Why should I use professional quality equipment over the cheaper home store versions?
	Professional quality fixtures and equipment offer better construction, construction materials like copper and stainless steel, and are often accompanied by extensive manufacturers warranties. Also, there is a wider variety of professional quality equipment on the market. This allows a designer to choose specific fixtures with the specific functions that will best serve the particular landscape in question. Professional quality fixtures in short present you with more lighting options for any home and/or property.

	Can I install a system on my own?
	Using a professional designer and installer is highly recommended when using professional quality equipment. This is the case because these designers and installers have an understanding of different techniques, lighting fixtures, lamps or bulbs, that the average homeowner does not possess. This knowledge not only further insures an aesthetically pleasing lighting system, but a safe and functional system as well.

	What are some examples of knowledge the professional has that may not be apparent to the do it yourself installer?
	There are concerns regarding voltage drop and maintaining the same voltage and resulting light intensity at all fixture locations. There are also specific lighting techniques like grazing or backlighting that may prove to be perfect for a particular application, that the do-it-yourselfer may not be aware of. Designing cable runs, specifying specific lamps, color temperatures and beam spreads, and using and installing specific control options are also examples.

	What kind of control options are available to me?
	There are remote options, dusk to dawn operation using light sensing photocells, timers, and more available through the use of professional equipment and a professional installer.

	Besides fixtures, what kind of equipment is necessary?
	The heart of any low voltage lighting system is the transformer. The transformer is a necessary component that reduces the 120 volt current from your home into the 12 volt current necessary to operate the lighting system.

	What are the costs of a professional lighting system?
	Costs depend on the number of fixtures specified, the size of the property in question, the purpose of the system and so on. You can be sure that the cost of a professional system will exceed the cost of a home store kit. However, this initial expense is offset by the extended life and added enjoyment available from a professional system that creates more appealing and diverse lighting effects. When compared to line voltage alternatives, low voltage is far more economical with regard to operating expense and per fixture costs.

	What are the main benefits of a lighting system?
	The most apparent benefit is the added beauty a low voltage lighting system brings to the landscape. However, equally important are the simultaneous benefits of added home safety, security and value. Plus, by adding light you extend the usable hours of your property and in turn have further opportunities to use and enjoy the outdoor areas of your home.