The best thing about an outdoor landscape lighting system is that it not only enhances the safety and security of a property, but it also adds curb appeal. The second best thing is that they can be changed and adapted to suit the landscape’s changing needs or requirements. Before going out to buy more outdoor light fixtures and integrating them into the system, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
This week’s blog will explore how to add lights to an already existing outdoor landscape lighting system and share tips that will elevate the whole lighting system to a whole new level of radiance.
Are Additional Lights Necessary?
Before going out to purchase new outdoor light fixtures and other accessories to add onto the existing lighting system, stop to answer the question if more lights are needed.
- Check to see if replacements or repairs need to be made. This could help improve dimmed lights or dark spots.
- Adjust positioning of the current light fixtures to see if a new angle can provide better illumination.
- See if upgrading to LED bulbs would improve brightness and visibility.
Sometimes adding more lights is necessary because:
- The landscape and its design have changed. A new landscape means new lighting options to better highlight its features.
- The purpose of the space has changed. Adding more outdoor lighting can make the outdoor space more functional.
- There are areas that aren’t properly illuminated, which can be dangerous for people traversing through the space at night.
Guide to Adding Lights
Adding lights to an existing outdoor landscape lighting system takes time and careful planning. Below are some guidelines to make the process smoother and the result is a stunning outdoor space.
- Know the Purpose of the Space: The purpose of the outdoor space determines how to properly light the area. If it’s for entertaining, opt for lights that can be inviting instead of harsher, cooler colored light that is better suited for a task oriented space.
- Create a plan: Having a plan for the additional lighting allows for a better understanding of how to light up the space using the appropriate kind of lights. For example, up lights are the appropriate lighting fixtures to use to highlight a tall feature like a tree or statue.
- Transformer Size: A transformer is an essential part of an outdoor landscape low-voltage lighting system. To avoid overworking the transformer, determine its capacity. It’s best to keep a transformer’s load at 80% of its maximum capacity. If adding lights means increasing the transformer’s load above 80%, consider upgrading to a larger transformer or adding another. Overworked transformers can lead to overheating or frequent resets.
- Gather the Light Fixtures: Getting the right outdoor light fixtureswill be easier once the space’s purpose and desired aesthetics are determined. Keep in mind other factors for outdoor light fixtures such as color temperature of the light, which can affect the space’s atmosphere, and that fixtures are outdoor rated.
- Install Correctly: Follow manufacturer instructions to install the outdoor lights safely and effectively.
Transform Outdoor Spaces with LightCh8in
Adding light fixtures to an existing outdoor landscape lighting system is possible. Planning ahead is essential to making it work. There are many considerations to take into account such as the purpose of the outdoor space, the capacity of the transformer, and what lights are to be added. Once these considerations are addressed, the result is a greatly improved outdoor landscape lighting system.
Get all the necessities for outdoor landscape lighting systems at LightCh8in. Register or log into an account now to explore our extensive inventory. From outdoor landscape lighting fixtures, light bulbs, direct burial cable, and more, find them all at LightCh8in and brilliantly light up any outdoor space.