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Lighting Options for a Backyard Putting Green

Posted on by Jennifer Castillo

Lighting options for a backyard putting green include various bullet and flood lights, installed close to the putting green surface to deliver targeted illumination. For the true golf enthusiast there is another type of lighting fixture that is ideal for night-time putting practice.

Putting cup lights fit inside the hole, directly under the cup. From this position, a backyard putting green lighting system will provide enough quality light to allow for some extra night-time practice.

The Best Lighting Options for a Backyard Putting Green

If you work on your putting stroke after the sun goes down, there are lights that can keep you putting late into the night. Those fixtures include:

  • Bullet lights – Bullet lights have a cylindrical body that is ideal for projecting a spotlight in a small area. They are effective at illuminating the cup, the green and any paths around the putting area.

    Our bullet lights are built with an aluminum or brass housing for maximum durability and corrosion resistance, which is important for lighting fixtures exposed to the elements. The lens is manufactured from sandblasted glass for excellent optical quality, and the light engine we recommend is a 4 or 6-watt LED that provides superior illumination quality and extended lifespan.

  • Flood lights – Flood lights throw a wider beam of illumination than bullet fixtures, so they are more appropriate for larger greens and for illuminating large areas in your backyard.

    Like our bullet fixtures, our flood golf fixtures are manufactured from aluminum or brass for durability and weather protection. The lens is made from a flat panel of tempered glass for impact resistance.

    35-watt and 50-watt halogen lights are recommended for our backyard putting green flood fixtures, as they offer excellent visibility and illumination quality.

  • Path lights – Although path lights will not serve as your primary form of putting green illumination, they are helpful for lighting the walkways around your greens and along any walkways in your backyard. If you plan on doing night-time entertaining on top of putting practice, path fixtures will improve general visibility in your space. They can also be used with landscaping to illuminate gardens, small sculptures and planters.

The Ultimate Backyard Putting Green Lighting System Includes In-hole Lights

To take your night golfing to another level, consider a specialty putting green LED lighting kit. Each one contains a set of five or nine putting cup lights, each with a 3-watt LED uplight that emits illumination in a vertical pattern. In other words, each putting cup will be marked by a vertical column of illumination.

In addition to the putting cups and LED lights, each backyard putting green lighting kit comes with a set of acrylic flags – one for each hole – as well as the lead wires and magnetic transformer needed to power them all.

Three Advantages of Installing LED Lights for Your Backyard Putting Green 

LED lighting is the leading lighting technology for a variety of applications, including putting greens. There are many reasons why LED lighting is the new standard, but here is why homeowners prefer it for their backyards:

  • Energy efficiency – LEDs are the most energy efficient lights on the market, no matter the application. Compared to halogen fixtures, for example, LED lighting is up to 90 percent more efficient. LED has similar energy efficiency advantages over fluorescent, metal halides and every other form of illumination.

    With its superior efficiency, LED lights can operate for long stretches of time without running up your utility bills.

  • Lifespan and durability – LED lights are also the longest-lasting lighting fixtures on the market. On average, you can expect around 50,000 hours of high-quality illumination out of your LEDs. Compare this to halogen lights, which last a few thousand hours before they need to be replaced, or fluorescent fixtures, which only produce around 20,000 hours of quality illumination before replacement is necessary. Another important consideration is that halogen and fluorescent lighting technologies are becoming obsolete.

    With their extended lifespan, LED putting green lights require only the occasional replacement – typically years following installation. This is a major cost efficiency and convenience advantage.

  • Illumination quality – LED lighting emits flawless, bright illumination that renders color well. At night, this ensures superior visibility and helps with tracking the ball in low light conditions. LED fixtures can also be modified to emit a range of colors, which can be used to color code certain holes or just to produce a unique and interesting look for your backyard putting green.

An Experienced Lighting Company Can Suggest the Ideal Lighting Options for a Backyard Putting Green

If you like to schedule your putting practice for after sunset, a reliable and effective backyard lighting system is a must. Bullet and flood lights are effective options in this regard, but LED putting green lighting kits are purpose built for the job. They come with all of the fixtures and LED lamps you will need to get started, as well as the necessary electrical accessories.

A trusted lighting expert can help you select the right backyard putting green lighting kit for your space and can also assist with installation if necessary.

Benefits of Getting a Photometric Design

Posted on by Jennifer Castillo

Photometric designs benefit commercial properties that are considering new or replacement lighting fixtures. Those benefits include:

  • Better lighting precision and accuracy
  • Better energy efficiency
  • Compliance with local lighting ordinances
  • Improved lighting system aesthetics
  • Superior lighting optimization

A photometric analysis and plan will ensure the new lighting solution surpasses all requirements and expectations.

What is a Photometric Analysis and Plan?

Photometrics refer to the science and math involved in measuring illumination intensity and how it is perceived by the human eye. A photometric analysis is designed to use photometric tools to simulate a variety of potential lighting system designs.

This is done with industry-specific software that models the project space. From here, lighting designers can position fixtures in the space and choose exactly which lamps or luminaries to use as illumination sources. Lighting distribution patterns, lamp intensity and energy usage data are all taken directly from the manufacturer, so photometric analysis software provides an accurate model that lighting professionals can rely on.

Once the lighting designer has put together an optimal lighting solution, the supply team will source the necessary lighting fixtures, and the installation team will place them. Along the way, the system’s photometric analysis will serve as the guiding plan.

Five Benefits of Getting a Photometric Design

If you are working with a reputable lighting company, they will recommend performing a photometric analysis for any large-scale commercial projects that have well-defined lighting goals and challenges. Tight budgetary concerns or rigid lighting ordinances are two examples.

