Archive for the 'Home and Garden' Category
July 22nd, 2009 -- Posted in Home and Garden |
Every system has it’s pros and cons and you are the one that must decide which is better for you and your family. I elected to work with the 12 volt system simply because I am not a licensed electrician. In order to meet code for your community, you will most likely need a licensed electrician to install the system if you choose the 120-volt system.
Since I like to do things myself, I only looked at the money end of the application and decided the 12-volt system was designed for me. One of my common sayings is, ‘I’ll take dumb luck over skill (or in this case, knowledge) any day of the week. As it turned out, I made the right decision to use the 12-volt system over the 120-volt system or line system. If I would have done my due diligence, I would have discovered there are many reasons why I should have chosen the low voltage system, 12-volt system, over the line voltage system, 120-volt system.
To capsulize some of the advantageous of low voltage lighting, I discovered the quality of light produced by a low voltage system would always be brighter, sharper and cleaner than any high voltage alternative. The effect will dramatically enhance any outdoor scene. It is more energy efficient than their high voltage counterpart system. That means the operating cost is minimal in comparison to the high voltage system. Low voltage lighting allows for superior system control, from selecting a specific light intensity and position of a single fixture to automating an entire system to correspond to your schedule.
Here are a few reasons why the low voltage system is a better choice for your application:
Low voltage, 12-volt, landscape lighting is safer to operate than the traditional line voltage, 120-volt, system. Feel at ease knowing your 12-volt lighting system poses no risk of accidental electrical injury.
Operating expenses for 12-volt lighting systems are much lower than the operating expenses for 120-volt systems. 12-volt systems operating cost are about 1/3 the cost of the 120-volt systems.
Installation cost per fixture on the 12-volt system is pennies on the dollar compared to the 120-volt system.
12-volt lamps, bulbs, give beam-spread control compared to the directional control with the 120-volt lamps. This allows more exact and precise specialized lighting effects to be incorporated into your low-voltage system designs.
With wattages of 75 or less, you now have a choice over 100 (one hundred) 12-volt lamps (bulbs) available for your application. 120-volt systems have 12 (twelve) available for your application. This eliminates problems of fixture and lamp availability along with concerns of limited selection when you choose low-voltage lighting. Which one seems better for you?
12-volt lamps are capable of compact design therefore allowing you to use fixtures that are more appealing. This allows people to see the effect of the light and not the source of the light.
12-volt lamps produce a better quality of light than 120-volt, which results in achieving the effect.
12-volt lamps are available in a wide range of quartz halogen and they are the secret of creating the mood you want for your application.
For more information on landscape-lighting, creating a design that fits your wants, needs and desires, taking you step by step from the beginning to completion of your project, I invite you to download a ‘How To’ book on landscape-lighting.
By: Roger Neumann
Simple Circuit Design: Simple 12 Volt Lamp Dimmer Circuit
This is a simple design schematic for lamp.
Grote Trilliant Mini Flush-Mount LED WhiteLight Work Lamp
The Trilliant Mini Flush-Mount LED WhiteLight Work Lamp.
LED Light Bulbs: For High Intensity and Powerful Lighting
LED light bulbs are considered as the most power efficient and bright lights that suit both your home and office.
Cascade Brilliance Around your House With Landscape Lighting
Many could conceive landscape lighting as an extravegence.
Interior Lighting Plan
Lighting design is the planning of a lighting system to achieve an optimal lighting effect in a given space.
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Technorati Tags: cheap low voltage landscape lighting, landscape lights, malibu landscape lights, outdoor deck lighting
July 21st, 2009 -- Posted in Home and Garden |
Landscape lighting has evolved a long way since people first tried "Malibu" lights with multi - colored lenses. The systems we install today feature brass, bronze and copper materials for durability, a myriad of fixture designs many of which add interest to the garden even when not illuminated and specialized bulbs for long life and specific applications.
Low voltage lighting starts with a "transformer" that converts high voltage household current to "low" 12 volt current which is delivered to light fixtures in the garden via direct burial cable. Consequently, the electrical current in the garden is so safe that neither you nor your dog can be electrocuted even if you chew on the cable when the lights are on.
