If you own a commercial or residential property, then you surely want to maintain or even improve its value. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but you need some good lighting to see the beauty in a property. Landscape lighting can do just that. Your friends at Mr. Electric of Atlanta have experience installing a host of landscape lighting and we offer our services around the clock, but we are also happy to share some information on installing landscape lighting for yourself. If you want to consult with a expert electrician or hire one, then call Mr. Electric of Atlanta to get in touch with a live representative.
Top Landscape Lighting Features
All lighting is not the same. There are different colors, intensities, and forms. There are also different types of lighting from paths lights and spotlights to floodlights and accent lights. Here is a quick rundown on your options:
- Path lights offer a dramatic way to improve the property's safety and appearance, guiding guests through your walkways while enhancing the style of the walkways at the same time.
- Spotlights allow you to light up and draw attention to unique and interesting aspects of your property. Illuminate a special tree or beautiful area of your garden with a spotlight.
- Floodlights are designed to improve visibility and security on your property. There are motion sensing floodlights that can light up dark corners when necessary.
- Accent lighting allows you to highlight gorgeous parts of your property's architecture. Show off your gorgeous patio or garage with the right amount of lighting.
Lay the Foundation
You already know you can't just stick a lamp in the wall, but what do you do? You are going to need to install a transformer, electrical wiring, wire connections, and fixtures. While installing 120V lighting is best left to professional electricians, low voltage (12V) carries little risk of electrical shock and is much safer. Also note that local codes may affect your ability to install landscape lighting. Be sure to check local building codes before you start such a project.
Before you begin, make sure you have your installation plan laid out on paper. You do not want your electrical wiring to interfere with existing cables and irrigation or utility lines. Clear a path for your wiring and choose fixture locations accordingly. Then, lay out and dig your trenches for the wire runs. Low voltage cables are typically buried about 6 inches deep but check your local codes to be safe. Place the wires in the ditches and leave at least 5 feet of unburied wire at the ends.
Now, unpack your landscape lighting fixtures and attach necessary mounts. Mount your low voltage transformer, leaving at least a foot of clearance on each side and keep it at least 30 feet away from water features. Now, begin connecting your system. Connect the transformer to the main runs and the fixtures to the main runs on the other end. Once the connections are made, you can test the system and adjust the fixtures into place. Bury remaining wires and program the timer on your transformer.
Hire A Licensed Electrician
If you prefer to leave this work to a qualified electrician, then call Mr. Electric of Atlanta to get in touch with a dedicated representative. We are always ready to help.
