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| Question: |
What are the
advantages of choosing low-voltage or 12 volt lighting over
traditional line voltage alternatives?
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| Answer: |
The following are a few
examples of the benefits of low-voltage lighting:
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1. |
Low voltage,
12-volt, landscape lighting is safer to operate than
traditional 120-volt light. |
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2. |
12-volt
operating expenses are approximately 1/3 less than 120-volt
lamps. |
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3.
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Per fixture
installation costs are up to 90% less than 120
volt. |
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4.
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12-volt lamps
give beam control rather than omni-direction flare of 120-volt
lamps. |
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5.
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For wattages
of 75 or less, there are over 100 (one hundred) 12-volt lamps
available, compared to 12 (twelve) 120-volt
lamps. |
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6.
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12-volt lamps
are capable of compact design therefore yield more compact
fixtures. |
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7.
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12-volt lamps
produce a better quality of light than
120-volt. |
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8.
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12-volt lamps
are available in a wide range of quartz halogen, not available
to 120-volt. |
| Question: |
Are all
12 volt fixtures and equipment the same with regard to
function and quality?
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| Answer: |
No,
like anything else there are different grades of 12 volt
lighting available. The most readily available are consumer
quality "kit" fixtures found at local home stores. Though
these fixtures have their place in certain landscapes, they
are limited with regard to durability and flexibility when
compared to professional quality equipment. NightscapingŪ has
set the 12 volt standard for quality since
1959. |
| Question: |
Why should I use professional
quality equipment over the cheaper home store
versions?
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| Answer: |
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. |
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| Question: |
Can I install a system on my
own?
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| Answer: |
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. |
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| Question: |
What are some examples of
knowledge the professional has that may not be apparent to the
do it yourself installer?
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| Answer: |
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. |
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| Question: |
What kind of control options
are available to me?
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| Answer: |
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. |
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| Question: |
Besides fixtures what kind of
equipment is necessary?
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| Answer: |
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. |
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| Question: |
What are the costs of a
professional lighting system?
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| Answer: |
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. |
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| Question: |
What are the main benefits of a
lighting system?
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| Answer: |
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. |
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Please call to
schedule an appointment to discuss your lighting
needs.
408.369.1391
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