Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting is an area of lighting that is consistently neglected, overlooked, and generally installed incorrectly by gardeners and landscapers of all sorts. While the simple pathway lights shown below might be viewed as an easy do-it-yourself job, the complex lighting effects which can be created using landscape lighting require hours of work - from voltage calculation to fixture placement and adjustment. The paradox of landscape lighting is that "less is more". By strategically locating fixtures around a structure, pools of light contrast with dark areas. It is this inter-play of light and shadow which creates visual impact.

120 volt versus 12 volt, what's the difference?

     
Landscape lighting fixtures are available in either 12 volt or 120 volt versions. Choosing which system to go with is based on several considerations and preferences :

  • 120volt systems do not require an expensive transformer, however they cost more to install because of regulations which force electricians to bury the cable up to 24” below the ground – not an easy task. 12v systems are harmless to the touch, and therefore 12v cable can be placed under mulch or buried only a few inches below the ground.

  • 12v fixtures use smaller bulbs (usually halogen – see bulbs section in Training Menu for more information on bulbs), and are therefore smaller in physical shape as a result. The light they offer is usually crisper due to the halogen bulbs they utilize.
  • There is no voltage drop in 120v systems. When using 12v fixtures, the thin wires tend to loose power after a distance of 10’ or more, and must be accounted for in the layout to ensure equal power given to all fixtures on the same cable.

Next : Types of landscape lights, placement, and more!