How to Calculate Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting showcases various elements in a garden. The trick is to make the lighting look natural while enhancing water features, illuminating paths and accentuating architectural features. There are many types of landscape lighting available to the consumer, including flood lighting, LED low-energy lighting and solar lighting. Planning what type of lighting you want to use, determining how much wiring and fixtures you'll need and having all the materials needed to complete the project on hand will save you time running back and forth to the hardware store. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Make a sketch of all areas to be lighted. Include landscape features, architectural elements, paths, doorways, garden statues and waterfalls. Don't forget areas where security lighting is necessary.
-
2
Designate areas in the landscape that need visual effects or lighting for safety. Mark these on the sketch with the type of lighting needed. Include lighting for pathways, especially ones that are difficult to navigate in the dark, and security lighting for doors and other areas.
-
-
3
Measure the entire area to be lighted. Note this on the sketch. Measure between lights and landscape features. This information is necessary when planning the wiring.
-
4
Write down the specific measurements for row lighting along pathways and perimeter areas. Determine the distances between fixtures. For a 10-foot walkway with lights spaced 3 feet apart, three light fixtures will be needed.
-
5
Mark each fixture location on the sketch. Include the distances between similar lighting.
-
6
Count the number of fixtures on the sketch. Transfer the specific numbers and types of lighting to a note pad. List all of the row lighting fixtures, floodlights, accent lights and lampposts. This will make shopping for the items simpler and ensure that nothing is left out.
-
7
Calculate and note the distances between lights and the total row distances. Add 10 percent to the total. It is better to get a little extra wiring in case a light needs to be moved or the measurement doesn't work in the landscape area.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure to light both ends of a walkway. Curved walkways should have the lighting placed on the outside of the curve. Lighting that is functional is not usually designed for aesthetics and should be placed so the fixture is not exposed; just so the light shines on the desired location.
Before starting a big landscape lighting project, get an electrician's opinion on whether the present electrical setup has enough power for the lighting desired.
Choose low-voltage lighting outdoor lighting that produces less heat and reduces the risk of fire, according to Outdoorlightingdecor.