Here is how a photometric plan can optimize your lighting solution:

  • Better lighting precision, accuracy and visibility – Photometric analysis software can measure how much illumination will strike each square foot of the property once the lighting system is installed, down to the lumen. With this level of insight, lighting installers can guarantee sufficient lighting coverage in all areas where visibility is a concern. When combined with LED lights, which provide superior directionality, photometric designs can achieve unmatched levels of lighting performance and uniformity. Visibility is a critical safety factor in large commercial or outdoor spaces, so photometric plans are recommended for parking lots, warehouses, parks and similar spaces.
  • Better energy efficiency – Photometric designs make it easy for lighting designers to alter the big-picture aspects of a new lighting solution. This includes the types and placement of all fixtures, so the designer has access to valuable power usage data. Lighting professionals use this information to achieve necessary visibility levels with the minimum amount of power required. If your facilities must improve energy efficiency for compliance or cost savings reasons, a photometric design will provide optimal results.
  • Compliance with local lighting ordinances – Facility owners are challenged with increasingly stringent energy efficiency standards, and a photometric design can help with this.

    In many cities, commercial property owners are also required to obey light trespass and light pollution ordinances. With these ordinances, the illumination must stay on the property. Photometric design and analysis support this goal by modeling how much light passes beyond the property’s perimeter. If too much light is trespassing onto neighboring properties, the lighting designer can take measures to mitigate it.

  • Improved lighting system aesthetics – A photometric design maximizes lighting precision, so illumination goes only where you want it to. With greater control over how illumination is distributed, it is easier for lighting experts to reduce glare and keep the illumination within comfortable levels. It may not seem like much aesthetically, but better distributed light supports better productivity, as workers are less likely to experience eye strain, headaches and other side effects of light that is too harsh.
  • Superior whole-system optimization – Photometric analysis ensures all aspects of your new lighting solution are considered. This includes how various parts of the system will interact with each other. For example, your lighting solution may include lighting controls to improve energy efficiency or safety further. During a photometric plan, the design team can model how lighting controls will affect the system’s performance and energy usage, depending on where the fixtures are installed and how they will be controlled.

    A photometric plan can also help facilities better link their various lighting systems to ensure they are operating at peak efficiency and efficacy. One example is ensuring your security lighting and general lighting achieve their intended goals, using different lighting controls and without affecting the system’s overall performance.

An Experienced Lighting Company Can Perform a Photometric Analysis

Photometric design and planning will allow you to see the new lighting solution before it is installed. It removes guesswork from the process and ensures optimal visibility, accuracy, aesthetics and energy efficiency.

To achieve these performance-boosting results, it is important that your organization pattern with a reputable commercial lighting expert. An experienced lighting team will have access to photometric design tools, as well as the knowledge needed to interpret the software’s analysis.

Whether your organization is installing a new lighting system for a warehouse, department store, parking lot, park, sports venue or another large-scale project, photometric design will ensure the best results for your project.

Types of Landscape Lighting Transformers

Posted on by Jennifer Castillo

Although there are many types of landscape lighting transformers, they all have a few things in common, including that they are all designed to safely step-down voltage from line supply into a safer, low voltage form. Landscape lighting transformers are also built to be wear and weather resistant, as they must be able to handle the elements without creating a safety hazard.

Where the transformers differ is the technology that drives them, whether electronic or magnetic, and their capacity.

Landscape lighting transformers are often overlooked as a critical system component, but every outdoor lighting system needs one to ensure safe and reliable operation.

What Does a Transformer Do for a Landscape Lighting System? 

A landscape lighting transformer serves the same purpose that any low voltage transformer does for a lighting system – it takes the high voltage current from the main power supply and stepping it down into a safer, low voltage form – typically between 12 and 15 volts. In addition to improving safety protecting installers from dangerous electrical discharges, this low voltage current is necessary for most landscape lights, which are designed for low voltage supply.

What is the Difference Between an Electric and Magnetic Transformer?

The many types of landscape lighting transformers can be grouped into two categories: electronic transformers and magnetic transformers. Here is a quick look at each:

  • Electronic transformers – Electronic transformers step down line voltage to low voltage by first increasing the current’s frequency before passing through a miniature coil that generates the magnetic field needed to induce a lower voltage current in a second coil – the low voltage power that is fed to the landscape lighting fixtures.Electronic transformers are more compact than magnetic transformers, given their micro coil design. They are also less expensive, but electronic transformers occasionally have compatibility issues with LED landscape lighting. They also generate more heat, which must be controlled, and they must be positioned closer to the lights due to potential voltage losses.
  • Magnetic transformers – Magnetic transformers also step down line voltage using a pair of coils. The primary coil’s electrical current creates a magnetic field that induces a current in the second coil. This second coil has a lower number of windings (about 1/10 of the primary coil), which results in a proportionally smaller voltage, from 150 volts to 12-15 volts.There are two types of magnetic transformers: stacked core transformers and toroidal transformers.

    Stacked core transformers are built with a set of copper winding-wrapped sheets that together act as the transformer’s core. This type of magnetic transformer is less expensive to manufacture but is less efficient than a toroidal magnetic transformer.

    Toroidal magnetic transformers are built with a donut-shaped core around which the copper windings are wrapped. This is a more efficient transformer design but is more expensive to produce.

When installing a landscape lighting system, part of the transformer selection process will come down to picking between an electronic and magnetic transformer design.

What to Look for in a Landscape Lighting Transformer

When selecting a landscape lighting transformer, the following considerations are important:

  • Voltage output – Low voltage lighting transformers output a tight range of voltages, but it is still essential for installers to verify that their lighting fixtures are compatible with the transformer’s voltage specifications.
  • Power capacity – Landscape lighting transformers have capacities measured in voltage. Make sure that your transformer has the capacity for your landscape lights.
  • Housing and design – Landscape lighting transformers are available in a variety of designs and sizes. When selecting yours, the goal is to choose one that blends in with your property for aesthetic reasons and to prevent people from tampering with it.

