May 11, 2007 by twogirlygirls | Posted in Garden & Landscape
We recently purchased our house and some of the outdoor lighting is not working. These lights focus on trees in our yard. There are missing lights in some of them. Can we just replace the bulb in the shell of the current system? Anything we need to be aware of? What are we looking for exactly?
1) Outdoor lighting fixtures, like indoor lighting fixtures are rated for a maximum wattage. Determine the maximum wattage of your fixtures and do not exceed this wattage when replacing bulbs.
2) Determine the fixtures on each outdoor circuit.
3) Determine the operating voltage of each of your outdoor lighting circuits. Some outdoor lighting transformers support multiple votage taps. This allows a designer to use voltages from 12 - 24 volts (in a National Electrical Code defined low voltage system). A transformer that conforms to the UL 1858 standard will be limited to 12 - 15 volt taps.
4) Determine the wire size of each circuit.
5) Determine the total wattage on each circuit with the intended replacement bulbs. If this wattage exceeds 180 watts on a 12 volt circuit, you will have to use lower wattage replacement bulbs. Circuits at higher voltages will have different maximum wattage capacities. Just remember that the National Elecrical Codes specifies a maximum of 15 amps for 12/2 copper wiring. Adust the maximum amperage used for your calculations if the wiring is something other than 12/2. Remember that there is enough current in a low voltage lighting system to melt the insulation off your wiring and potentially cause a fire. Please do not overload circuits.
6) Now that you know the wattage that you will need for a replacement bulb, determine the bulb type needed for each fixture. There are several bulb styles (Par36, MR16, T3, etc.) used in outdoor lighting fixtures. Look at the fixture's socket to determine this. If you can not tell, look at another fixture to see what bulb type has been used.
7) For each bulb type and wattage rating, there are different light patterns available (flood, spot, narrow spot, etc.). Now determine the light pattern you need for each replacement bulb.
8) Halogen bulbs operate in a narrow voltage range (10.8 - 12.5 volts). Operating a halogen bulb outside of this range negatively affects the light output & shortens its life. When just one bulb burns out in an outdoor lighting system, all the bulbs on that circuit can be over voltaged compromising their longevity. For this reason, it is suggested that you replace all bulbs on the same circuit at the same time.
9) Body oils can negatively affect the longevity of halogen bulbs. Use latex gloves when handling bulbs.
10) Moisture is the enemy of outdoor lighting systems. Lubricate the bulb contacts with a good eletrical conducting dielectric grease before replacing any bulb.
11) Replace the bulbs in your circuit.
12) Now measure the operating voltage at each bulb to insure that they are operationg at the proper voltage range.
13) Measure the current on each circuit to insure that you have not exceeded the safe and recommended current limits.
14) Measure the current at the primary side of the transformer to insure that the total load on the transformer has not exceeded the manufacture's limit.
15) Step back and enjoy the beauty of your working outdoor lighting system. It's just that simple!
Or you could call a professional outdoor lighting specialist. Good luck.
A Well Lit Garden | May 12, 2007
If these are wire strung lights, you could start by replacing the bulb. If that doesn't work, there might be a bare wire someplace or your transformer could be bad.
If these are solar, you should start by replacing the batteries.
Sandra G | May 11, 2007
Replace the non-working bulbs first. That will help you figure out if you have wiring problems. If the bulb doesn't do the trick then open up the body of it to see if the wiring is still attached. Good luck!
Orlando | May 11, 2007
Landscape lighting? Does anyone know of a company that can help with lighting design?
Sep 14, 2006 by Richard H | Posted in Do It Yourself (DIY)
I understand the wiring and voltage drop etc... I need help with the lighting design. I want to light up the front of my home (stone face)(wall wash & columns) and do some up lighting and down lighting on trees (moon lighting effect) (wooded lot -nice mature trees). I've seen some really nice lighting in my area and understand the concepts but need help in knowing what kind of fixtures and bulbs - also placement.
