8 STEPS TO GET YOUR LIGHTING RIGHT
The best outdoor lighting plans expand your living environment, heighten curb appeal, and add safety to your outdoor space. We recommend taking a smart and measured approach to ensure your lighting design is pure perfection:
1
Assess your home’s exterior and select the areas you want to illuminate.
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Select your fixtures and accessories based on installation requirements and landscaping needs.
2
Choose decorative fixtures that complement your home’s architecture and landscaping elements.
6
Consider the appropriate lamping based on light intensity and beam spread.
HOW TO SELECT A TRANSFORMER
WHEN CALCULATING YOUR LANDSCAPE LIGHTING BUDGET, consider the full scope of the project even if you are planning to do it in phases. In most cases, it’s wise to invest in a larger transformer than you’ll initially need, so you can add more light sources as your landscape matures, water or architectural features are added in, or your outdoor living areas expand. We recommend allowing for an extra 20% capacity to accommodate these kinds of additions down the road. To the right is a quick and easy guide to calculating the size of transformer required to power your home’s landscape lighting plan.
UNDER CONTROL
3
Choose from a variety of distinctive lighting techniques.
(See our guide to LANDSCAPE LIGHTING TECHNIQUES for more information)
7
Select the proper transformer to provide the correct power supply .
LEARN MORE BELOW
IDENTIFY THE WATTAGE (OR VA FOR LED) OF EACH OF THE FIXTURES IN YOUR LIGHTING PLAN
4
Research energyefficient LED fixture options for longterm savings.
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Choose controls to turn the lights on and off, adding an additional maintenance-free amenity
CALCULATE THE TOTAL WATTAGE/VA
CALCULATE APPROXIMATELY 20% FOR FUTURE GROWTH
SELECT THE PROPER TRANSFORMER TO MEET YOUR TOTAL POWER NEED
Consider utilizing a dimmer or a smart home control system with your landscape lighting systems. The Hinkley Smart Control + Dimmer helps to reduce power usage and allows you to create different moods throughout the day by setting timing and brightness preferences.
WATCH YOUR STEP
REDUCE POTENTIAL DANGER AROUND ENTRYWAYS AND OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES BY ADDING LED STEP LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE MULTI-LEVEL DECKS, ENTRY STEPS, PATIOS, AND WHEELCHAIR RAMPS.