In addition to the above considerations, the following features are recommended for landscape lighting applications:

  • A fully dimmable design – Landscape lighting systems must be controllable since they are used outdoors. If your transformer is compatible with dimmers, it can precisely control the amount of illumination your lights are generating.
  • A secondary connection block – A secondary connection block simplifies installation by providing a simple wiring interface for installers to work with.
  • Secondary protection – If the landscape lighting transformer is designed with secondary protection, it will not pose a safety hazard if the primary protection mechanism fails. This added protection is highly recommended for outdoor lighting applications.
  • A stainless steel build – A stainless steel housing provides excellent impact protection and shielding from inclement weather. Stainless steel is also corrosion-resistant, which is a must for exterior lighting applications.

A Lighting Expert Can Help Select the Ideal Transformer for any Landscape Lighting System

Landscape lighting systems require a reliable, compatible transformer to safely convert line voltage to low voltage that outdoor fixtures rely on. The challenge is identifying the right transformer for your project. In this regard, a trusted lighting expert can provide insight into the right choice for your property.

What Wind Ratings Should Light Poles Have in Areas Affected by Hurricanes

Posted on by Jennifer Castillo

In areas occasionally affected by hurricanes, light poles should have wind ratings designed to withstand wind speeds up to 150 mph – or the equivalent of a category 4 or 5 hurricane. More specifically, Effective Projected Area (EPA) wind ratings should be considered for areas that receive high winds.

Wind ratings describe the maximum wind speeds that a particular lighting fixture should be able to sustain before risk of failure. For light poles installed in areas affected by hurricanes, durable construction and clever fixture design are essential to mitigating failure with intense wind speeds.

How is a Light Pole’s Wind Rating Determined?

Lighting poles are responsible for bearing heavy loads without failing, around the calendar and in all weather conditions. One of the most challenging conditions for light poles is extreme wind. Wind-related stresses are present all along coastal areas, and special wind zones are also located in spots around the country, such as around mountain ranges, but hurricane zones require the greatest wind tolerances.

Wind ratings can be difficult to derive, as they rely on calculating the effective projected area (EPA) of the light pole and its fixtures. Think of it as the total area of all wind-exposed surfaces on the light pole and fixture. The light’s EPA value is multiplied by a drag coefficient to determine the pole and fixture’s wind rating. EPA values have been calculated by lighting manufacturers and the data is available to lighting installers, but as wind ratings depend on every component involved, wind ratings will change if different poles, fixtures, lamp housings or other accessories are switched out for each other. This can make precise wind rating calculations difficult without expert assistance.

How are Light Poles Fortified for Areas Affected by Hurricanes?

EPA wind rated light poles are constructed from solid steel or fiberglass materials – both of which are designed to hold up better under intense winds. These lighting poles are typically installed into concrete bases or footings to enhance their structural strength. The fixture is secured using high-strength brackets that are designed to bear additional loading forces.

Regular inspections and maintenance are important to ensure your EPA appropriate light poles can withstand heavy storms. When inspecting the light poles and fixtures, verify that corrosion or impact damage are not present and threatening the lighting pole’s stability. The concrete bases of the poles should also be inspected for damage or wear. Large cracks or fractures in the concrete or significant loss of aggregate merit an expert inspection to ensure the lighting pole is still properly anchored.

The Benefits of Installing Wind-Resistant Lighting Poles and Fixtures

Wind-resistant lighting poles are a necessary solution in areas where hurricanes are a potential threat as they provide additional benefits that include:

  • Better overall safety – Lighting poles rated for hurricane-force winds are designed to withstand more than the typical light pole. As such, they are better designed to withstand high wind, wear and potential accidents. Reinforced bracketing and pole materials ensure that your lighting poles are less likely to fail and put nearby people and vehicles at risk.
  • Greater load bearing capacity – Wind-resistant lighting poles are built to withstand greater forces and loads, including those caused by weight bearing. With their additional structural reinforcement and added ability to bear weight, EPA appropriate light poles may be able to accommodate larger fixtures or additional lighting accessories, such as lighting controls.
  • Longer lasting investment – With their superior durability, structural integrity and wind resistance, property owners can expect their EPA wind rated light poles to last longer and provide additional long-term value.

The Advantages of Partnering with a Lighting Expert When Installing Lighting Poles in Hurricane Prone Areas

When installing lighting poles and fixtures in areas affected by hurricanes, it is highly recommended that an experienced lighting company manage the fixture selection and installation process, and here are the reasons why:

  • Accurate wind ratings – As mentioned, it is a challenge for inexperienced installers to properly calculate wind ratings for a particular fixture arrangement. It is a risk not worth taking for business and property owners, and bringing in the lighting professionals eliminates that risk.
  • Optimal fixture selection and placement – The lighting professionals utilize sophisticated photometric software to determine ideal pole placement and light selection. With photometric software, lighting designers can precisely place and configure pole and fixture placement. Photometric software uses lighting data and a computerized model of the project space to indicate the best possible lighting layout – from an energy efficiency and performance standpoint.
  • A solution-based mindset – If your organization partners with an experienced lighting company, you will have access to expert insight that can provide long-range input into your lighting needs. If your property needs to cut its power consumption, for example, a lighting company can introduce additional lighting products and technologies (such as advanced lighting controls) to further your goals. There are many ways to adjust lighting systems to achieve desired facility-wide or business objectives. An experienced lighting company will be able to introduce these options and execute them for clients.

In Areas Affected by Hurricanes, Lighting Poles Must be Prepared for Intense Wind Speeds

If your property sits in an area where hurricanes are a possibility, your lighting poles’ wind ratings must be prepared for extreme wind conditions. This means wind ratings up to 150 mph, which can only be achieved if the right lighting pole materials and installation techniques are observed.

A reputable lighting expert will guarantee that your lighting fixtures are prepared for catastrophic weather and will also ensure they are placed and configured to offer optimal efficiency and lightning performance.

