Types of Outdoor
Lighting and Their Uses
Types of Lighting Systems
There are three types of outdoor lighting systems: low
voltage, solar, and conventional. In most cases, the long-term best choice is
low-voltage lighting because it requires less maintenance than the other two
forms, it is safer than conventional, should be less expensive than
conventional, and provides greater flexibility than the other two types.
Conventional Systems
Conventional outdoor landscape lighting may need to fit
municipal codes, with municipal permits and possibly requiring the services of
a professional installer. The reason for these requirements is that
conventional lighting is very dangerous outside unless it is completely and
permanently protected from all water and moisture; this high level of precision
often requires the services of a professional to achieve and includes special
sheathing and other precautions, such as being buried according to local code
requirements. Such burying can be expensive and provides limited flexibility
for changing lighting arrangements.
Solar Systems
Solar lighting does not include dangers from electrocution
but can require significant maintenance and can only be put in places with
significant sunlight every day. The
amount and type of lighting that can be used is also generally very limited
compared to the other two types of lighting.
Low Voltage Systems
Low voltage lighting requires a transformer to convert the
electricity to safe 12 volt DC current. The wiring can be buried close to the
surface or may not even need to be buried at all. No electrician or
professional is required to install it. The owner can experiment and try
different locations or different fixtures to enhance the effects.
Types of Fixtures
Walkway Lighting
Walkway fixtures are generally placed on either side of
sidewalks, driveways, or paths, are attached to the ground with a post of 1’ or
less, and aim the light downward; the diffuser for the light is generally in
the shape of one or more disks.
In-Ground Lighting
The fixtures are flush with the ground and are used to
accent walls, trees, or shrubs.
Spot Lighting
Spot lights are similar to household spot lights. Sometimes they are planted in the ground with
a small post and are used to accent an area similar to in-ground lighting. Sometimes they are attached to a wall or a
tall post for general outdoor lighting for a small area. Some of these fixtures
have two or more cans attached to highlight multiple areas.
Flood Lighting
Flood lights are similar to in-ground and spot lighting but
the bulbs and fixtures are designed to throw a great deal of light over a broad
area for general lighting. Sometimes the
fixtures are planted in the ground on short posts and sometimes they are
attached to a wall.
Entry Lighting
Entry lighting fixtures for doors, garages, or gates are
generally placed high on a wall and provide non-directed, general lighting.
Underwater Lighting
The fixtures are flush with the bottom or side of pools,
fountains, or ponds and, of course, are waterproof.