Mini Christmas lights

These use 1.5 or 2.5 volt bulbs and are inexpensive to buy and power.  Xmas Mini lights are available in 50, 100, 150 and 200 light strings. Be ware that constant maintenance is needed for this type of light..

Christmas Rope lights

Rope lights are ideal for trimming windows, doors and railings or outlining an entire building.

Xmas rope lights are small lights enclosed within a rope of transparent plastic tubing that is generally sold by the yard or metre – a 10 yard or metre roll is the most popular size.

You can choose between so-called steady ropes or chasing ropes. With a steady rope the lights glow at a constant rate, whereas chasing ropes have lights that ‘chase’ each other along the rope and lights that blink to pre-set patterns.

Xmas Icicle lights

Icicle lights are meant to replicate the look of icicles hanging from the eaves or troughs. These lights come in a strand of 100 or 150 lights, usually in clear, white or pale blue bulbs. Most Christmas icicle lights have blinking capabilities to create the illusion that the icicles are melting.

You can hang these lights from a variety of places - the eaves, trough gutters, railings or fences.

Xmas Spotlights

Spotlights are normally used to highlight decorations or features such as trees, shrubs and parts of your house and can provide interesting contrast to other decorations and the night landscape. Spotlights can be white or colored - the most popular colours are green, red and blue. Strategically placed spotlights.

Energy Efficient LED Christmas Lights

LED lights are more efficient in most application. With Xmas lighting, you can save 60 to 80% of the electricity consumption of traditional incandescent lights. This reduction in energy consumption generates useful cost savings.

In addition LEDs have a long bulb life and can last up to 50,000 hours (which means they should last longer than you will!). Another benefit is that if one of the bulbs on an LED string burns out, the others will remain lit.

Other Decorations

Illuminated Santas and reindeer are also popular for lawns, or around the front porch.

Installation Options

You can choose to pay an installer to handle the task chore of setting up and hanging the lights on your house and around the garden. You can have other decorations installed, such as icicles that hang from gutters or eaves.

Installation Costs

Costs items to include in your budget are:

• buying or renting the lights,
• installing and removing them,
• maintenance — replacing bulbs or strands of lights that burn out

Factors that define the costs include:

• what the types of lights are used
• how much wiring is needed
• whether additional decorations are included
• if decorations are installed in hard-to-reach places in which case roofers or mechanical lifts may be needed
• using a large number of lights, so electricians have to boost your power supply

Cost for Basic Displays

A basic display would include lights for the front roof and some landscaping decked in traditional incandescent lights and would start at around $500.

Cost for Large Dislays

Large, elaborate setups can cost up to $20,000!

Costs are based on the types of lights used, how much wiring is needed and whether additional decorations are included. The bill can be pushed higher if roofers or mechanical lifts are used to put decorations in those hard-to-reach places or electricians have to boost the power supply.

See http://www.ikea.com/aa/en/search/?query=solar+lights

All the lights work on the same principle — they use LEDs and store solar power in replaceable and rechargeable batteries, so they’re simple to install and no external wiring is required, just place them on the ground and let them soak up the energy.

The LEDs consume 70% less energy and last up to 4 times as long as regular bulbs. They’re small and light enough that you can take them with you on camping trips, or even use them indoors.

Prices are reasonable as all Ikea products are and start at $9.95 for a single bollard light.

There are currently 2 main vendors in the tape lighting business - Elite with a product called FlatLite® and Electro-LuminX Lighting Corp with their product Light Tape®.

Both products are similar.

• The marketing for E-Lite uses a trademark phrase “The world’s widest, thinnest, longest light bulb.”
• With Light Tape® their marketing claims it is “the thinnest, brightest, lightest, longest, flexible and most durable flat electroluminescent lamp in the world.”

Benefits of Tape Lighting

Safety - Tape Lighting is a flat, flexible, electroluminescent, plastic strip that does not generate heat and meets UL safety requirements. The lamp does not contain pollutants such as gasses, filaments, mercury or glass.

Brightness - Modern electroluminescent lamps are 2 – 3 times brighter than older technologies and can be seen for miles.