How to Choose the Right Barn Lighting

Posted on by Jennifer Castillo

 

Are you considering investing in the rustic, vintage charm of barn lighting? Here are some considerations on how to choose the right barn lighting:

  • Consider your space and application
  • Model your lighting goals with photometric analysis
  • Determine the right fixtures and style for your project
  • Bring in the lighting installation professionals when it is time to set your lights up

Barn lighting is prized for its old-world aesthetic and effectiveness in many applications. By following the process above, you will choose the right barn lighting for your setting.

Choose the Best Barn Lighting for Your Application

Barn lighting has been around in some form for more than a century, so there are plenty of fixtures to choose from. Modern barn lights are also compatible with LED lighting technology, which provides superior energy efficiency, longevity and performance. If you are considering LED barn fixtures for your home or business, here are the details on how to choose the right lights:

  • Consider your space and application – What will you use your barn lighting for and where will it be installed? If you are putting together a residential lighting project, you are likely installing barn lighting for their aesthetic qualities and to add accent or decorative illumination to your space. If your barn lights are intended for a commercial application, aesthetics may still be a concern, but you will also need to factor in the light’s performance in various applications, such as security or signage lighting applications. Some barn lights are a better fit for accent, signage or security applications than others.If you are unsure whether a particular barn light will meet your lighting project’s needs, an expert lighting company can provide valuable insight into your fixture and lamp selection. However, before a lighting professional can expertly guide your project, you will need to roughly map out your lighting objectives.
  • Model your lighting goals with photometric analysis – Lighting professionals utilize photometric analysis to precisely model projected lighting values throughout the space once the barn lights are installed. This process provides an advance look at what your barn lighting system will look like, and how it will illuminate the space.This software-based analysis is used to build a computerized model of the project area. Various LED fixtures are positioned in the model to see how they would perform in real life. Photometric analysis derives its lighting data from the manufacturers themselves, so it is accurate and precise.

    If your professional lighting partner uses photometric analysis for its projects, they will be able to optimally position and aim the barn lights for your application. This approach is particularly important for commercial and industrial settings, where maximizing lighting efficiency and coverage while also minimizing lighting trespass and pollution onto neighboring properties. Photometric analysis guarantees your barn lighting project will not violate local lighting ordinances.

  • Determining the right size and style for your project – Part of choosing the right barn lighting is selecting the appropriate fixture size and design for the application.Barn lighting is available in several fixture designs and in a staggering array of styles. Contemporary, modern, rustic and geometric are some of the options, and the right choice here will come down to aesthetic preference or to ensure a visual match with your facilities and existing fixtures.

    The options between different types of barn fixtures include gooseneck fixtures, pendant fixtures, ceiling-mounted fixtures and wall-mounted fixtures. Each one is designed for different applications.

    Gooseneck fixtures are so named because the fixture features a curved “neck” that resembles a goose’s neck. These barn lights are typically used in sign lighting or accent lighting applications, as they are closely associated with a vintage aesthetic that attracts attention. They are also effective at illuminating a small target like a sign.

    Pendant fixtures are suspended from the ceiling using a long chain or cable, so they are usually installed right over the intended target. These fixtures are used exclusively for task or accent lighting applications, and they are also ideal for illuminating smaller areas. Pendant fixtures, like gooseneck fixtures, are available in an impressive array of aesthetic designs, so they can be matched to any space or facility.

    Ceiling-mounted fixtures are attached directly to the ceiling and are therefore placed further away from the intended target. Also termed bay lights, ceiling-mounted fixtures are the right barn light for workshops and areas where visibility and even lighting coverage are the priorities. A lighting expert can help determine which bay lights to choose to ensure adequate lighting coverage for your project.

    Wall-mounted fixtures, also known as wall pack lights, are typically used in security or general lighting applications. As the name suggests, they are mounted to walls – interior or exterior – and can therefore be placed nearly anywhere. When choosing the right barn lights for your application, wall pack lights can boost visibility in areas where it is important, but they are not considered the first choice where aesthetics are a concern. As such, wall pack fixtures are often combined with other barn lights to create the desired look.

Lighting Experts Can Help with Choosing or Installing the Right Barn Lights

Barn lights bring classic charm and excellent versatility to any residential or commercial application. The question is: Which barn lights are the right choice for your project? Another important consideration is who will install them? A professional lighting crew can assist with both, with expert insight and photometric analysis that will optimize your barn lighting system.

How to Choose Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Posted on by Jennifer Castillo

How to Choose Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

There are almost as many outdoor lighting fixtures as there are outdoor lighting projects. Whether used for safety, security, efficiency or aesthetic reasons, exterior lighting fixtures are available in many forms, including the following:

  • Parking lot and street lighting
  • Sports arena and sports court lighting
  • Wall packs and other security lighting options
  • Landscaping lighting
  • Sign lighting fixtures, like gooseneck lights

These are only a small portion of the exterior lighting applications that an expert lighting company can assist with. The impressive versatility and performance that LED lighting technology offers means that a lighting expert can source LEDs for any outdoor lighting project.

The challenge is choosing the right outdoor lighting fixtures for your project, as there are many to pick from. Read on to learn how to identify the best LED lights for your exterior lighting project.