Any suggestion on a good company? Minnesota - Twin Cities
ELS (Executive Lighting Solutions) They helped me out. It's great you can send them photos and they can even draw right on them to let you know where to put the fixtures. I was impressed with their knowledge on how to light different areas. I had gone through a couple of different landscape contractor but they didn't seem to know much about the different techniques, they just wanted to sell me fixtures.
Good luck. (I think they are up in your neck of the woods)
backhome101 | Sep 14, 2006
Does anyone know of any reasonably priced solar powered landscape lighting that DOES NOT use batteries?
Mar 28, 2008 by Captain Flatulence | Posted in Garden & Landscape
I've heard of lights that use capacitors but have only found them in paver type applications. I am looking for traditional "stake" lighting.
no, thats how solar works you use the sun to charge batt, then use the power at night, I have a set of 12 that i got thru Harbor freight 3 yrs ago there still working,
they were around $20
William B | Mar 28, 2008
Realtors: Do you find "Value/Curb Appeal" in landscape lighting when showing a home? (not the cheap solar)
Aug 07, 2006 by backhome101 | Posted in Decorating & Remodeling
I've had a Home Staging company ask if we would set up lighting in the fronts of homes for customers who are selling their homes. I was wondering if the realty community had any opinions on the value of quality landscape lighting. I'm not talking the store bought cheap fixtures - either solar or plastic light kits, but metal low voltage lights for the sidewalks, lighting for pillars and brick/stone face, along with any trees etc.
I am not a realtor but have bought and sold multiple homes. It doesn't really add much to me. I think the money could be spend better else where.
treday25 | Aug 07, 2006
How do I remove a few pathway lights from an existing low voltage landscape lighting system?
Apr 15, 2008 by Mary B | Posted in Garden & Landscape
I inherited the installed system and am unfamiliar with how to connect/disconnect lights...
All of the lights are wired in parallel. More than likely each fixture is attached to the two wire cable. Lift one out and see. You can simply disconnect the ones you want, and use waterproof insulation on the supply wire. You can buy waterproof splice kits if you need to.
Ed | Apr 15, 2008
Choosing Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
Open-air landscape lighting has come a long way from citronella candles! Today, the styles of lighting for alfresco areas include an amazing assortment from the elegant to the economic. There are almost as many options for outdoor lighting as for indoor fixtures. Before purchasing alfresco lighting for your landscaped yard, there are a few facts to consider.
Outdoor landscape lighting has put in an appearance a long way from citronella candles! Today, the styles of lighting for outside areas include an amazing assortment from the elegant to the unwasteful. There are almost as many options for outdoor lighting as for indoor fixtures. Before purchasing open-air lighting for your landscaped yard, there are a few facts to consider.
When installing low voltage landscape lighting it is significant to only connect the number of lights to the system that it is designed for. Systems are made for up to 12 lights to be connected to one power transformer and if more than the pinnacle is connected, the ones furthest from the power source may not be as gleaming.
You must remember that most LED landscape lighting contains generic lighting to suit the different purposes of customers. It is therefore up to you to select which lightings in your kits are best suited for your garden. LED lights are meant to be tolerant of in your yard in a subtle way — so there is really no point of overdoing things.
Safeness is a minor concern when using low voltage landscape lighting as curious children and pets may end up exposed to wires incorrectly installed. If the wiring is not fully protected insurrectionists before it rises to light the light, lawn mowers or weed trimmers could disobliging additional work to reinstall new wiring. While the voltage is low, it could root a momentary surprise if bare wires are touched.
Protecting Your Lights
Most LED landscape lighting already has upon protection so you need not worry about exposing your lights to the elements. However, there are some types of lights that paucity extra protection. To make sure that your lights are well protected, jibe the product description of your lighting before you buy it. Never take things for granted when it comes to your yard or patio lights.