Most of the systems we install include timers which enable you to choose the times the lights come on and off automatically. Recently, however, we have been installing more and more dual purpose systems in which part of the system is timed and part is switched.
For instance, your yard may include a barbecue and outdoor eating area for which you want specific lighting only when you use it. We have wonderful new low voltage lights that are individually switched and designed to be mounted on the barbecue counter top. We can install overhead switched low voltage lights to illuminate the eating area. We even can design systems that can deliver layers of light to garden areas: tree lights could come on automatically while path lights are switched on manually when you want to walk in the garden. One client who entertains frequently wanted a "
" effect so we designed a three layer switched system in which he could add layer upon layer of light as he activated the switches.
Systems can be split for other reasons. At my own home, for instance, I want to fly an American Flag off the garage but, being forgetful, the flag spent too much time not flying or too many nights not stowed. Since it is legal to fly the flag 24 hours if it is illuminated at night, I set up a one spot light system that shines on the Flag beginning at dusk and ending at dawn while my garden lights turn off when I do at about 10 PM.
On the other hand, security might be an issue for you and landscape lighting can keep vulnerable areas of your property illuminated all night for less cost than high voltage lights.
The most important aspect of landscape lighting is the dimension of beauty it brings to your home at night. Trees can be lit up from below to show there structure or the areas beneath trees can be bathed with a moonlit effect from above. Individual plants, garden ornaments, architectural features on your house can be highlighted. Steps can be lit for safety, pathways for navigation. Shadows can be created on walls, or shadowy areas illuminated.
The light fixtures themselves can add interest. Choice will depend on individual taste. I personally prefer path lights with glass globes that cast ambient light in an area. Others prefer path lights that cast pools of light beneath them to highlight the textures of stone, gravel or plants. Styles can range from traditional to craftsman to contemporary. Finishes include verde, brass, bronze, copper, gun metal, rusty and more.
Whatever requirements you have, we can design and install low voltage lighting systems that will…. well….light up your garden life.
By: Lew Whitney -
Low Voltage Landscape Lighting | Home and Gardening
As low voltage landscape lighting technology has evolved over the years, it has come to enjoy a position of prominence in many aspects of outdoor lighting.
How to Use Outdoor Lighting to Add Drama to Your Landscape
Does your landscaping need more drama?
Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
Low voltage lighting is also much safer for homes with children and pets.
Is conduit pipes needed for low voltage landscape lighting in NYC?
Does anyone know if NYC code requires conduit pipes for low voltage wiring around an outdoor garden area?
Home Remedies: Benefits of Low Voltage Landscape Lights
Low voltage landscape lights are more popular these days as many people would like to extend the use of their yards.
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Technorati Tags: low voltage lighting fixtures, malibu landscape lights, outdoor patio lighting, outdoor string lighting, polished brass outdoor lighting
July 20th, 2009 -- Posted in Home and Garden |

With the evolution of lighting technology, outdoor lighting has seen its share of breakthroughs. Outdoor lighting is as important as indoor lighting. Lighting up the spaces immediately outside or surrounding our living areas is extremely vital for visual orientation, safety while navigating, and security, as well as for balancing out the indoor ambience. The outdoor milieu prepares and provides a preview to the life and living style within the four walls. Outdoor lighting is equally important in reflecting the external persona of a structure and its surrounding area. It sets a particular mood and provides a visual treat.
Outdoor lighting presents enormous scope for experimentation. It’s a virgin canvas waiting to be colored by unique lighting approaches, ideas and techniques. Outdoor lighting spaces comprise the areas surrounding the structure, pathways, swimming pools or fountains, landscape surrounding the structure, patios, balconies, decks, porches, etc.
There are a variety of options on the market, including low-voltage lighting, flood lights, tree lights, post lights, lanterns, string bulbs for festive occasions, recessed lighting, scoops, pagoda-style louvered faced lights which granite finish that easily blend without door environs, and even solar lights devoid of wires and operating on NiCad batteries.