A Practical Guide for Choosing the Right Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Whether you are installing new fixtures for safety, security or productivity reasons, the goal is to choose a set of exterior lights that offer the best combination of performance, reliability and cost effectiveness. Which lighting fixtures fit the job? That will depend on your application. Here are some examples:

  • Parking lot and street lighting fixtures – If you are setting up a new set of parking lot lights, LEDs are now the industry standard. LED parking lot fixtures are less expensive to operate and maintain than all other lighting technologies. They also outperform metal halides and high-pressure sodium fixtures in both lighting quality and consistency. LEDs render colors better, distribute illumination more evenly, start up much faster and are easier to control with dimmers, occupancy sensors and other advanced control options.
    When choosing LED parking lot fixtures, the primary consideration is light distribution. How will the light be shaped and sized to fit your property? LED parking lot fixtures are available in several distribution patterns. Some throw light forward and some distribute light around and near the pole.
    Experienced lighting companies utilize specialized software known as photometric technology to visualize outdoor lighting projects before installing fixtures. Lighting designers use photometric analysis to plug in lamp and fixture data, and use it to position those fixtures in a software-generated model of your property. This process identifies the ideal fixtures, lighting poles and fixture positioning with precision. If your business is trying to choose the right outdoor lights for your parking lot, consider partnering with a lighting professional who offers photometric analysis.
  • Sports arena and sports court lighting fixtures – LED lighting has also taken over sports lighting applications, from small neighborhood parks to massive outdoor arenas. When choosing outdoor lighting fixtures for a sports arena or court, lighting distribution is also important, but consistency is paramount. Whether it’s a tennis court, a baseball field, a soccer pitch, a rodeo arena, or a pickleball court, it is critical that the lights produce even illumination across the entire playing area.
    This is measured using a min/max ratio, which describes the difference in lighting intensity between the darkest and brightest parts of the court or arena. The smaller the number, the less difference between these endpoint values.
    Some sports, like pickle ball and baseball, require tight min/max ratios to ensure safe play (think small ball moving fast). When setting up sports lighting, make sure your outdoor fixtures meet or exceed this min/max ratio for optimal lighting consistency.
  • Wall packs and other security lighting fixtures – LED lighting is ideal for security applications as the technology is prized for its instant-on functionality, controllability and excellent color rendering.
    Wall pack fixtures are a popular security lighting option as they can be installed just about anywhere. Flood lights are another proven option for security fixtures.
    The primary concern with outdoor security fixtures is controllability. The LED lights will need to light up instantly when they are needed, and lighting controls make that happen. When choosing outdoor security lights, pick LEDs that are compatible with modern lighting controls, such as occupancy sensors which can be tied to the fixtures and used to instantly switch them on as soon as movement or activity is detected.
    Another important consideration is color rendering. Prioritize high-CRI LEDs when setting up security lights to ensure high quality surveillance images or video recordings.
  • Landscaping lighting fixtures – When choosing outdoor lighting fixtures for landscaping purposes, the shape of the fixture’s output beam matters and will have a big impact on how your landscape lighting looks.
    For example, if your landscaping includes accent pieces like a fountain or sculpture, a bullet fixture will provide the spot-like pattern that is ideal for a single subject. If you are lighting trees or walls, uplights and wall washers are ideal fixture options. If you are illuminating bushes, shrubs or other large, landscaped areas, flood lights may work best.
  • Sign lighting fixtures – Effective sign lighting ensures your business is visible at night. LED outdoor fixtures are the choice for signage applications as they render color well and provide 5-10x the lifespan of other lighting technologies.
    When choosing exterior LEDs for signage, reliability is essential. Choose a gooseneck or signage fixture that is rated for an extended lifespan, and one that is IP-rated for your application environment.
    IP (ingress protection) ratings specify the fixture’s ability to withstand exposure to dust, dirt and water. The IP rating is expressed as a two-digit number, with the first number (from 0-6) describing its protection against solids (dust) and the second (from 0-9) describing its protection against water intrusion. Aim for signage fixtures with at least a listed IP65 or IP66 rating to ensure they will handle the elements without incident.

There is a Lot to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Durability, reliability, performance, controllability and appearance are all critical considerations when choosing exterior lights. How these factors are weighed and applied will depend on your outdoor application, and this can make the decision difficult.

If the selection process feels overwhelming, an experienced lighting company can provide an optimal lighting solution for your property and application.

The Importance of EPA Wind Ratings

Posted on by Jennifer Castillo

Importance of EPA Wind RatingsThe EPA wind rating of a light fixture refers to the maximum wind speed the fixture can withstand before it is at risk of failure. This failure could be with the luminaire itself, or a failure with the fixture or the hardware connecting it to a light pole.

There is a lot to consider regarding wind, so when installing a new lighting system, the installation team must factor in each fixture’s EPA wind rating to ensure it will not pose a risk to people during stormy weather.

How are EPA Wind Ratings Determined for Lighting Fixtures?

Calculating a fixture’s EPA wind rating requires complex math and a lot of data. EPA is an acronym for effective projected area (EPA), referring to the fixture’s total surface area when you add up the surface area of all wind-exposed faces.

Here is an example: Imagine a fixture that is pyramid shaped. If you view the fixture from the side, it looks like a triangle. If you view the fixture from below, you will see the base of the pyramid is square. Both faces will have different surface areas individually, but because they are both exposed to the wind, they are both factored into a fixture’s EPA wind rating. It is like the old shape folding questions from your high school tests – how much total surface area does a 3D object have once you calculate that surface area for every face? Of course, lighting fixtures can be extremely complex geometrically, so the math may involve hundreds of individual faces.

That is the EPA part of the equation, but there are other factors that influence a fixture’s wind rating. The fixture’s drag coefficient is used with its EPA to determine wind ratings. A fixture’s drag coefficient is unique to the fixture and is partly dependent on its shape and material composition, as material density has a big impact on how that material responds to wind pressures.

Drag coefficients are derived from real-world operational data that may take years to completely refine. This is because they are based on complex fluid dynamics that change from one second to the next with prevailing wind conditions.

Fortunately, it is not necessary for property owners to understand the math behind EPA wind ratings. All property owners need to know is what a fixture’s EPA wind rating means and how it will guide a lighting project.

What Does a Lighting Fixture’s EPA Wind Rating Mean?

EPA wind ratings are listed as a single value that corresponds with the fixture’s maximum wind tolerance, expressed in miles per hour. For instance, if a fixture has an EPA wind rating of 100, it is not considered a failure risk until wind speeds reach 100 mph or higher.

Lighting installers consider a fixture’s EPA wind rating when selecting fixtures for exposed exterior applications like parking lot and stadium lighting applications.

