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E-mail us  |
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Call us toll free within the U.S. 1-800-544-4840 |
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| Question: |
What
is the difference between low-voltage lighting and the
lighting I am now using in my home. |
| Answer: |
Traditional or
the most commonly used light sources are powered by 120
volt current. This is known as line voltage and is the
standard current. When you plug something into an outlet
you are accessing this 120 volt current. Low-voltage lighting
operates on a 12 volt current. This is similar to the
amount of electricity used by a car battery. 12 volt is
much safer and more energy efficient. |
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| Question: |
What
are the advantages of choosing low-voltage or 12 volt
lighting over traditional line voltage alternatives. |
| Answer: |
The
following are a few examples of the benefits of low-voltage
lighting: |
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1.
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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? |
| 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. Nightscaping® has
set the 12 volt standard for quality since 1959. |
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| Question: |
Why
should I use professional quality equipment over the cheaper
home store versions? |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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? |
| 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? |
| 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? |
| 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? |
| 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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| Question: |
Will
installing a lighting system tear up my yard? |
| Answer: |
A
credible designer and installer can incorporate a lighting
system into your existing landscape with little or no
disruption to the surrounding area. However, when possible
it is best to install the lighting system during the building
stages of a home or landscape. |
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| Question: |
How
can I get a professional quality lighting system for my
home? |
| Answer: |
You can search
locally for a qualified designer and installer or you
can contact Nightscaping® for information on lighting
service providers in your area. |
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