Various techniques of lighting can be used in outdoor lighting. Low Voltage Spotlights , which focuses light on architectural features, may be positioned to minimize glare and focus fully on the focal point. Silhouetting is placing the light sources behind the object to bring out the shape of the object rather than the exact color and texture. Key light or shadowing requires placing the light source directly in front of the object of interest to create a light and shadow effect. Moonlighting requires a fixture to be placed on the trees and aiming it down to provide a natural peaceful moonlit effect. Deck lighting, grazing (light focuses on the object at a sharp angle) and washing the surface (light focuses on objects at a wider or blunt angle), step lighting, walkway lighting, pond and fountain lighting, and sign lighting are some of the various techniques used for outdoor lighting.
In outdoor lighting, a basic thing that has to be kept in mind is that the lighting fixtures are exposed to all the elements outside. In case of lighting water features, the light source is sometimes from the inside to create a magical glittering and rippling effect. Therefore, appropriate lighting fixtures and lights should be chosen. Self-lighting kits of low voltage are also available for those who wish to try out their creative lighting talents.
By: Ken Marlborough
Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
Traditionally, standard landscape lights were made from tungsten filament lamps.
California Title 24 Outdoor Lighting Energy
California has been the leader of energy conversation in recent years with their energy crisis.
Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
As low voltage landscape lighting technology has evolved over the years, it has come to enjoy a position of prominence in many aspects of outdoor lighting.
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Technorati Tags: cable lighting fixtures, decorative lighting, outdoor lighting fixtures posts, outdoor porch lighting
July 17th, 2009 -- Posted in Home and Garden |
A patio can be just like another room in your house. Effective patio design can mean that your increase the floor space of your home, by adding an outside room that allows you to entertain like never before. A patio can just be a rectangular slab of concrete with some plastic chairs and griller, but it can also be so much more.
What comes to mind when you think of a patio?
Patio design gives you the opportunity to create an outside living area - an extension of your home - for entertaining and relaxing all year round. For instance, people who like to entertain may want to consider a patio with an undercover kitchen and dining area. By adding a barbecue grill, a built in fridge and some quality outdoor furniture, the patio can, in itself, become a feature of your home.


When commencing a new patio design, it is important to remember that your new outdoor entertaining area does not need to be expensive. There are a variety of different patio surfaces to fit a particular style or budget, including concrete pavers, natural clay stones and bricks. There is no need to stick to one type of paving or surface - experiment. Pebbles, gravels, bricks and tiles, can all be incorporated. A contrasting brick edge can also be effective. Similarly, patio shades need not be extensive, just enough to cover the main cooking and eating areas; after all, why block out the view of your gorgeous garden in the midday sun or the stars in the sky on a clear night.
Consider textures, colors, and materials before starting
One of the most important considerations of patio design is landscaping. Plants help to soften the hard surface of a patio floor by providing color, texture and fragrance and they set the mood for an outdoor living space. Further, you might also like to consider the use of a water feature and some soft low voltage lighting or candles, to create a stunning patio setting for night time entertaining.
Finally, selecting the right furniture is the key to the perfect patio design. There is no need to spend thousands of dollars on the right setting; more importantly you want to select items that are durable, basic in color and rich in style and sophistication. Consider resin coated wicker or rattan pieces that can be dressed up with different cushions and throw rugs. These items can be changed regularly to cater for a themed party or more simply, to match the changes in your flourishing flower beds.
A patio design can be as elaborate or as straightforward as you want it to be. Patios can be arranged in any shape and size and can be refreshed regularly just like the interior of your home. Outdoor entertaining is an increasing pastime - enjoy it with family and friends!
Author: Nicholas Webb
Low-voltage Outdoor Lighting « Luxury Housing Trends
Installing low-voltage lighting around your home is a safe do-it-yourself project, because these lights usually require 12 volts of power instead of 120 volts.
Low Voltage Landscape Lighting | Organic Gardening Tips
As low voltage landscape lighting technology has evolved over the years, it has come to enjoy a position of prominence in many aspects of outdoor lighting.
Gardening Paradise: Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting
It is quite easy to assemble and install your own low voltage outdoor lighting system, without having to use the services of a professional electrician.
Gretchen’s 1961 GE low voltage lighting system
Gretchen’s home is a “half Jetsons, half Flintstones” Eichler design that is really wonderful.