Every part of the U.S. is part of one of several “wind regions,” ranging from 70 mph to 150 mph (or more, in a few isolated areas). These are expected maximum wind speed values, save extreme circumstances like a hurricane or tornado.

Each fixture’s EPA wind rating must be greater than the max wind speed in their wind region to be considered a safe installation option. Lighting installers ensure that the fixtures they use meet this specification, along with any hardware or other additions to the fixture that may influence its EPA wind rating.

When Do Lighting Installers Consider EPA Wind Ratings?

EPA wind ratings are obviously only important for exterior lighting applications where wind exposure is expected. Some common examples include:

Why Professional Lighting Installers Should Handle Your Exterior Lighting Project

If your new lights will be tested by intense wind pressures, it is important that an expert lighting crew select, position and install those fixtures. Here is what the professionals bring to the project:

  • An expanded selection of compatible fixtures – The lighting experts are accustomed to installing lights in outdoor settings where intense winds are expected. This experience means your lighting partner will know which fixtures to select for your project.
  • Smart installation practices to minimize wind impacts – Ultimately, the fixture’s EPA wind rating will determine whether it is appropriate for a particular job, experienced lighting companies can optimize a fixture’s wind resistance by pairing it with the right lighting poles and hardware. In short, the lighting experts can maximize your lighting’s wind safety.
  • Superior lighting results – The lighting experts will provide the best possible look, performance and efficiency, given the parameters of your project – including wind concerns. Lighting professionals use specialized in photometric design software to optimally select and arrange a new set of lights, so property owners end up with a wind-safe lighting system that will not compromise on performance or durability.

Lighting Experts Understand the Importance of EPA Wind Ratings and How to Apply Them

Exterior lighting fixtures are potential safety risks if they are not properly installed and secured which is why it is important to work with a reputable lighting expert who understands EPA wind ratings and the various zones in the U.S.

When property owners work with a reputable lighting company they can rest assured that their lighting team will pay attention to those EPA wind ratings and ensure all wind-related hazards are accounted for when setting up a lighting system.

Commercial Christmas Tree Size Guide

Posted on by Jennifer Castillo

Commercial Christmas Tree Size Guide

During the holiday season, Christmas trees are the focal point of many eye-catching displays. If your commercial property is setting up a display of its own, the right-sized artificial Christmas tree will make a statement. When assessing the size of a Christmas tree, there is more to consider than just height. The tree’s diameter and fullness are other important considerations.

Read the following commercial Christmas tree size guide to make it easier to choose the ideal tree for your business.

What’s the Right Size for a Commercial Christmas Tree?

Height and diameter are the measurements of interest when choosing a Christmas tree. And between the two, height will largely steer the decision, so the recommendation is to base the main part of your decision by the ceiling height. If you are setting up a display in an outdoor space, the sky is the limit, literally.

When determining the ideal height of the tree for the space, it is important to include the tree stand height and dimensions in the calculations. In general, aim for a Christmas tree that leaves at least 6-12 inches of clearance between the top of the tree and the ceiling. This includes anything placed on top of the tree – like a tree-topper ornament or other decorations. The higher the ceiling, the more clearance you will want to leave for appearance reasons. So, if your ceiling height is 20 feet high, you will need a Christmas tree that is no more than 19 feet high. If you anticipate adding a topper, choose a slightly shorter tree.

For commercial spaces, the preferred range of Christmas tree sizes sit between 12 and 50 feet high.

Whether your Christmas tree is tall or short, fullness is another important factor. Options generally include:

Full

A full artificial Christmas tree has the classic profile and shape that most people prefer.

Slim

Slim trees provide all of the height of a Christmas tree, with a reduced diameter that makes it easier to fit in tighter spaces.

Wide

Wide Christmas trees have an expanded diameter that is ideal for filling larger commercial spaces.

Sparse

Sparse Christmas trees have a reduced number of branches and allow light to peek through. They are designed to look more like natural trees.

Some Christmas trees may also be termed flatback, which are trees designed to sit flush against the wall while still appearing like a full Christmas tree. This can be an ideal option for businesses without a lot of space.

There are also flocked trees, which are designed to look like Christmas trees after a fresh snow, with a dusting of artificial snow that adds volume and color to the tree. Flocked trees are available in a range of colors in addition to white.

What Kinds of Artificial Christmas Trees are Available?

Size and fullness are often a matter of available space, but the type of Christmas tree you choose is a matter of personal preference, and there is a large variety to choose from. Some of the most popular options include the following:

  • Eagle Frasier Fir – The Frasier Fir embodies the shape and profile of a classic Christmas tree, with a conical crown and upward-angled branches that are ideal for hanging Christmas ornaments from. Most Frasier Firs intended for Christmas displays sit under 8 feet tall, but they can grow up to 50 feet tall.

    Our Eagle Frasier trees are available in unlit and pre-lit varieties at different heights. Our 12-foot pre-lit Eagle Frasier tree comes with 2,000 white or multi-color LED lights, while our 14-foot Eagle Frasier is designed with 2,750 white or multi-color LED lights.

  • Norwood Pine – The Norwood Pine is a tall, slender tree that’s often nicknamed the Norwood Pencil for its shape. As such, this is an ideal choice for tighter commercial spaces, or for Christmas displays that include several trees.

    Our Norwood Pine trees come unlit standard, but pre-lit varieties are available on request.

  • Oregon Fir – The Oregon Fir, or Douglas Fir, is another iconic Christmas tree native to western and northwestern America. Oregon Firs can grow extremely tall – sometimes up to 300 feet tall. For Christmas display purposes, artificial Douglas Firs are available in a range of heights.

    Our Oregon Fir trees are also available in unlit and pre-lit models. Our 12-foot pre-lit Oregon Fir is made with 37 branches (each 26” in length) and 4,600 white or multi-color lights. We offer Oregon Fir trees up to 20 feet in height – which are made with 111 branches and 12,000 warm or multi-color LED lights.

