How to Choose the Right Barn Lighting

Posted on November 8, 2024November 8, 2024 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 October 8, 2024 by Jennifer Castillo

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.

Gooseneck Lighting for Outdoor Spaces

Posted on September 5, 2024 by Jennifer Castillo

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.

Types of Outdoor LED Lighting

Posted on March 6, 2024 by Jennifer Castillo

Outdoor LED Lighting For Any Application

Outdoor LED lighting is quickly replacing legacy lighting technologies in a variety of exterior applications.

The reason for this is that modern LED lighting products lead the way in energy efficiency, but they offer much more, including:

Extended reliability and durability
Longevity
High quality performance
Reduced maintenance
Advanced controllability

These benefits are especially valuable in outdoor applications, where lamp replacement and maintenance can be a challenge.

Another advantage of LED lighting technology is versatility. Current generation LED lamps can be integrated into any type of landscape or exterior fixture. That means property owners can transition to LED lighting without overhauling their existing system.

Ten Types of Outdoor LED Lighting

The following outdoor LED fixtures can provide an ideal lighting solution for any outdoor application:

Bullet lights

Bullet lights are used in landscape lighting applications where directionality is necessary. They are ideal for exterior signage, facades and interesting landscape features, as they can be aimed with precision. Bullet fixtures are weather-resistant and dust-sealed for maximum durability and reliability.

Bollards

Bollard lights are installed inside bollard posts (which stand 3-8 feet high) and are often found in parking lots, parks, playgrounds and walkways. LED bollards are designed for an aesthetic fit in any setting, including contemporary, modern and geometric options.

Flood and spot lights

LED flood lights are also used in landscape applications, where they are most effective for illuminating facades, hedges and large trees. LED flood lights are a top choice for security applications and crime deterrence.

Pendant (hanging) lights

Pendant lights are suspended from ceilings and are therefore a good option for porches, balconies and aesthetically-focused settings. They’re also available in a large variety of styles to ensure a perfect fit.

In-ground lights

In-ground fixtures emphasize discreteness, as these fixtures are invisible once installed. They are typically used in uplighting applications, where they are effective for illuminating trees, greenery scenes and exterior facades. Like all exterior LED lights, in-ground LEDs are sealed against water and weather for maximum durability.

Path lights

Path lights sit low to the ground – most are less than two feet tall – and are used to illuminate paths, walkways and gardens. Path lights are often used in both commercial and residential applications, as they improve curb appeal and safety simultaneously. Like with bollards, there are many path fixture styles to choose from to ensure an ideal aesthetic fit.

Rope lights

Rope lights are a durable form of indirect outdoor lighting, so the fixtures remain hidden during operation. They are typically found on residential properties where they are installed around patios, along walkways and in architectural coves. Rope lights are available in several colors and are protected with a PVC housing that keeps the bulbs safe from water.

Step and deck lights

LED step and deck lights are mounted to and integrated into exterior steps and decks. They can be affixed to wood, brick or metal and blend in, with a variety of faceplates and color temperatures to choose from. They also reduce tripping hazards and improve pedestrian safety, so they are also useful in commercial applications.

Underwater lights

LED underwater lights can be installed in ponds and fountains, so they work equally well in residential gardens and commercial water features. Underwater LED fixtures are cast from brass, with high impact acrylic optics and a watertight bushing for excellent protection from water intrusion.

BBQ lights

BBQ lights are gooseneck fixtures that hang over a grilling area and provide precise, high quality LED illumination during night-time barbecuing. BBQ lights are built with stainless steel, so they’re resistant to weather and corrosion, and they can be wired directly into a transformer or breaker box.

Four Advantages of Outdoor LED Lighting

LED lights are well-suited for outdoor applications for the following reasons:

LEDs last much longer than other types of lighting – LED lighting has a longer lifespan than any other lighting technology on the market. LEDs are improving in this area all the time, but the typical diode fixture already provides at least 50,000 hours of reliable illumination before replacement is recommended. Lighting manufacturers use the concept of lumen maintenance to determine when a lamp has reached the end of its useful life. Specifically, when a light has lost about 30 percent of its overall lumen output, it is no longer considered viable. As mentioned, LED lighting reaches this point around the 50,000 hour mark. Fluorescent fixtures reach their end of life around 20,000 hours, and metal halides may not make it to 10,000 hours. It is also important to note that both of these lighting technologies are being discontinued. This extended lifespan factors into LED’s overall cost efficiency, but it’s also a major convenience advantage for outdoor applications. The longer the light lasts, the less often it will need to be replaced.
Outdoor LED lights provide high-output, high quality illumination – The initial concerns with LED lighting were performance related, but these concerns have disappeared with improving diode engineering. Today’s LED lights are capable of extremely high lumen counts, excellent color rendering and reliable light metering within tight tolerances. These are major advantages for security-focused and safety-focused lighting applications, such as parking lot, street and walkway settings. LED’s excellent lighting quality is also important for sports fields, courts and arenas, where the light needs to be sharp enough to track high-speed objects.
Outdoor LED lights can be paired with advanced lighting controls – LED lighting systems are compatible with all widely used lighting controls, including photocells, timers, occupancy controls and dimmers. This controllability advantage can enhance energy efficiency or safety further, as your LED lights will only be on when they are needed. This has obvious security applications, but it can also improve an outdoor space’s utility, as the system won’t need to be powered around the clock to ensure adequate lighting levels. For example, LED lighting used for walkways can be configured to brighten up when people are nearby, and dim down when no one is present. The same approach can be used with all types of landscape lighting, as well as street lighting, canopy fixtures and parking garages.
Outdoor LED lighting consumes less energy – LED lighting is the most energy efficient option on the market – an advantage that’s been apparent since the technology’s introduction. This advantage has widened with time, as improved optics and photometric analysis can fully leverage LED’s directional nature. Now, LED lighting systems can be precisely designed to maximize the amount of usable illumination with as few fixtures as possible. The result is greatly reduced energy consumption and lower maintenance/replacement costs – a one-two cost-saving punch that accelerates the system’s return on investment (ROI).

Trust Outdoor LED Lighting Professionals for Design and Installation

LEDs provide the long-lasting durability, reliability, performance and efficiency that is expected from outdoor lighting systems. However, there are still questions to answer before installing your LED lights.

Do you have the right fixtures selected for your project? Do you know where they will be placed? Do you know how to safely install your lighting fixtures?

Lighting professionals are experts in outdoor LED lighting, from planning to installation. If your exterior lighting project is overseen by an expert lighting team, they will be able to:

Optimize your lighting system’s energy efficiency
Select and source the best fixtures for your project
Select and source the best lighting controls and components for your project
Identify optimal fixture placement to enhance efficiency and performance
Install all fixtures, lamps and lighting system components
Configure the system to meet your lighting needs
Provide ongoing maintenance and lamp replacement

In short, by working with a reputable lighting expert, you will accelerate the ROI on your outdoor LED lighting and ensure a clean, professional look.

What are the Different Types of LED Lights Available

Posted on March 1, 2023 by Jennifer Castillo

LED technology is taking over the lighting industry. There are many reasons why, including LED’s versatility. LED fixtures have been adapted for numerous applications, and this engineering evolution is still in progress.

In fact, there’s an LED light for nearly every use and setting. Residential, commercial, industrial, decorative, indoor, outdoor – LED bulbs can be used everywhere. Here, we’ll take a look at the wide world of LED fixtures, and the role they play in each application.

Outdoor LED Commercial Lighting: Parking Lot, Wall Pack, Security and Sign Fixtures

In exterior commercial applications, LEDs are prized for their energy efficiency and excellent brightness. LED light bulbs generate high quality output that renders color well and distributes lumens evenly. This makes the technology an excellent choice for the following applications:

Parking lot lighting – LED parking lot fixtures offer excellent visibility at night and at long ranges – perfect for improving safety. Another big advantage: LED lighting is directional, so it can be distributed and aimed with precision. In fact, these lamps are available in several distribution patterns, so lighting designers can optimize ground-level lumens without any light trespass.Parking lot LEDs are available in several color temperature options, including warm, cool, and neutral white.
Wall pack fixtures – Wall pack LEDs function like other wall pack fixtures in that they’re mounted to the exterior facade of buildings, parking garages and other structures. From their elevated position, wall packs can provide an extra layer of illumination for general visibility purposes. However, they excel in security lighting applications. In this role, wall pack fixtures can be tied to occupancy sensors (motion or IR) and primed to illuminate when someone walks nearby. That’s ideal for general, safety, and security applications, especially if surveillance cameras are programmed to engage automatically when the security lights flash on.
Sign fixtures – LED lighting is an effective display option, too, and can be used to illuminate signage at night. Gooseneck fixtures, for example, are highly adjustable and have an eye-catching bend that stands out. LED gooseneck fixtures are mounted close to the target sign and fitted with an LED that distributes illumination like a spotlight. The result is bright, sharp and attention-getting.