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Technorati Tags: low voltage landscape lights, outdoor deck lighting, outdoor decorative lighting, outdoor low voltage lighting, solar powered outdoor lighting
July 16th, 2009 -- Posted in Home and Garden |

Solar lights have been around for a several years and have greatly improved. They now come in various sizes, colors, materials and lighting types. Picking the right solar lights only requires a little advanced planning. Solar lights can easily be installed anywhere and require no electrical wiring. Solar lights only require direct sunlight to give you many hours of lighting pleasure.
Some ways to use solar lights are:
1 Solar pathway lights. Use this type of solar light to light up a pathway to your outdoor hot tub, flower garden, gazebo or even use as driveway markers.

2 Solar landscape lights. Use this type of solar light to enhance facets of your landscape. Use sets of solar landscape lights anywhere to accentuate whatever you want to bring out.
3 Solar spotlights. Use this type of solar light to show off a special tree, shrub or flower garden or just light up your house numbers. Many types of these solar lights are available to do just that.
4 Solar stepping-stones. Add a solar stepping stone light as part of your pathway. This type of solar light can complement solar pathway lights. Solar stepping-stones come in 12-14 inch square or round shapes and have a small light that lights up at night. What a marvelous way to accentuate your pathways.
5 Solar rocks. Use this type of solar light when spot lighting is needed or as a compliment to a rock garden. Solar rocks lights are lights in the shape of rocks with a solar light in them. Solar rock lights are natural looking and add a subtle and practical touch to your yard. They can be intermingled within your rock garden to light up your ponds or pathways or whatever you’d like to light up.
6 Solar security lights. Add this type of solar light where lighting is needed and accessibility to electricity is limited. Solar security lights come in a variety of styles ranging from all night-lights to motion detector lights. When extra security is needed, there are models that can be hard-wired to use electrical power when they sense battery power is low.
7 Solar frog lights. Use this type of solar light when you want to add a little novelty to your back yard. These solar lights come in a variety of frog shapes and can be either spot lights or glow in the dark lights. Image what your guest will say when they see these!
8 Solar dog lights. Use this type of solar light when you want to show your passion for dogs. Just like solar frog lights, solar lights come in dog figures holding a solar lantern. These types of lights can be put almost anywhere. What a great conversation piece these would be. A true addition for the dog aficionado.
9 Solar Gnome lights. Use this type of solar light to compliment other gnomes figures you may have in your yard. Gnome figures have become increasingly popular. Solar gnome lights are available as spotlights and with the gnome holding a lantern. Line your garden path with these whimsical solar gnomes lights.
10 Specialty solar lights. There are many of types of solar lights and you can find solar lighting in the form of owls, squirrels, angels, fairies, turtles and many other shapes.

As you can see, there are solar lights for practically any application. All you need is a sunny area to place them in. Solar lights run on rechargeable batteries and they need to recharge during the light of day. Solar lights are relatively in expensive so they afford you the opportunity to experiment.
By: jsales
Article Ezine Directory » Solar Light: Why TheFlying Rush This Now?
Have you thought about lately why Solar lights are one of the growing trends in outdoor and indoor lighting?
Free Solar LED Christmas Lights for Earth Day
If you’re looking to light up your garden in an eco-friendly manner, solar LED
Exterior Home Lighting
At days end, coming home to your illuminated garden is a welcoming treat. Illumination lends a radiant glow that can be enjoyed anytime of the day.
Various sources of energy conservation :: DIY Views
In this article we will talk about various sources of energy and how you can save energy.
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Technorati Tags: cheap low voltage landscape lighting, energy conservation, low voltage deck lighting, outdoor solar lighting, solar garden lighting, solar landscape lighting
July 15th, 2009 -- Posted in Home and Garden |
Creative outdoor lighting can transform a boring backyard or patio into a private, nighttime oasis. Wall sconces, deck lights and deck step lights provide the perfect illumination for quiet evening conversations or midnight stargazing. The soft glow and stylish designs can make your deck a favorite place to relax and enjoy warm summer breezes.
Landscape lighting is growing in popularity and has become very affordable. In this article, we’ve got some great tips about installing and placing landscape lighting to enhance the beauty of your home.

When choosing the fixtures and accessories for your outdoor lighting, get the highest quality equipment and materials that your budget will allow. The fixtures will last longer and offer more options. However, don’t be afraid to use beautiful ornate pieces that suit your style.