Long Life - Tape lighting is simple and robust and lasts for years with minimal maintenance.

Energy Efficient - Tape lighting is a very energy efficient form of lighting. For example a 1 inch, 100 feet long Tape Light consumes less power than a 30 watt light bulb.

Simple Installation - Simply install with double sided tape or Velcro for indoor applications or insert in a plastic extrusion for outdoor use. Tape lighting is flexible enough to wrap around corners and uneven surfaces. In addition, long light runs can be installed with a single power supply using only 1 connection for runs up to 300 feet long (91 m).

Low Maintenance - Tape lighting does not contain any bulbs to burn out, or break and therefore will not fail all at once.

The relevant codes are ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2010. The 2010 version has the objective of producing buildings that are 30% more efficient than those designed according to the 2004 version of these standards.

For exterior lighting controls, the updates include these rules:

• Exterior lighting must be automatically turned off when there is sufficient daylight

• The facade and landscape lighting of commercial buildings must be shut off between the later of midnight, or business closing and the earlier of 6am, or business opening.

• All lighting that is not for the building facade or landscape lighting must have the lighting power automatically reduced by at least 30%  between the later of midnight or one hour after business closing and the earlier of 6am or business opening or after no longer than 15 minutes of inactivity.

It is now more difficult to obtain exceptions from codes such ASHRAE 90.1 LPD so more alteration projects will have to meet at least some of the requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2010.

The 2010 code only grants exception for alterations that involve less than 10% of the connected lighting load. Any alterations of more than 10% of the lighting load must now comply with LPD and automatic lighting shut-off requirements on 90.1-2010.

The ENERGY STAR is awarded to select fixture types that meet strict efficiency, quality, and lifetime criteria.

Because LEDs lights are relatively new, there are not many that are Energy Star approved yet.

However LED lighting is an intrinsically efficient lighting technology that is rapidly evolving and improving. LEDs produce light in a new way and many LED lights are already rated higher for quality and efficiency compared with existing lighting technologies, such as fluorescent and incandescent lights.

ENERGY STAR Qualified LED Lighting:

• Reduces energy costs — uses at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting, saving on operating expenses.
• Reduces maintenance costs — an LED lamp lasts 35 to 50 times longer than incandescent lighting and between 2 to 5 times longer than fluorescent lighting.
• LED lamps reduce cooling costs because they produce very little heat.
• Comes with a minimum three-year warranty — far beyond the prevailing industry standard.

Overall Energy Star qualified products are becoming the standard on which a number of energy efficient “Green” standards are built. Energy Star qualified lighting is required for inclusion in Energy Star Homes and to meet National Green Building Standards.

These standards continue to mature and will continue to increase the demand for Energy Star qualified lighting, especially as energy costs continue to increase.

What Does Energy Star Qualified Mean On A LED (Solid State Lighting) Fixture?

The Energy Star logo is one of the most recognizable symbols of quality and performance. Energy Star qualification of LED lighting means the following key features and measurements

General Requirements

To qualify for ENERGY STAR, LED lighting products must pass a variety of tests to prove that the products will display the following characteristics:

• Brightness is equal to or greater than existing lighting technologies i.e. incandescent or fluorescent and the light is well distributed over the area lighted by the fixture.
• Light output remains constant over time, only decreasing towards the end of the rated lifetime (at least 25,000 hours for residential indoor and 35,000 hours for commercial lighting or 12 years based on use of 8 hours per day).
• Excellent color quality. The shade of white light appears clear and consistent over time.
• Efficiency is as good as or better than fluorescent lighting.
• Light comes on instantly when turned on.
• No flicker when dimmed.
• No off-state power draw. The fixture does not use power when it is turned off, with the exception of external controls, whose power should not exceed 0.5 watts in the off state.
• In addition to the tolerance, maximum temperature variances over its lifespan and viewing angle are defined.
• Color Rendering Index – (CRI) shall be a minimum of 75.