Outdoor Venue Lighting: Sportslighters and Decorative Pole Fixtures

LED technology can be scaled up for the largest venues in existence, including professional sports stadiums, rodeo arenas, tennis courts and municipal parks.

LEDs can be integrated into the oversized displays you’ll see at professional sports venues. Most of them are LED video walls, which offer superior resolution and color richness, compared to Jumbotrons. Some large-scale displays are made with direct view LED panels, like microtiles. These direct view panels can be scaled up to nearly any degree, can be shaped or curved, and are easier to maintain.

In smaller venues, like neighborhood tennis courts, skate parks and the like, pole-mounted LED lights are a reliable choice. Quality lighting poles are made from galvanized steel, coated to protect against corrosion and available in several shapes, sizes and heights. With their design versatility, LED light poles can be adapted for any area.

For lighting park paths and neighborhoods, decorative poles and post top fixtures are a popular choice. LED posts are shorter than standard lighting poles and are ornamentally designed.

Landscape Lighting: Bullets, Floods, Bollards and Path Fixtures

LED bulbs have also been adapted for landscaping applications. Effective in residential and commercial settings, LED landscape lighting is available in several fixture designs. They include:

Bullet fixtures – Bullet fixtures function like spotlights in a landscaping setting. They fire a tight beam of illumination that’s ideal for lighting trees and building facades. Bullets are also easy to conceal, especially when they’re mounted on the ground close to the intended target.
Flood fixtures – Floods are the opposite of bullets. They cast a wide, short-distance beam that fills an area with bright light. Floods are ideal for illuminating a backyard and extending the home’s functional space at night. They’re also effective for illuminating entire building facades and other points of interest outside, like a garden or fountain.
Path fixtures – Path fixtures sit low to the ground – usually under 18 inches – and softly illuminate any adjacent path. They’re helpful for visually pointing out where walkable paths and landscaping are located. LED path fixtures are reliable, can run on low voltage (for better safety), and can be attached to photocells or timers for maximum efficiency. They’re also available in a huge number of designs, so they can be aesthetically matched to any property.
Bollards – Bollard lighting is named after the bollards you’d see at a dock or in a parking lot. They look like simple posts, ranging in height from a couple of feet to eight feet high. They serve the same function as path lighting, but are more appropriate for larger properties, given their larger size and visual impact.

Indoor Commercial Lighting: Bays and Linear Lighting Fixtures

For interior commercial applications, LED’s efficiency, low maintenance, and controllable design make it a cost saver for facilities.

When department stores, warehouses, manufacturing facilities and industrial facilities upgrade their lighting, they often do so with LED bays or linear fixtures. Bay lighting is either mounted to the ceiling or suspended from it, and it provides high-output general illumination for large interior spaces. LEDs have been adapted for both high and low bays, so they can be mounted to ceilings ranging from 12 to 45 feet. LEDs have also been adapted for linear (rectangular) and UFO (circular) fixtures. UFOs are more common, but linear bays are highly effective for illuminating long, narrow spaces like warehouse aisles.

LED linear lighting fixtures are also popular options in commercial applications, including office and retail applications. Linear LEDs are frequently used to replace fluorescent tubes, where they can provide more efficient and better-quality lighting.

LED Lighting is Available in Nearly Every Form and Fixture

LED lighting offers a long list of advantages, including design flexibility. It can be incorporated into almost every lighting application possible and scaled up or down as needed for any setting.

LED lighting technology has come a long way in a short time. A decade ago, only the most plugged-in industry experts could have seen the rapid rise of LED fixtures. Now, the technology is poised to become the number one choice for every lighting application.

Landscape Lighting Kits Make It Easy To DIY Your Outdoor Lighting

Posted on August 16, 2022 by Jennifer Castillo

With hundreds of landscape lighting products to choose from, it’s a challenge to know where to start when designing a landscape lighting system. To keep it as simple as possible, we offer complete outdoor lighting kits.

Each kit comes with everything you’ll need to illuminate your home like a professional. You won’t need to sort through hundreds of fixtures and components to piece together your system. You won’t need to pay for professional installation. That means you can get a professional look without a professional price – and it’s all bundled together for maximum convenience.

What Items Does A Landscape Lighting Kit Come With?