  • Grand Teton – Grand Teton Christmas trees are wonders to behold, with full branches, wide bases and impressive heights. Grand Teton trees are available in heights up to 40 feet high or more, making them a go-to option for outdoor displays and grand indoor displays with higher ceilings.

    Our Grand Teton Christmas trees are available in a large range of sizes and can also be pre-lit on request. For example, our 12-foot Grand Tetons are made with 18 branches and 3,400 warm or multi-color LED lights. Our massive 26-foot Grand Teton has a robust 89 total branches and more than 14,000 warm or multi-color LED lights.

LED Lights Can Enhance a Christmas Tree Display

Many artificial Christmas trees are now available in pre-lit varieties that can help businesses get a head start on decorating. If pre-lit Christmas trees are the right choice for your holiday display, LED lights offer several benefits to your holiday display, including:

  • Better bulb lifespan – LED Christmas lights last much longer than incandescent and halogen lights. Although bulb life varies from one manufacturer to another, you can expect to get a few more years out of your LED lights, compared to alternative options.
  • Better energy efficiency – LED lighting is the most energy efficient on the market. Compared to incandescent and halogen bulbs, LED lights only consume about 10 percent of the wattage to produce an equivalent amount of illumination. That means lower energy costs and less heat output – which are both important considerations for a public holiday display.
  • Better controllability – LED lighting is also the most controllable option on the market. It can be paired with dimmers, timers, and occupancy controls, so you can program the lights to switch on or off depending on whether anyone is near the tree. LEDs can also be programmed to blink, race, change color and output a variety of interesting effects.

LED lighting is used in a huge variety of commercial applications. That now includes commercial Christmas tree displays, where their added efficiency and longevity ensure the tree can be used for many years without the lights burning out.

Set Up the Perfect Holiday Display with the Right Sized Christmas Tree

As the focal point of your holiday display, your Christmas trees should command the space. That starts with picking a tree that is appropriately sized for your display. Stick with a tree that sits within 6-12 inches of your ceiling height, and one that looks full without interfering with foot traffic. If your tree will require lighting, LED lights are the top option for their lifespan and controllability. If you’re unsure if a particular Christmas tree will meet your space’s needs, a commercial lighting expert can provide guidance in this area, as many lighting professionals work with commercial clients to set up their holiday displays.

Gooseneck Lighting for Outdoor Spaces

Posted on by Jennifer Castillo

Gooseneck Lighting for Outdoor Spaces

Gooseneck lighting has been used in outdoor spaces for decades, initially for barns, warehouses and industrial areas. Today, it remains a popular choice for property owners, but it’s no longer confined to the above rustic settings. Now, gooseneck lighting can be found in the following applications:

  • Exterior signage lighting
  • Entrance lighting
  • Security lighting
  • Warehouse and loading dock lighting
  • Path and walkway lighting

There are several benefits of gooseneck lighting for outdoor spaces, but the technology is at its best when paired with LED luminaires.

Advantages of LED gooseneck lights for outdoor areas

Gooseneck fixtures bring several benefits to every commercial property, including:

  • Targeted illumination – Gooseneck fixtures are defined by their curved stem that’s shaped like a goose’s neck. A primary advantage of this stem shape is how it aims illumination. Gooseneck fixtures emit tight spots that can be targeted at signs, entrances and other important exterior elements, with minimal excess. The result is an aesthetically pleasing look that gets attention.
  • Modern or vintage appearance – The curved stem of a gooseneck light gives away its mid-20th century origins, but it’s a timeless look that is equally appropriate in modern or vintage applications. With its versatile aesthetic, gooseneck fixtures offer a visual boost wherever they’re placed.
  • Easy, anywhere installation – Gooseneck fixtures are made with a compact, simple design that can be installed anywhere they’re needed. This includes exterior facades, overhangs, billboards, door frames and more. Gooseneck lighting’s installation versatility means it can go where many other fixtures can’t.

Overall, gooseneck lighting improves a business’s curb appeal, draws attention to where it’s needed and does so in a versatile fixture package.

And with LED lighting, gooseneck fixtures are even more effective.

How LED lights improve gooseneck fixtures

LED lighting technology is now adapted for an impressive range of lighting fixtures, including gooseneck fixtures. When paired together, here’s how gooseneck fixtures and LEDs can improve exterior lighting applications:

  • Superior lighting performance – LED lighting is known for its energy efficiency, and for good reason. Switching from older lighting options to LEDs can save a business hundreds or thousands every year in utilities.

    What doesn’t get as much attention is LED lighting’s performance. LED lights are characterized by their even, flawless illumination that isn’t marred by hotspots or dead spots. It’s a clean look that improves the appearance of anything it’s aimed at.

  • Excellent color rendering – Some LED lights are available in high-CRI models that render color with precise accuracy. This is important for outdoor signage or displays, or for billboards, where accurate color rendering can greatly improve the way a sign looks.
  • Long-lasting lighting solution – LED gooseneck lights last much longer than fluorescent, incandescent, metal halide or high pressure sodium lights. On average, property owners can expect 50,000 hours or more from their LED gooseneck lamps before they need to be replaced. LED’s closest competitor in this area – fluorescent lights – only provide around 20,000 hours of illumination before replacement, on average. With fewer lamp replacements to invest in, property owners can limit their maintenance-related overhead.
  • Instant lighting availability – LED lighting technology is also distinguished from other lighting options because of its instant-on functionality. As soon as LED fixtures receive power, they provide illumination, which is valuable for outdoor applications that call for instant light when it’s needed – like in security lighting applications.
  • Complete controllability – LED lighting is designed for total compatibility with modern lighting controls – including dimmers, timers, photocells and various occupancy sensors. This controllability is useful for reducing waste, as gooseneck lighting systems can be configured to shut off during the day or dim down when no one is nearby. Occupancy controls can also limit waste when used with walkways and other outdoor spaces.

