Low-voltage lighting continues to remain the most controllable and affordable
part of landscape lighting. And, it definitely has its advantages
(switched, timer, low cost), and disadvantages (underground wires, structural,
intrusion). Even if powered by an existing GFCI outlet or exterior solar
unit or link. Budgets and proper planning and preparation determines what
you can or cannot afford.
 There are technical constraints in the design and installation of low voltage
systems that present problems to the inexperienced; it is therefore important
that the homeowner be aware of these characteristics of 12v lighting. If these
technical considerations are not properly addressed by the do-it-yourself
homeowner or ignored by a lighting design and installation company the resulting
12v system will not perform to an acceptable standard.
There is at present no uniform standard governing the performance of low voltage
outdoor lighting systems. The standards suggested throughout this web site are
based on 30 years of experience with low voltage lighting. This experience
includes the completion of over 1000 outdoor lighting projects since 1985
preceded by 15 years of design and specification of indoor low voltage systems.
In addition, much of the currently available equipment has been bench- and
field-tested under the guidance of an electrical engineer. Service and repair of
systems installed by others as well as long-term maintenance of systems
installed to these standards has resulted in a broad database of low voltage
lighting system performance and longevity. The data has been accumulated during
actual experience in the field, quantification by test equipment and careful
record keeping.
Here is the basic information necessary to determine whether or
not a lighting design/install company has the required experience and skills to
achieve an aesthetically pleasing and technically correct result at an
affordable price.
The services of a landscape lighting design professional should be considered
carefully. It is important to have confidence in a lighting designer's ability
to meet the challenge of providing a lighting plan that acknowledges the unique
qualities of the home and the landscaping. A good lighting system should
demonstrate the designer's ability to achieve the lighting effects desired by
the client while considering the issues of cost, equipment performance and site
conditions.
Discussions of lighting effects tend toward the abstract. A good way to judge
the abilities of a lighting designer is by viewing some of the designer's
completed projects after dark. A portfolio of projects photographed at night is
also helpful but night photography can be misleading since film captures light
differently than the eye. It is important to look at the outdoor lighting when
driving through similar residential areas at night to note those effects that
seem particularly suitable. The appeal of good lighting is mainly a matter of
individual taste but some common deficiencies in lighting design are easy to
identify:
- High surface brightness - the funeral home or model home look
- High contrast ratios - hot spots of bright light surrounded by large
dark areas
- Lack of variety in the lighting techniques - or the opposite: overly
dramatic effects
- Lighting that shines into the widows of the home or into neighboring
homes
- An over abundance of path lighting too closely spaced - the runway
effect
- Unbalanced lighting that divides rather than unites the landscape
features
- Glare from unshielded sources that detract from the intended effects
- Dim lights or large variations in light-to-light brightness indicate
improper engineering
The experiences of friends or neighbors who have already added lighting to
their properties can also inspire confidence in the ability of of a lighting
company to provide design, installation and service appropriate to the task..
Some companies listing outdoor lighting as a sideline to their main business of
landscape contracting or irrigation. may have limited experience with lighting.
It is important that the qualifications of any lighting service provider be
scrutinized carefully.
Typical questions should include:
1. How many lighting projects have been completed?
2. Where can projects be viewed in a nighttime drive-by?
3. Are any existing clients willing to discuss their lighting and their
experience?
4. Will lighting effects be "on approval" and changed without charge if
necessary?
5. What is the warranty on equipment (including lamps), performance and
workmanship?
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