Every landscape lighting kit has what you’ll need to design and install your system. Inside, you’ll find:

A set of luminaires. Luminaries include the lamp and associated components that distribute the light and protect the fixture. In other words, the optics and housing. Included luminaries are usually either path lights (sometimes called area lights) or bullet lights. Some kits include both, so you can get both lighting effects.
A low voltage transformer, responsible for stepping down line voltage so the fixtures can safely operate. Standard operating wattage for landscape lighting transformers is 100W.
Heavy duty cable, long enough to connect all the fixtures. This cable will be buried underground, so it should be heavy gauge.
Some sets of landscape lights also come with additional control components, like a photocell timer for automatic on/off switching.
Some outdoor lights also come with installation tools for easier placement and mounting.

Can I Install Landscape Lights Myself?

Professional landscape lighting installation may cost thousands of dollars, but if you’re willing to dedicate an afternoon to the process, it can be done yourself. Roughly, this is what the process looks like:

Verify where existing buried cables are located – Before installation is complete, you’ll need to do some digging and burying, so first locate all existing underground cables. This is a critical safety step and it is important that you call 811 before beginning. While most utility lines are installed at least 18 inches below ground level, older lines may not adhere to this standard. By calling 811, each utility company will come out and flag the location of their lines so you know where not to dig.
Put the fixtures together – Prior to mounting anything, you may need to put the fixtures together. This is simple stuff, like installing light bulbs and mounts to the fixtures.
Mark and dig out trenches for wire runs – It’s your choice where the fixtures go, as long as you have enough length of wire. If you haven’t mapped out everything, take the time to do so and mark out the wire runs in the yard. By doing so, you’ll know if you have enough cable to work with and you’ll know where to dig when it’s time.
Find a spot for the transformer and mount it – The transformer is the heart of your system. It delivers power to the low voltage lights and ensures they operate safely.
Installing and working with the transformer is the most technically complicated part of the process, and takes a few tools to manage. You’ll likely need some pliers, a flat head screwdriver, a Philips head screwdriver and a drill (a hammer drill if you’re installing in masonry). You’ll also need some wire cutters and a wire stripping tool.
The transformer needs at least 12 inches of space on all sides and should be placed at least 30 feet away from any water features. Most people choose to mount their transformer to the side of their house and run the cable through a PVC sleeve that runs underneath.
Wire everything up – Once the transformer is mounted, you’ll need to connect each fixture’s wiring to the transformer.
Make double sure that the transformer is not receiving power before continuing. You’ll have a chance to test the landscaping lights after everything is wired.
Connect your transformer to the system’s main runs (the cables that will run close to each fixture). You may need to connect a 12V and 15V run separately to compensate for longer runs. The additional voltage in the 15V run helps offset losses in fixtures placed further away from the transformer.
Once the main runs are connected, wire each fixture’s leads to the main runs. Many low voltage lighting kits come with easy-to-use connectors to facilitate this, like twist on connectors.
Test and adjust the lighting – Supply power to the transformer and take a look around your property. If you’ve done everything correctly, your lights should be functioning. At this point, you can make adjustments as needed, to ensure everything is illuminated to your satisfaction.
Once the testing and adjustments are finished, pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

Three Reasons To Consider LED Landscape Lighting Kits

Modern landscape light sets are usually powered with LED technology. There are many reasons for this, and a few standout benefits of LEDs include:

Brilliant, directional light quality – LEDs emit directionally, and some types of landscape fixtures take advantage of this. Bullet fixtures, for example, produce a strong beam of concentrated light (like spotlights) that can be used to illuminate trees, a garden, or interesting architectural features.
LED light quality is strong and comparable to halogen in terms of brilliance and color rendering potential. With LEDs, you won’t lose out on visibility or display quality.
Excellent operating efficiency – LED’s reputation as an efficient lighting technology is well-earned. Compared to halogen, it consumes 90 percent less energy per watt. LED’s lifespan is also impressive, extending out to 50,000 hours before replacement is likely. That’s far better than all other lighting technologies, so LEDs are much more cost efficient over the long run.
Durability, reliability and safety – LED bulbs are extremely durable, as they don’t rely on sensitive components like filaments or gas chambers. That means they can take the occasional bump without any problems, which is handy when you’re DIYing an outdoor installation. There’s nothing more frustrating than setting up a fixture, only to find that you’ve damaged it somehow. Not a problem with LEDs.
Also, LEDs are less likely to shatter, and if they do break, they won’t release any harmful gasses or chemicals like mercury.