    LED’s controllability is also valuable for security lighting applications, where linking occupancy controls to security fixtures can provide instant-anywhere illumination.

An experienced lighting company can provide effective gooseneck lighting solutions for outdoor spaces

Gooseneck lighting is purpose-built for outdoor spaces, providing quality illumination and improved aesthetics for commercial applications. It’s more than a good-looker, too, because gooseneck fixtures can provide targeted lighting for task or general lighting purposes in exterior areas.

Given its versatility, gooseneck lighting can serve in a variety of roles for commercial or industrial properties. The challenge is proper lamp selection and proper fixture positioning. This is where an experienced lighting professional can prove valuable.

Lighting experts have access to a deep inventory of LED lamps and gooseneck fixtures, but more importantly, they have access to design technology and processes that ensure an optimal result.

For example, reputable lighting companies utilize photometric software to visualize installation projects before a single light is placed. With photometric software, lighting designers can simulate the project space and experiment with different LED gooseneck lamps and fixture positionings. During this process, photometric analysis software provides exact readings of lighting intensity at every square foot of the property, so your lighting team will know exactly how the lighting system will look before work begins.

If gooseneck lighting could improve your property’s look or function, consider consulting with a proven lighting installer to see where gooseneck fixtures could make the biggest impact on your property.

Repurposing a Court to Make a Pickleball Court

Posted on by Jennifer Castillo

Repurposing a Court to Make a Pickleball Court

Pickleball is one of the country’s fastest growing sports, so it’s no surprise that many cities and municipalities are repurposing their sports courts for pickleball playing.

Many pickleball court conversion projects involve tennis courts. However, many overlook the fact that a basketball court is an ideal option when it comes to repurposing a court to make a pickleball court.

Why Basketball Courts are Ideal for Pickleball Conversions

Tennis and pickleball are both racquet sports played on surfaces that look a lot alike. When municipalities are searching for areas to install new pickleball courts, tennis is often the first choice. There’s a problem, though: Pickleball courts use markings and dimensions that don’t line up well with tennis courts.

A standard tennis court measures 36 x 78 feet, though most courts have an extended out-of-bounds area that brings the final size to 60 x 120 feet. A pickleball court is 20 x 44 feet, so it is possible to install four pickleball courts on a single tennis play surface. However, there won’t be much space between those courts, so getting a light between them is challenging. Court markings are an issue as well, and you will have to add several lines to the surface to make it usable for pickleball players.

Basketball courts are also large enough (94 x 50 feet) to repurpose into multiple pickleball courts. If fact, this space can accommodate three of them fitting next to each other comfortably, with plenty of room between them to install adequate lighting. Even better, the court lines used on a basketball court line up well with pickleball courts, making conversion easier.

Repurposing a Basketball Court for Pickleball

When repurposing a basketball court for pickleball players, you can use the division line (the line separating both halves of the court) for net placement. Alternatively, you can use the key (also called the free throw line) for the net’s placement.

That Is only one example of basketball and pickleball aligning well, dimension-wise. Other examples include:

  • The length from the division line to either basket is 47 feet – which is almost identical to the length of a pickleball court.
  • The length from the division line to the three-point line is 22 feet – the exact length needed for half of a pickleball court.
  • The width of the painted area is just a little over 20 feet – the perfect width for a pickleball court.

The point is that a basketball court requires fewer modifications to repurpose it into a pickleball court. The only thing you’ll need is a net, but portable pickleball nets are inexpensive and can easily be rolled out and put away when not in use. The standard height of a pickleball net is slightly lower than a tennis net (34″ vs. 36″), so while you can play pickleball using a tennis net, it is not recommended and may interfere with the game. As such, having tennis nets available doesn’t necessarily make for an easier conversion to pickleball courts.

Repurposing a Court for Pickleball: Lighting Considerations

If you are repurposing a court for pickleball, lighting will be a primary consideration. As many pickleball conversions involve tennis areas, it is worth considering the differences in lighting requirements between tennis and pickleball courts:

  • Tennis courts – For recreational level play, lighting should provide between 20 and 30 footcandles of luminous intensity, with a min/max ratio of 3.0.
  • Pickleball courts – For recreational level play, 30 footcandles are recommended as a minimum. A min/max ratio of 2.0 is recommended.

What should jump out is the min/max ratio. This describes the difference, in lighting intensity, between the brightest and darkest parts of the court. Pickleball has stricter requirements, as the brightest and darkest areas must be closer together in perceived brightness to the player – meaning less lighting contrast. Tighter min/max ratios are more difficult to achieve, therefore pickleball’s lighting requirements are stricter. A pickleball ball is smaller and flies quickly over short distances, so higher quality lighting that is properly positioned is required for play.

Lighting a Repurposed Pickleball Court

The above illumination requirements can be achieved with an LED lighting system designed by an experienced lighting company that can provide photometric analysis services.

Photometric analysis is a precise method of lighting design that allows the designer to visualize the project in detail before a single fixture is installed. This includes:

  • Calculating the exact footcandle values of every square foot of the property, using the current fixture and placement specifications.
  • Switching different fixtures and lights in and out to experiment with various configurations.
  • Ensuring all project requirements are met – in terms of optimizing illumination intensity and placement (i.e., no lighting trespass).
  • Calculating the expected power consumption (and its associated utility cost) of the current configuration.

In short, if your lighting partner can perform photometric analysis, they will be equipped to offer the most cost-efficient, best-performing system possible.

For example, pickleball courts are best illuminated with a set of four LED fixtures mounted on 20-foot-high poles. This provides an optimal mix of lighting coverage and intensity and can work with one or multiple courts.

Repurposing a Court for Pickleball? Don’t Forget the Lighting

When repurposing a court into a pickleball playing area, most of the focus will be placed on markings and the net, but the court’s lighting also needs attention. Brighter, sharper lights will be needed for your pickleball players – illumination that can be achieved by partnering with an experienced lighting provider who provides photometric analysis.