Low Voltage Landscape Lighting: Benefits, Types & Ideas
Low Voltage Landscape Lighting is known for its features as it can enhance your outdoor space. These will improve the safety and aesthetics of your house and that’s why they are quite popular among homeowners and garden enthusiasts. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits, types, Ideas, and installation tips of low-voltage landscape lighting.
What is Low Voltage Landscape Lighting?
Low-voltage landscape lighting operates at a voltage of 12 volts or less, making it safer and easier to install than traditional line-voltage systems. These types of lighting are ideal for landscapes, gardens, and pathways as they offer both functionality and visual appeal. Your landscape will stand out from the rest with the presence of these lights.
Benefits of Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
Low Voltage Landscape Lighting can be a very effective addition to your landscape. They have several benefits and a few of them are mentioned below.
1. Safety and Security
Low-voltage systems are always safer than their high-voltage counterparts. They have a reduced risk of electrical shock that’s why they are perfect for pathways, and entrances. You might have pets and small children at your home so, you can feel free to install these secure lighting. The low-voltage landscape lighting will prevent accidents and enhance security around your house or property.
2. Energy Efficiency
The best thing about the low voltage landscape lighting is that they are designed to be energy-efficient. These lights consume less power and have a longer lifespan. You can significantly reduce your electricity bills without compromising on the aesthetic appeal of your landscape.
3. Versatility in Design
The low-voltage landscape lighting comes in a wide range of options to suit your design preferences. You can create a customized lighting plan that matches the architecture of your house and the beauty of your landscape.
4. Flexibility and Expansion
Low voltage systems are very flexible which means that they can be expanded easily. If you install a few lights and have a plan of adding more lights in the future then these lights are perfect for you. For future expansion, you can simply integrate them into your existing setup without the need for extensive rewiring.
Types of Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
1. Pathway Lights
Low Voltage Landscape Lighting is perfect for lighting up walkways and garden paths. They can enhance visibility while adding a decorative and elegant touch to your landscape.
2. Spotlights
Spotlights are ideal for highlighting specific features like trees, sculptures, or architectural elements. This type of Low Voltage Landscape Lighting can create dramatic effects in your outdoor space.
3. Flood Lights
Flood lights are a very famous type of low voltage landscape lighting as they provide vast illumination. These lights are great for lighting up larger areas like backyards, ensuring that your outdoor area is secure and inviting.
4. String Lights
String lights are known for creating a festive atmosphere as they can be draped across trees, patios, or pergolas. They will add some extra charm and warmth to your outdoor space.
Installation Tips for Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
1. Plan Your Layout
The first step before the installation is to plan where you want your lights. Pick the areas where you need lighting and how you want to highlight specific features in your landscape.
2. Choose the Right Fixtures
Selecting the right fixtures that match your landscape style is a very fundamental step. Always try to consider materials and finishes that will withstand outdoor conditions and also complement your home's architecture.
3. Hide Wiring
Dig and bury the low voltage wiring in shallow trenches around 6 inches deep for safety and aesthetics. This will protect the wires from damage and keep your landscape looking neat and tidy.
4. Test the Layout
When everything is complete, test the layout before finalizing the installation. This test will make sure the lights illuminate the desired areas effectively. You can adjust placements according to your requirements for the best visual impact.
5. Professional Service
If you love to lighten your landscape but are too busy or a completely non-technical person, hiring a professional service provider can be a good choice. You can simply contact Billy.com to get assistance in hiring the best professionals who will illuminate your landscape. They will take care of all the technical stuff and you can ask for changes as well if required.
Ideas for Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
Tree Lanterns
If you hang lanterns on the trees of your landscape then it will not only enhance the beauty but will also give an amazing aesthetic vibe. These glowing lanterns are very easy to install and will give a stylish and modern look to your house. The best part is that tree lanterns are energy-efficient and budget-friendly, making them an ideal choice for curb appeal enthusiasts.
Lights Behind Plants
Putting the gardening lights behind the plants can create a stunning look. These lights will produce a glowing effect that will be very eye-catching. It will give an illusion that the plants are glowing in the night and the whole vibe of your landscape will be increased to the next level.
Lighting Towards Walls
Directional lighting towards the walls is a very common way to upgrade the beauty of your landscape these days. You might also have seen this kind of lighting method in many houses, restaurants, and buildings. The lights are placed in the ground in such a way their emitted light creates stunning shadows on the wall they are directed at.
Hanging Lights on the Roof
Hanging lights on the roof is a popular placement in which flood lights are used to enhance the curb appeal of your house. When you hang these lights through the roof, they will cover more bases and the whole area that you wanted to cover will get lightened. Flood light produces bright light that can reduce the darkness of night.
Lights on Trees
Placing stripe lights on the trees is a very common and efficient method of upgrading the appearance of your landscape. Spread these lights on the whole tree and it will produce a glowing look. This is a very simple, economical, and easy lighting idea to enhance the charm of your garden or landscape.
Conclusion
Low-voltage landscape lighting is an effective way to enhance the look, safety, and functionality of your outdoor space. They have different fixtures, styles, and types, allowing you to pick the one that suits your needs and your home’s architecture. They are easy to install and their energy efficiency makes them an ideal choice for most homeowners looking to upgrade their landscapes.
Hence, if you want to make your landscape stand out from others, contact Billy.com to hire professionals who can select and install the best low voltage landscape lighting plan for you.
FAQs related to Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
Should landscape lights be low voltage?
Low-voltage landscape lighting is a better option to lighten your outdoor space as it will be more efficient and energy-saving. So, ideally, landscape lights should be low voltage.
How deep do I have to bury low-voltage wire?
You should bury the low voltage wire to at least 6 inches as it will be safer for you and your loved ones. Hiding these wires will allow proper functionality without compromising the aesthetic appeal.
What are the benefits of using low voltage lighting?
Low-voltage landscape lighting has various benefits including safety, versatility, energy efficiency, ability to expand, and ease of installation.
Do I need a professional to install low voltage lighting?
It is not compulsory but hiring a professional can save you from any complications and issues. If you have zero knowledge about tech and lighting, it is recommended to hire a professional service. You can contact Billy.com to find the best and most experienced services that can professionally install these lighting wires.
How to hide low-voltage landscape wire?
You can hide the low-voltage landscape wire by digging and burying them under the shallow trenches around 6 to 7 inches deep.
Is a low voltage landscape lighting energy-efficient?
Low-voltage landscape lighting is always an energy-efficient way to illuminate your landscape. This lighting consumes very low energy, resulting in lower electricity bills.
Can I use LED bulbs with low voltage lighting?
Yes, LED bulbs are a type of low-voltage lighting and they are highly recommended for landscape lighting. These bulbs consume less energy, provide bright illumination, and last longer which makes them both cost-effective and eco-friendly.