LED Spot Has Landscape Lighting Kits For Every Home Or Business

LED Spot offers a variety of landscape lighting kits, along with a deep inventory of lighting fixtures, lamps and accessories. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and show off your home in a new light, our team of lighting experts can help match your lighting needs to the best lighting kit available.

Golf After Sunset With Backyard Putting Green Lights

Posted on August 1, 2022 by Jennifer Castillo

You’ve spent good money and plenty of time crafting the perfect backyard putting green, but can you use it once the sun goes down? If the answer isn’t yes, it’s time to consider backyard putting green lights. A putting green light provides crisp, inviting illumination for you, your friends and your guests to play by. There’s no better way to entertain on those warm summer nights.

Three Ways To Light Up Your Backyard Putting Green

You have a few options when lighting your backyard putting green. The design that will work best for your space mostly comes down to personal preference and aesthetics.

The most popular outdoor putting green lighting solutions include:

LED Down Lighting and Landscape Lighting

Down lighting and general landscape lighting can brighten up an entire backyard – not just your putting green. Down lights are called such because they emit downwards, so they can be installed along the perimeter of your home or even placed in a tree. With additional height to work with, a down fixture can emit across a larger area and provide maximum visibility.

Landscape lighting can also provide an impressive level of general illumination and can be integrated into your yard’s most impressive landscape features. Wherever you place them, LED landscape lights will bring out your backyard’s beauty, making your nighttime golfing a peaceful experience for everyone. With landscape lighting fixtures you can illuminate adjoining gardens, a patio, an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, a bar top, or even a pool deck.

If younger family members frequently use the putting green, down and landscape lighting are ideal for additional safety (and for finding any golf balls that are hit off the green).

LED Path Lights

If you’d prefer to contain your outdoor lights to the green, LED path lights are an effective option. Each path light is mounted only a couple feet off the ground and emits a tight pool of illumination directly onto the green.

Path lighting isn’t intended for general illumination purposes and isn’t going to light up an entire yard. However, what it will do is produce plenty of attractive illumination for your putting green. This lighting washes over a smaller area, produces minimal shadows and is easier to control. The effect is clean and modern.

Even better, path lighting products come in a variety of designs, so you can match the perfect fixture aesthetic to your yard. Some even have a built-in holder for a drink or golf ball.

LED Cup Lighting

If you’re looking for a truly minimalist lighting solution, LED cup fixtures provide a look you won’t find anywhere else. With an LED cup fixture the lamp is installed directly below the hole and aimed up. The effect is a vertical column of illumination that fires into the air.

Cup fixtures can be fitted with one of several colored lenses, so you can customize your light’s appearance. The effect is one of high contrast, as each cup is brightly illuminated against its darker surroundings. Pair your cup lights with a transparent flag, and it’ll be even easier to see the cup from a distance.

Every cup fixture consists of a low-voltage LED lamp (4 or 6-watt), a high-impact convex glass lens, a GU5.3 bi-pin socket, a PVC sleeve for mounting and an unfinished brass housing. These components work together to ensure your cup lighting system is protected from water and weather, while still emitting excellent quality illumination.

Four Reasons Why Golfers Choose LED Outdoor Lighting For Their Backyard Putting Greens

LED lighting is rapidly outclassing and replacing older forms of lighting, such as halogen, fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lamps. As a result, you’ll see LED fixtures everywhere these days. Whether inside a bedside lamp or blanketing a massive parking lot, there are several reasons why LED lighting is the first choice for many applications, including putting green applications.

Four of those reasons include:

Excellent operating efficiency – No other form of lighting is as efficient as LEDs. Compared to halogen, LED lighting is more than 10 times as efficient. Compared to fluorescent, LED lighting is about twice as efficient. Those are big energy savings that mean a lower operating cost. Though LED lighting comes with a slightly higher price, LEDs make up for this with their enhanced efficiency.
Extended lifespan – In addition to their efficiency, LED fixtures last much longer than other lighting technologies before replacement is required. The typical LED lamp will perform for 50,000 hours before failure is likely. Compare this to halogen (2,000 hours) and fluorescent (10,000 hours), and it’s clear that LED has a big maintenance advantage.
Superior lighting quality – LED lighting quality is excellent, capable of rendering color well and evenly emitting light. Due to the way they’re engineered, LED fixtures emit directionally as well. You can aim them exactly where they’re needed and suffer no efficiency losses.
Better safety – LED fixtures are shatterproof, produce little radiant heat and contain no toxic substances like mercury. That makes them a safe option for residential and outdoor settings.