Always conceal the light sources when garden lighting, either with a glare guard or by tucking them behind shrubs, large branches, walls or rocks. Ideally, you will be unable to see where the exterior lights originate. Outdoor chandeliers can be stunning on a patio or deck. You can also use wrought iron chandeliers or glass chandeliers on a covered patio.
Correct positioning is essential for an effective lighting out-of-doors. When planning, be sure to consider the impact the brightness may have on the neighbors. If you’re a stargazer, then select light fixtures designed to direct light and minimize light pollution. When arranging your outdoor lights, it’s best to avoid installing them in the undergrowth of low shrubs or tall grasses unless you want to create a silhouetted effect.
Usually, the beam of light should be unobstructed from the fixture to the focal point so there are no distracting spots of reflected light. For maximum effect, keep your lawn mowed, trim shrubs and bushes, and remove dead tree limbs.
Light the walkway to your front door and add up lighting aimed at trees to make the front of your home more interesting. Down lighting is the same idea only the fixture is up high and shines down.
This highlights flower beds, paths or steps. Spotlighting creates a focal point by illuminating an object, like a fountain. One of the most dramatic techniques you can use is back lighting. By placing the light behind a subject it will appear in silhouette. This can be an extremely effective technique with dramatically shaped trees, shrubs or garden ornaments.
Installing outdoor ones can be dangerous so if you don’t have the knowledge to work with electricity safely, then get an electrician to do the work. Solar lights are a popular choice because they are easy to install, require no wiring and won’t increase your use of electricity since sunlight charges a solar panel that powers the lights at night.
Shop around since solar ones can often be found on sale and at discount stores. If your landscape lighting is complicated or expansive, then consider hiring a landscaper or professional designer to help.
The downside to outdoor lights is that they often attract bugs. To maintain the attractiveness of your fixtures, clean away ugly cobwebs and dead insects. That’s a small price to pay for the beauty of good outdoor lighting. What is comes down to is choosing practical, stylish fixtures, bulbs that glow softly but still emit enough light, and the correct placement of the lights to maximize their effectiveness.
Since outdoor lights should be an extension of your style and taste, use decorative pieces like outdoor chandeliers, iron chandeliers and even contemporary chandeliers made out of sturdy materials that are weather resistant. You’ll love the beauty that outdoor illumination can add to your home.
By: Michael Selvon
Best Tips for Residential Outdoor Lighting
Residential outdoor lighting adds not just beauty but security to your home.
Style Your Outdoors with Low Voltage Decorative Lights
Do not just settle for bare light bulbs to illuminate your outdoors.
Lynnewood Gardens Two Light Outdoor
Outdoor lighting is just as important as indoor lighting.
Low Voltage Landscape Lighting | Home and Gardening
As low voltage landscape lighting technology has evolved over the years.
Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting - Safe and Cost-Efficient
Low voltage outdoor lighting is a secure, affordable and easy way to implement an outdoor lighting option.
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Technorati Tags: cable lighting kits, low voltage emergency lighting, low voltage landscape lighting, low voltage outdoor lighting
July 13th, 2009 -- Posted in Home and Garden |
lowvolagecabellighting.net is dedicated to providing quality information on the subject of Low Voltage Cabel Lighting and in particular, on product low voltage light systems.
Here you will find helpful reviews, informative information and tips and much more. This site is in the format of a ‘weblog’ so that each time I post new information, it will come to the top of the front page. This means that you can check back here frequently to see new updates to the information found here.
You can navigate through the site by using the menus on the sides of the page. Also don’t hesitate to follow the links you see in bold throughout each post to learn more about the product being spoken about.
I hope you find the information I provide valuable and helpful.
All the best,
Kathy O.
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July 13th, 2009 -- Posted in Home and Garden |
If you have any questions regarding the content in this website, about the products that are mentioned, or just any questions at all don’t hesitate to contact me at the following address. I’d also love to hear any feedback on the site if you’ve found it helpful or have some ideas about how I can improve the site in some way.
Please contact me at kao1965@gmail.com!
I will reply to all messages as soon as possible.
Kathy O.
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July 13th, 2009 -- Posted in Home and Garden |
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