Landscape Lighting World -- America's New Wholesale Landscape PR Web (press release), WATampa, FL (PRWEB) April 16, 2009 -- Landscape Lighting World, America's Wholesale Distributor for low voltage landscape lights announces it new online megastore Wholesale Landscape Lighting Landscape Lighting World inventories over 15000 professional
A love of land and lensSalt Lake Tribune, United StatesGo early, stay late » The golden hours just after sunrise and just before sunset provide soft, warm light perfect for shooting landscapes. Invest in a sturdy tripod » The best landscape images are sharp and crisp. This is much easier to accomplish with
Sarasota Landscape Lighting Company Owners to Help Sponsor Meals PR-USA.net (press release), BulgariaNiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Sarasota is owned and operated by Randy and Becky White. For more info about NiteLites Architectural and Landscape Lighting, or to schedule a free demonstration call (941)-758-9338 or visit www.nitelites.com and select the NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Sarasota and Bradenton Shine a Light
Master Gardener Tour is May 2Tyler Morning Telegraph, TXMany plants have been transplanted and landscape lighting was added recently. Iron fences and gates enclose the rear gardens, including fencing the swimming pool area, where a propane heater allows for cool-weather conversation around the pool.
PR Web (press release)Qnuru Launches First Solar Landscape Lighting Systems, Blending PR Web (press release), WASanta Fe, NM (PRWEB) April 7, 2009 -- Qnuru today launched a revolutionary line of solar powered, landscape lighting fixtures that efficiently capture the sun's energy within expressive forms that are manufactured with full lifecycle sustainability in
Lighting
Intermatic ML300RTW Malibu 300-Watt Power Pack with Timer and Ground Shield
List Price: $107.00
Price: $70.99 You Save:$36.01 (34%)
Product Details
Automated multiple on/off timer
Ride out-resistant housing protects pack
300-watt power cram controls your lighting system
Product Description
The Malibu 300-watt power stall with timer and ground shield comes with 2 sets of trippers and a tutor shield to help you program your lighting system. It converts 120-volt AC to 12-volt AC power and has an self-governing multiple on/off timer with manual override alteration. Control wattage outputs for your Malibu low-voltage lighting with this swarm, which is protected by weather-resistant housing and is backed by a 6-year little warranty.
Customer Reviews
Intermatic ML300RTW Malibu 300-Watt Transformer
Although I've not install this transformer at this writing, I've opened the package and read the manual. The unit appears to be sturdy and well-built. Most of my lights to be connected are LED and should not add up to anywhere near the capactiy of this transforner, but I did want one that could handle whatever else I intend to connect in the future. There will be a combination of assorted lights including a gas lamp post being converted to low voltage, concrete pagoda, rock lights, solar pagodas converted to low voltage, etc. The area being covered includes front, back and side yards. This project has been in the planning stages for over a year mainly due to locating the appropriate fixtures to create the look I wanted. The gas lamp post is being converted from natural gas to low voltage using a kit, but not all of the inclusive parts because I'm integrating with the rest of the lighting. The solar pagodas are being converted by extracting parts from available LED fixtures and retrofitting into the pagodas. Had intended to purchase "ready-to-go" fixtures, but these just aren't available anywhere. The lighting is primarily intended to highlight various landscape features such as several fountains, birdhouses, etc. along with pathlights. The entire system will be controlled by this transformer with the optional photocell. I'm a hardcore DIY person and not timid in experimenting or doing what had not been done before.Intermatic ML300RTW Malibu 300-Watt Power Pack with Timer and Ground Shield
Good but not great!
This transformer is well made but lacks sophistication.It is extremely heavy and uses an antiquated pin system to turn the lights on and off.The pins are small and can be easily lost making the unit unusable. The pins need to be adjusted constantly as the seasons change with longer or shorter daylight. Why no automatic light sensor to adjust to seasonal change?Who wants to constantly adjust these tiny pins all the time,not me.I understand that sensors can be added but thats a pain why not build it into the product or include it??
2010-08-27
| Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3
Terribly disappointed
I purchased this item the Intermatic ML300RTW low voltage transformer in August of this year, 2010. This was the fourth one which was purchased between July and August of 2010. All four items experienced similar problem. To Amazon.com credit, they did replace the items promptly. The problem is that the clock slows down considerably as much as 4 to 5 hours behind schedule. This was after an average of 2 to 3 days after being placed in service. The transformer was used to power my driveway lights.
