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Add a new dimension
to your landscape with outdoor lighting. You can double your
enjoyment, provide security and enhance your property value
with landscape lighting.
Two types of systems
are available: low-voltage and line-voltage.
Low
Voltage: Low voltage systems generally operate at 12
volts, or the same as a car battery. One major advantage of
these systems is that they are intrinsically much safer. In
the event of a short circuit or broken line, there is no danger
of electrocution. That makes these systems ideal for underwater
or near-water applications, as well as outdoor garden areas.
Bulb intensities can range from 8 to 35 watts using regular
incandescent, halogen, xenon or fluorescent technology. Fixtures
are available in large variety as well, from decorative path
lights to in ground well lights, tree-mounted spotlights or
wall-mounted sconces. The lighting effects are impressive, from
dramatic washes accenting home architectural features to underwater
lights illuminating waterfalls to ground-mounted spots casting
a reflected glow off the tree canopy.
This type
of system requires a 110-volt source for the step-down transformer.
With a photo sensor, it can be set to operate automatically
at dusk and remain on all night or any portion of the night.
Thus, it provides property and personal safety as well.
Low-voltage
systems can save money in two ways. First, the installation
does not require a licensed electrician.
Second,
because the system is low voltage, operating power usage is
much less, and a typical system is less costly to operate.
For example,
lamps such as xenon have a life of 10,000 hours and will last
3.4 years under constant nighttime use.
Line
Voltage: Line voltage systems use the same power as
your house system. An advantage to this is that more lights
of brighter intensity can be installed on a given circuit. Where
bright lighting is a must (such as for security), then line
voltage is the system to use. Care must be taken to protect
line and fixtures from breakage and potential electrical shock.
Fixture choice is not quite as varied as with low-voltage systems,
but fixture cost tends to be slightly less. Bulb selection does
not include xenon type, and specialty bulbs tend to cost a bit
more. These systems require extensive excavation, conduit and
involvement by al electrician.
Finally,
it is possible to integrate both types of systems with computer-controlled
software and special fixtures using x-10 technology. This allows
complete control over your lighting system. Call for an appointment
for a consultation for this type of systems integration.
There is
a popular lighting system combination available from Vista.
Click here
to download the Vista system information sheet (.pdf file).
The assortment includes:
- Pogoda Path Light
- Sweet Spot Light
- Inground Well
Light
- CT Transformer
with Photocell and Timer
Holiday
Decorations: We can t leave the topic of lighting
without mentioning that Leisure Landscapes can assist you for
the Holidays by decorating your trees and shrubs with festive
miniature lights.
Save your
precious holiday time for shopping or visiting with friends
and leave the lights to Leisure.
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