Downloads:

Excel list of Energy_Star_Approved_Residential_Fixtures_List_Aug11.xls

PDF list of Energy_Star_Approved_Residential_Fixtures_List_Aug11.pdf

Their outdoor lighting range encompasses a wide variety of lighting types, including path/spread lights, accent and spotlights, plus deck and walkway lights. Kichler say their lighting fixtures “are designed to bring professional interior design principles to the exterior of your home with the high quality fit and finish”.

.

Like most manufacturers they are now embracing low voltage i.e. 12V and LED lights, because of the power efficiency they offer, plus they are easier and cheaper to install and maintain.

LED lamps also deliver a quality of light that many people prefer. It is a warm yet bright, white light that enhances the landscape and exterior surroundings.

One of the major benefits of LED lights is that you do not have to replace light bulbs often at all, because LED lights last so long - typically 40,000-50,000 hours, so the requirement for light bulb replacement is virtually eliminated.

.

Kichler offer their Design Pro LED lamps which offer electricity savings of nearly 75% over traditional lighting options, so they use only 25% of the electricity used on a traditional landscape lighting system.

Kichler can be contacted at:

7711 East Pleasant Valley Road
P.O. Box 318010
Cleveland, Ohio 44131-8010
U.S.A.

Call - 866-558-5706 - 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM EST, Monday - Friday

www.kichler.com

• Which lighting arrangement provides the best security?
• What is the most cost effective system, taking into account both installation and running costs?
• Which is the most visually appealing design that will enhance the appeal of your property?

One of the most common errors with outdoor security lighting is the overuse of floodlights. The assumption with floodlights is that because they are bright they are the safest. However they can actually create safety and security problems and are centainly not energy efficient (i.e. they are not cost effective to run).

The problem when you have a floodlight shining toward your house and you look outside is that all you can see is the glare from the floodlight. This can actually protect intruders from detection.

In addition, floodlights generally illuminate both the area where they are directed and adjacent areas, which can result in annoyed neighbors who have to endure the unwanted glare of a neighbor’s lights.

In terms of visual appeal, floodlighting does nothing for the aesthetics of a home (unless you are seeking the “prison camp” look!), because their intense light means the detail, color and texture of the home and yard is lost.

We recommend selecting outdoor lighting systems with:

1. A series of energy-efficient, low-wattage lights strategically placed around the property, preferably with lights positioned on the ground, provinf background lighting and illuminating distinctive features, which creates an aesthetically pleasing effect, and
2. For security, strategically placed floodlights combined with motion detectors. These floodlights are normally switched off, but are triggered by movement.

With this approach, the energy-efficient lighting provides visual appeal and contributes to safety, by providing sufficient light for navigating sidewalks and steps and enable you to walk safely without light spilling over into your neighbor’s yard.

The background lighting is supplemented by the motion detector switched floodlights that are normally off except when turned on by movement.

Fiber optic landscape lights provide a very different approach to landscape lighting compared with traditional outdoor lights, such as low voltage lights or solar landscape lights.

As the “fiber optic” name suggests, light itself travels down the cables rather than electricity. The benefits include:

• Electrical safety - these lights are ideal for pools, spas and water features because there is no electricity reaching the light fixtures and so no danger of shock.

• The light source can be installed in an indoor environment protected from the weather.

Fiber optic lights are also excellent for changing and colored light effects, because there is only one light source to control. The light from this source is then routed to a number of lights (and potentially this can be a large number of lights).

For really spectactular effects, you can use multiple light sources supplying a range of lights with shifting colors and effects.

Fiber Optic Landscape Light Fixtures

The light fixtures themselves can be very simple - in some cases they are just a simple acrylic stick as shown.

They can also be at the opposit eend of the spectrum and complex or intricate.

Some creative fixtures include paver lights, which can add an elegant touch to any landscape lighting plan. Paver lights can be used in path design, walkways, decks and to illuminate walls. Most paver lights accept 25 strand fiber optic cable and are constructed of a poly carbonate top with an ABS base.

Design and Installation Considerations

Fiber optic landscape lighting offers unique flexibility compared to conventional lighting, but it also has limitations. In particular, fiber optic lights are in general not as bright as conventional electric outdoor lights.

For this reason, areas with a high ambient light level (from other light sources) should be avoided as they tend to “wash out” the color.