The last item was sent back to Intermatic for replacements. They refuse to honor a 2 day delivery as was done by Amazon.com saying that it was too costly. It was now 4 days and I am still waiting for the replacement from Intermatic. I found Intermatic very unprofessional and unresponsive. I would avoid their products at all cost. If the replacement does not work this time, I will just ask for a refund.
2010-08-21
| Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1
great item
Great item, easy to install. Definately worth the money. Very happy with my purchase.
2010-08-06
| Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
great timer
This is an excellent timer for a great price with 300 watts of power.
It is running all my landscaping lights in the front yard
and I also have wattage room to expand in the future.
2010-07-28
| Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
Westinghouse 405708-04 Crayford HI-Intensity LED Landscape Lighting Set, 8 Piece
List Price: $59.99
Price: $33.13 You Save:$26.86 (45%)
Product Details
Unstrained Installation
1 Year Guarantee
Made from supremacy aluminum materials with an antique gold administer and ribbed glass lenses
Product Description
Customer Reviews
great for spare parts
This is a good deal if you need spare parts. These LED bulbs only last about 2 years and then they start to get dimmer. They say that they last 10 but I've gone through 2 sets. The bulbs are about $8 a piece if you order them directly from Westinghouse so buying this set for the replacement bulbs was a better deal for me. They have a nice bright pure white light which is why I've stuck with them and they don't run up your bills.
it has a 10 watt transformer, not 50!!!!!!!!!!
Westinghouse 405708-04 Crayford HI-Intensity LED Landscape Lighting Set, 8 Piece
The system is marketed to be able to add 8 more lights on the same transformer (and I assmue the same wires because it is phrased "to this set"), which would then DOUBLE the amount of lights etc. Please show me where I can buy the same 8 fixtures at a significant discount (because there are no additional transformer/wires).
So, am I missing something? Why do you advertise that a 50 Watt transformer is included (which would obviously have extra capacity for expansion), but the box CLEARLY states that it is a 10 Watt transformer???
I have a Malibu lamp with only a 7 watt bulb on it and I was excited to add it to the mix, BUT then I read some fine lines and it doesn't appear to be so easy and straight forward. The literature says that I should ONLY use these products (fixture/bulb/transformer/wire) together.... or else what??? what if I plug in a 1-watt Malibu light?Will it simply not work, or actually overheat and start a fire and blow up the whole system???
Please tell me if you mislead me by advertising a 50 watt transformer and whether or not the guidance given in the instructions is purely to "keep it in the family". The ONLY instructions that I repeatedly read is to make sure that all of the watts added up don't exceed the maximum amount for the transformer. Will your light fixture blow up if I plug it in to my 12V low-voltage 200 Watt Malibu transformer?
So, I would like to know if I got shipped the wrong transformer. If so, please send me the correct one and I'll return the 10 watt transformer. If I got the right transformer, then this appears to be wrongful advertising (bait and switch????). We address this after your response.
And just to confirm, consumers are all allowed to put Malibu lights on Westinghouse transformers and vice-versa without all of the systems breaking, right? As far as I know, 12V = 12V and that's the most important, or advantageous, part of landscape lighting. And, the only other major thing for us to remember is to not overload the # of total watts compared to what is stated on the TRANSFORMER AND NOT WHAT IS STATED IN YOUR DESCRIPTION.
I thank you in advance for you quick remedy to this problem.
2010-08-25
| Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 3
Moonrays 95540 Low Voltage Path Lighting Kit with Power Pack
List Price: $66.30
Price: $56.39 You Save:$9.91 (15%)
Product Details
Add come across to walkways, steps, and curbs
Includes bulbs and gratuity deck mount
customary path lighting kit with bonus spotlights
Product Description
14 Gather together, Low Voltage, Plastic Tier Light Kit, Includes 12 Menacing Plastic Tier Lights, 2 Vicious Plastic Floodlights, 60W Control Entity, 50', 18 Gauge Low Voltage Cable, Fourteen 4W Bulbs, Power Unit Is Photocell Operated, Dusk To Arrival Operation, For Replacement Bulb Use #95503, Loyal Value #122-428.
Customer Reviews
Very fragile,low grade lights.
These lights are not what they were detailed to be.
