Landscape lighting is a great do-it-yourself project that enhances the safety and security of your home, and can create a captivating ambiance. However, it is important to understand some basic specifications before installing or repairing landscape lights.
For example, the brightness (measured in lumens) of a light bulb is an important consideration. Different outdoor areas require varying levels of brightness for optimal functionality. For professional help, contact Landscape Lighting Repair Orlando.
A well-designed landscape lighting system can do wonders to accentuate your yard’s beauty at night. But, just like any electrical system it’s important to keep an eye on it. This means examining all the components that go into it to ensure everything is working as it should. This includes the fixtures, wiring and transformer.
During a routine inspection, our electricians will examine all the components of your landscape lights to make sure they are still in good condition. This will include checking the fixture itself for damage, broken lenses or dented metal as well as a check of all connections to ensure they are tight and not making any noise.
If your landscape lighting has been damaged, it’s important to have this fixed as soon as possible. This will prevent any further issues and help to restore the effectiveness of your landscape lighting. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the fixture altogether if it is beyond repair.
Lighting fixtures are exposed to the elements daily, so they will naturally wear down over time. High quality, professional grade fixtures made from materials such as copper and brass are designed to withstand this exposure and will develop a natural patina over time rather than rust. If you notice any rust or corrosion, it’s important to have these fixtures replaced as soon as possible.
The low voltage wires that run between each landscape light fixture can also be subject to wear and tear. It’s important to inspect your wires on a regular basis, as any line breaks or cuts can disrupt the flow of electricity and cause your lights not to turn on.
A loose connection on a transformer can lead to “arcing,” which is when electricity jumps across a poor connection and heats it up. This can cause the transformer to burn out and will require replacement. A simple screwdriver can often fix this, but if the problem is severe it will require replacement of the entire transformer.
Wiring
A landscape lighting system can add an extra level of curb appeal to your home at night. It also provides safety and security while illuminating pathways and plants. It’s a great addition to any property and can increase your home’s value. But like any electrical system, it can experience problems from time to time. These problems can range from the simple (such as a dead light bulb) to more complex issues involving electrical wiring and the transformer.
Sometimes, these problems can be difficult to troubleshoot and fix yourself, so it’s important to know what to look out for. This way, if you’re having trouble with your lighting, you can try to fix it before calling in a professional.
First, examine the fixture to see if there is any damage or if a light bulb has blown. In some cases, this can be easily fixed by replacing the light bulb or cleaning the socket. Other times, you may need to remove the fixture entirely to check if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Next, you should inspect the wire connections to the transformer. Loose connections can cause a short in the system, so be sure that they’re tight and secure. You can do this by removing the front panel on the transformer and looking at the wire connection points. If they’re loose, you can tighten them with a screwdriver. You may need to dig up the splices in order to access them and may have to contact an electrician for more complex repairs.
Another common issue that can happen is a ground stake failure. These can be caused by a number of things, including hitting a stake with a shovel while clearing snow or your new driver’s license when attempting to turn left on a sidewalk. The stake can also break if it’s hammered too hard into the ground or if it’s driven into an existing buried stake that’s prone to breaking.
Once you’ve inspected the fixture and its connections, you can make the necessary repairs yourself by stripping 1/2 inch of insulation off both ends of a 2 inch section of additional wire (available at most hardware stores) and twisting it to the exposed end of each cut wire. Next, wrap the tape around each splice to keep moisture out of the wiring and to help secure the connections.
Bulbs
Landscape lighting accentuates the beauty of your home and property at night. However, these low-voltage fixtures can be susceptible to a variety of problems that affect their function. Fortunately, many of these problems are easily remedied. Inspect your system for these common issues and make the appropriate repairs.
Bulb Functionality
Light bulbs don’t last forever, and replacing them is a simple way to restore your lighting’s brightness. Inspect your bulbs regularly and replace them as needed. When you’re in the market for replacements, consider upgrading to LED bulbs, which use less energy and can last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Fixtures
Landscape lighting fixtures are exposed to sun, wind, and moisture on a daily basis. High quality fixtures made from materials like copper or brass can withstand these conditions and should not develop any signs of corrosion or fraying over time. However, low-quality fixtures made from aluminum can rust or become brittle, making them fragile and prone to breaking.
Over time, these fixtures can also get bumped or jarred out of place, which can cause them to malfunction or not work at all. Check the ground stake on your fixture to ensure that it is securely attached to the ground and that the lug nut hasn’t become loose.
Wiring Problems
The wires that connect the bulbs to your transformer may be experiencing a voltage drop. This can occur if there are too many lights on one line or if the wire gauge is too small. In these cases, it’s important to reassess your wiring setup and carefully divide your lights into multiple lines in order to maximize the effectiveness of your landscape lighting.
A professional electrician can help you determine if your landscape lighting system is suffering from voltage drop. They can also inspect the transformer, wiring, and fixtures to see what the problem is. However, if you have the tools and knowledge to repair these components yourself, it is a good idea to do so. This will save you a lot of money and can prevent expensive damages to your lighting system in the future.
Transformer
A low-voltage landscape lighting system is comprised of four main components: the transformer, wiring, light fixtures or bulbs, and timers or photocells. The transformer steps down your home’s 120 volt power to 12 volts for the landscape lights. It is important to have the correct wattage of transformer for your system. Wiring runs from the transformer to each fixture and can be buried or left on the ground. Experts recommend 14-gauge wire for systems that use less than 200 watts and 12-gauge wire for higher wattage systems.
Wiring problems are some of the most common issues that homeowners encounter with their landscape lighting. If the wiring is not properly sized or the connections are decaying, it can cause a problem with the lights. When this happens, it’s a good idea to call a professional electrician.
If the transformer is showing signs of a short circuit, such as sparks or smoke, turn off your electrical supply and contact a qualified electrician immediately. It may be a simple matter of replacing the fuse or rewiring your transformer to resolve the issue.
Lastly, you should always check the photocell to ensure it is working correctly. If the timer is resetting incorrectly or not resetting at all, it can lead to the lights not turning on and off on schedule. It’s a good idea to test your timer by covering it with a dark cloth for a minute or two and then turning it off to see how the lights respond.
If you’ve ruled out all of the above issues, it might be time to call in an experienced electrician or outdoor lighting specialist. They can perform a more thorough inspection of the entire landscape lighting system to determine what is causing it not to function properly. They can also offer effective solutions that can help you get the most out of your landscape lighting investment.