It automatically adjusts voltage to 11.6 volts at each lamp. Such a regulator is designed to instantly convert incoming voltages to each fixture that are over 12 volts to a steady 11.6 volts.
Landscape contractors can also design in seconds. They can now use a single chart, taped to the inside lid of their toolbox, to determine distance to the last fixture in a landscape lighting run, based on voltage tap, wire size and watts.
Uplighting provides more focus and pedestrian or vehicular attention to an area. It can be used to highlight trees, shrubs, fences, walls or building facades. Uplighting can be done with above-ground or in-ground floodlights. Positioning light behind an object can create a dramatic, pleasing silhouetted form.
Downlighting means mounting landscape lighting fixtures above an object. A higher mounting position means a greater spread of light. Downlighting produces highlights on top of objects, with shadows on the underside. It produces different moods and effects. When used high enough above trees and shrubs, on poles, cables, building tops, or fastened to the tops of trees and shrubs themselves, it is also called ?EUR??,,????'??Moon Lighting.?EUR??,,????'??
?EUR??,,????'??Grazing?EUR??,,????'?? in landscape lighting is most often used on non-reflective materials. Best results are achieved by lighting the object on an angle from one side, or close in and aimed upwards.
Spotlighting can transform a key element in a landscape terrain into a highlight. It is also used to highlight certain trees, natural or manmade objects, and bushes. Sometimes a narrower beam spread with higher wattage should be used, creating an intense spotlight effect on an object. If higher light levels are required, then several fixtures on each side of an object (cross lighting) may be used.
Many commercial or residential property security systems involve use of anti-intruder lighting. Much of the need for this can often be accomplished with exterior landscape lighting around the building, entryways and adjoining property or its perimeter. When used around residential properties, such landscape lighting also provides the owner with the benefit of ?EUR??,,????'??curb appeal,?EUR??,,????'?? nighttime enjoyment and a degree of security. However, it is important to consider the property?EUR??,,????'???s environment and adjacencies to other properties. In the end, all security lighting approaches are just deterrents and perhaps supplements to locks; electronic alarm and camera systems; even to guard services.
Do not ruin lighting effects with glaring anti-intruder floodlights. Use shielded or louvered floodlights.
Use an automatic timer, photo-control or infrared on/off switching for assured operation when wanted.
Design the landscape lighting taking into account any existing safety and security light fixtures, using those lights in your design plan, potentially breaking it up into security lighting zones, in conjunction with infrared switching.
Selection of a fixture should include appearance, function, environmental considerations and, of course, cost.
Landscape light fixtures can be functional, decorative or both. Decorative fixtures are usually lanterns, bollards, path lights, post-mounted, wall and hanging fixtures. Many owners choose appearance over function. They are often disappointed. The goal of landscape lighting, apart from any security or safety purpose it may serve, is to highlight the environment and features in it, revealing colors and shadows so they can be seen at night.
Functional fixtures are designed to produce specific effects. The fixtures themselves may or may not also be ?EUR??,,????'??decorative?EUR??,,????'?? in nature. Paths lights are more functional if designed with shielded lamps to reduce glare. Typically functional fixtures are floodlights, best hidden from view, other functional fixtures can be above-ground or in-ground mounted, hidden in eaves or in trees, in or under water. Good landscape lighting design has at least three key elements:
1. Vision that determines focal points, use areas, and traffic patterns.
2. Transitions of different light levels. The lowest light levels should be to the front and highest light levels in the back of the landscape or its elements.
3. Establishment of one or more views. Landscape lighting should recognize where people are walking, standing or sitting and highlight intriguing elements in the space. With drive up or walk out entrances light should define the perimeter.
Environments can be demanding, Fixtures can and will be exposed to pathway and roadway or parking lot salt, various soil conditions, chemicals, water including muddy or icy, and severe temperature changes. Cycles of wet, dry ice and snow conditions can escalate the corrosion rate. Metals that hold up in one environment may break down quickly in another. Corrosion is always a factor. The best form of corrosion protection is using specific corrosion-resistant, water-resistant fixtures, with metals such as copper or brass.
The ultimate goal is always customer satisfaction. The last thing any landscape lighting contractor wants is callbacks. Differences such as type of construction, materials, and lighting performance typically affect the cost of a fixture. Copper and brass are more expensive than steel or aluminum fixtures, but will last forever with occasional maintenance. Lamps should be easy to replace without using tools. Fixture stems, stakes, gaskets, and lenses should not break or wear out easily. All landscape lighting fixtures, like all landscape contractors, are not created equal.
11.6: The optimum voltage attainable in landscape lighting when using a voltage regulator. A regulator is used in-line on each fixture, this regulator converts voltages up to 22 volts, down to 11.6 volts. Source: RE Williams Contractor Incorporated
20: Feet, the potential distance of glare from path lights. Lighting installers should beware of the glare from path lights - even an elevation change of a couple of feet will direct light into the eyes of a person 20 feet away. Source: John Deere Landscapes
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
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