They were very low quality,very difficult to install.
I would have liked to have known the low quality and
how cheaply they were manufactured before i purchased
the lights.Best regards,Bobby.
2010-08-08
| Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2
MoonRay
I bought this through Amazon. This is the third type that I have bought. This was by far the easiest one to hook up. Also, with the connection taking place as it does, it is less likely that the wires will become disconnected when accidentally hit as some of my others have. The only down side is that the power supply did malfuncation after about 3 weeks. However, after I contacted the company (not through the number included in the package but one I found on the internet), they sent me another power supply that had a higher voltage. Since then, no troubles.
The number included with the material is just an office number not very helpful with my problem at all.
2010-07-26
| Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4
outdoor lighting with USELESS WIRES
this product is totally NOT GOOD because the wire they manufacture for this product is NOT GOOD it has very small strended wire inside that the pins of the lighting are very short to touch wires ,so you buy this lighting and call electrician to install waste money rip everything and buy new wires cost me triple,I DONT RECOMMEND TO ANYBODY.
2010-07-11
| Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 1
Mostly works but not perfect
The pack includes 10 lights and 2 spot lights. I find these as better lighting than solar lights which wanes after a bit. Have set the 10 lights up a month ago. They give out a nice warm glow around our yard. I gave up on the 2 spot lights. As the previous reviewer mentioned, I just could not get the pins to stay connected to the wire and the wire to stay in place - there was nothing to hold the wire in place with the pins - unlike the other ten lights for which you can actually screw the wire tightly into place with the pins.
I initially tried one lamp indoors to make sure it works before I actually took the entire pack outside. You just have to invert the power box face down so the sensor is covered to make lamp light up to test if it works.
Thereafter I assembled all the lamps and positioned them around the yard and laid the wire out to get an idea of where I should actually assemble the lamp because once you fix the lamp to the cable, I would not personally advise removing them and trying again several times as the pins puncture the wire. One thing to keep in mind is that the wire has to make contact the pins in one particular direction. Polarity is the key factor here. If you think you have fitted/pushed the pins through the wire correctly and the bulbs do not light up, then just flip the wire over and try again.
Overall, love the soft lighting and hopefully lasts longer than solar lights. -1 star for the lousy spot lights and -1 star for the setup. Would've preferred a easier way to set up these lights but I guess you get what you pay for.
Could have been better...
Like others have stated with these type of lights and systems, is you get what you pay for. Don't get me wrong, they are not horrid, but by no means are they a great system. The problem with Moonrays is the connection. It is made at the light bulb base where there are two pins under the base that pierce the cable. The problems are: The cable that comes with this unit is a very small gauge (18 Gauge is what is supplied despite the picture showing 16 Gauge). In order for the pins to hit the wire when the cable is pieced they have to be perfectly aligned. I learned from other reviewers and just bought some 14 Gauge wire instead, which gave me the desired thickness of copper to work with while maintaining flexibility when trying to bend the wire and push the pins into it. To keep the transformer on to check each connection I simply used a small piece of electrical tape over the sensor. I used a small nut driver to push the cable up into the light base pins while using the base of another (screwdriver) to hold the top part (where the light bulb goes) into place. Also contacts for the bulbs come very close together, are easily bent. If the bulb doesn't light after some manipulation of the bulb, pull the bulb base off, look at the wire and likely you'll see the perforations were off kilter, though with the 14 or 12 gauge wire this should not be a problem. Use your screwdriver to bend the pins in the proper direction and try again (but don't push the cable up into the housing with anything that will conduct electricity if you still have the transformer on. Having a voltmeter handy is nice, so if still the bulb doesn't lite, you can check the voltage across the bulb contacts. On a couple of mine it was hard just to get the bulb to contact properly and that's what was wrong even though the cable connection was good. Don't stake any of the lights down until all are connected and all are lit.
Once you get the idea of what your doing on the first light, the rest are quite easy to install. Unplug the transformer... install light, plug in to check if it works... repeat until finished.