On the other hand, a major benefit is that fiber optic lighting can be installed in areas not accessible to conventional lighting.

Fiber Optic Light Cables

As well as fiber optic light fixtures, you can also get fiber optic cables that emit light themselves. These cables ar eoften encased in a water clear PVC jacket for use in water features, underwater lighting for swimming pools, patios, facades, landscaping decks etc (see photo above).

Light is displayed in a so-called lineal fashion. This produces a brilliant light simulating a neon effect. The light emitting cable is flexible, easily installed, UV resistant and can provide vibrant color changes.

Buying Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Which light fixture is “better” or “best” is a difficult question and depends on what you are looking for and of course how much you want to pay.

One thing to remember is that outdoor lights are exposed to the full effects of weather and need to be built for durability. This means that outdoor lighting fixtures may look great in the shop or catalog, but if they aren’t made of quality, weather resistant materials they won’t look good for very long.

So if a light doesn’t look and feel solid, it probably won’t last well. Check what materials it’s made of - look for materials such as stainless steel, bronze, copper, glass and so on.

As an example, you can buy a pack of 4 or 6 solar powered path lights for only 20-30 dollars or so, but the ones I have tried at thaty price point have all broken within a year or so.

Outdoor Lighting Fixture Brands

• Access Lighting
• Alliance
• Ambience
• Artistic Lighting & Designs
• Corbett
• Crystorama
• CSL Lighting
• ELK Lighting
• ELK Outdoor
• ET2
• Fine Art Lamps
• Flos

• Fontana Arte
• Forecast
• George Kovacs
• Hampton Bay
• Hinkley
• Hinkley Outdoor
• House of Troy
• Hudson Valley
• Kichler Lighting
• Kichler Landscape
• Kichler Tiffany Classics
• Kichler Westwood
• Juno Lighting
• Lutron Dimmers
• Maxim Lighting
• Maxim Outdoor
• Metropolitan
• Minka Lavery Lighting
• Minka Energy Star
• Minka Great Outdoors
• Murray Feiss
• Murray Feiss Lamps
• Murray Feiss Outdoor
• Quoizel Lighting
• Savoy House Lighting
• Savoy House Outdoor
• Sea Gull Lighting
• Sea Gull Outdoors
• Sonneman
• Triarch International
• Triarch Outdoor
• Troy Lighting
• Troy Outdoor
• Westinghouse Lighting
• Westinghouse Outdoor
• Zaneen

Outdoor Lighting Fixtures Discounts

Similarly there are many vendors that offer discount outdoor lighting fixtures. As you would expect many merchants will offer lighting fixtures at a discount from time to time. Here are a few.

• Amazon
• Arcadian lighting
• Home Depot
• Lampsplus
• Lamp USA
• Lighting Showplace
• Lighting Universe
• Soho lighting

Two of the most popular fixture types are:

1. Outdoor Lighting Fixtures Wall Mounted
2. Outdoor Lighting Fixtures Posts

The first type is typically used to highlight an aspect of a home or building, whereas the second is popular for path lighting.

Both types are also usually available as low voltage outdoor lights or solar outdoor lights. As we cover in how to install landscape lighting solar lights and low voltage lights are often simpler and cheaper to install.

Mains powered lights are simple to install if you are mounting them on the side of your home and access to mains power is simple. When running power around your property for lights, low voltage is easier than mains to install.

]]> http://www.landscapeoutdoorlighting.com/outdoor-lighting-fixtures/outdoor-lighting-fixtures/feed/ http://www.landscapeoutdoorlighting.com/landscape-lighting/landscape-outdoor-lighting-landscaping-services-company-listing-a-d/ http://www.landscapeoutdoorlighting.com/landscape-lighting/landscape-outdoor-lighting-landscaping-services-company-listing-a-d/#comments Thu, 07 May 2009 02:04:09 +0000 admin http://www.landscapeoutdoorlighting.com/?p=67 Here is a listing of companies from A to D that offer the following products and services:

• Landscape and outdoor lighting products
• Architectural Lighting, Pool Side Lighting, Deck and Patio Lighting fixtures
• Landscaping
• Installation and design services
• Landscape maintenance services