Now all this works great for the pathway lights, the spot lights are another matter entirely. What a major pain in the butt to get installed. The major problem with the spot lights is there is no cam (the little thing that in the pathway lights, helps to keep the cable connected to the pins) for use in these. You push the pins and cable together, and attempt to set the "correct" angle for your spot lights, and place in the ground, the problem comes that if you Move the angle in which the spot light is set in the slightest without some major coordination of moving the cable along with it, the pins will come right out of the cable and your back to square one. Major flaw in setting these up. Setting up the two spot lights took longer than setting up the pathway lights.
So only 3 stars for this product, minus one star for the crappy 18 gauge wire they sent, and I had to go out and buy 14 gauge wire. Minus another star for the shoddy spot lights.
Otherwise, it was a fairly simple set up. I haven't had any problems with my transformer blowing yet, so do not know as to the longevity of the product.
If anyone knows of a link to finding decent / equivalent LED's for these lights, please let me know. Getting into Lumens / mCd vs Watts is a whole other story.
Westinghouse 411728-41P HI-Intensity LED Landscape Lighting Set, 8 Piece (6 Pathlights and 2 Spotlights)
List Price: $139.99
Price: $75.99 You Save:$64.00 (46%)
Product Details
Made out of calibre stainless steel the set includes 6 Odyssey landscape lights, 2 spotlights, a 10 watt transformer with a photo chamber.
1 Year Pledge
Our verve efficient LED bulbs can save you up to 44 Dollars per year in intensity costs
Product Description
Westinghouse 373028-03P Calla Lily HI-Intensity Aluminum LED Landscape Lighting Set, 8 piece (4 Single Calla Lilies and 4 Double Calla Lilies)
List Price: $179.99
Price: $89.99 You Save:$90.00 (50%)
Product Details
Our vivacity efficient LED bulbs can save you up to 44 Dollars per year in verve costs
Jam N' Light connectors for easy installation with no tools required
LED bulbs are 20 times brighter than solar powered lights and issue a natural white light
Product Description
Customer Reviews
Landscape lighting
These are beautiful in our courtyard. They are NOT SOLAR. They give off plenty of light and were easy to install. We plan on ordering another set for the lower section of the courtyard. I highly recommend this product!
2010-07-22
| Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
Array
At out these easy tips on how you can install outdoor landscape lighting!
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Clearwater Introduces New Line of LED ...
09.09.10
Open-air Lighting Perspectives partners with DG Lights for LED gift
Clearwater FL (PRWEB) February 6, 2010 -- Alfresco Lighting Perspectives of Clearwater ( www.outdoorlights.com ) is well-timed to announce it is now sacrifice clients LED fixtures as a part of their full usage outdoor lighting choice. DG Lights out of California will be OLP’s industrialist and distributor of LED agile fixtures.
“LED has been gaining trendiness in the outdoor lighting area,” says Robert van der Putten, holder of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Clearwater. “Adapted to for years in celebration lighting, LED technology is now prepared for expanded uses including architectural and landscape lighting.”
While LEDs have always been more environmentally familiar than halogen bulbs, new technologies for inspirit management and economic servicing have made them easier to instate too. LED landscape lighting offers many benefits to commercial and residential lighting projects, including dynamism savings, distinguished reliability, elimination of toxic materials and second to none in harmony fixture designs.
“I’m gratified I can now offer my customers a more drive-efficient lighting way out while not compromising the standing of the fixture or the lighting truly,” says van der Putten. “LEDs can redeem a household up to 80% on their lighting costs, but they’re also made of sound brass or copper which means my customers are still getting a altered consciousness quality fitment that will last for years.”
DT Susceptible to: Self-Portait in a Landscape, Vertical
This was the image I had originally set out to arrest when I decided to take my impromptu photowalk. For Project Double Take, I had seen an idol of a female model on railroad tracks and was inspired for something a bit...
PR Web (press release)Qnuru Launches First Solar Landscape Lighting Systems, Blending PR Web (press release), WASanta Fe, NM (PRWEB) April 7, 2009 -- Qnuru today launched a revolutionary line of solar powered, landscape lighting fixtures that efficiently capture the sun's energy within expressive forms that are manufactured with full lifecycle sustainability in