LED Spot Has Everything You Need To Keep The Game Going At Night

LED Spot has helped avid golfers of every skill level set up their backyard putting green lighting. We have the LED fixtures, bulbs and accessories to start your project, along with expert advice and skill to help see the project to completion. If you’re looking to order lighting for your outdoor putting green or just want to explore your options, give the LED Spot team a call and we’ll make your golf lighting project a reality.

Ultimate Guide To Finding The Best Landscape Lighting

Posted on July 19, 2022 by Jennifer Castillo

With all of the time and effort we spend making the interior of our homes and businesses as attractive and functional as possible with high-quality lighting products, why do we so often forget to do the same for the exterior? The truth is there’s no point in investing in the natural beauty of our yards and exterior spaces without the proper landscape lighting to tie it all together.

Here, we’ll go over the importance of landscape and outdoor lighting, types of outdoor lights, and where to purchase the best landscaping lighting.

What is Landscape Lighting?

Just like interior lighting, landscape lighting is a way for home and business owners to accent, highlight, and feature certain aspects of their outdoor space. Whether used to illuminate hidden details in the garden or help guide visitors along a pathway, landscaping lighting can provide everything from aesthetic beauty to dramatic effects to functional visibility at night.

Types of Landscape Lighting

Whether you look at your local hardware store or search online for unique options, there are many types to choose from when looking for landscape lighting. Each kind of outdoor light has its pros and cons. Generally, low voltage lighting is the most popular choice, as it is safer for homes and businesses. There are many varieties of safe landscape lighting to choose from. In order to choose the best type of light for your needs you’ll need to first understand the different kinds of lights available. Some of the most common types of landscape lighting include:

Traditional Landscape Lights – Using traditional light bulbs, this type of landscape lighting provides a warm glow that can be used on the ground to highlight features in the yard or in foliage like bushes or trees.
Integrated Landscape LED Lights – Using built-in high-quality LED modules offers better performance and reduces the need for constantly changing burned out bulbs.
Solar Powered Landscape Lights – Solar-powered lights allow for optimal flexibility in placing landscape lighting, as the sunlight charges the light, rendering a nearby plug unnecessary.

LED Spot offers a wide variety of the above landscape lighting types available for shipping. Whether you’re looking for copper, brass, gold, black, or other colors, our wide range of landscape lighting products in various LED types and sizes are sure to perfectly accentuate your outdoor space.

Unique Landscape Lighting Techniques

Landscape lights are not as effective without the right placement and design techniques. Choosing which light is best for your needs is just the beginning. Once you’ve selected a product you need to determine how the lighting will be arranged to optimize the look of your landscaping. Examples of types of popular outdoor lighting products and the best ways to use them include:

Path lights – These lights can be used to illuminate walkways, driveways and other locations that may be precarious in the dark.
Well lights – These kinds of lights are typically recessed into the ground and can be used to highlight plants or architecture from below.
Bollard lights – Available in various design styles, these usually come in either a round or square shape, 36” – 42” in height. They mount to the ground and are used to illuminate plants and pathways.
LED strip lights – These light fixtures are great for signage, as well as lighting walls from the top or bottom of your home or building.
Hanging light fixtures and wall sconces – Whether hung from a tree or placed on walls these lights can bring the eye up to fully take in the entire ambiance of your landscaping experience.
Ceiling fans with lights – On outdoor patios and gazebos ceiling fans can help keep outdoor spaces cool while also illuminating gathering spots.

By utilizing a variety of lighting options at varying heights and of various styles, you can create intricate light solutions in your outdoor space. Choose lights that compliment your outdoor space’s design style. If you’re into more modern designs choose sleek, streamlined lights. Whereas if you like more traditional lighting you can opt for more ornate fixtures. Choose colors that compliment your theme and be sure the landscape lighting products you choose are durable and weather resistant. There’s no point in investing in outdoor lighting that won’t last throughout the years. Lastly, choose a lighting provider that is known for selling quality products.

Choosing the Right Provider for Landscape Lighting

The world of landscape lighting is vast, encompassing all kinds of lighting types, bulbs, and design styles. With so many different types of landscape lighting products available, where does one even begin?

Since 1985, LED Spot has been providing the best residential and commercial lighting solutions to customers throughout the U.S. and beyond. Our more than 30 years of experience in the lighting industry has given us keen insight into the best and most high-quality lighting products available. We work with more than 20 manufacturers, allowing us to offer the latest in lighting technology to everyone from the DIY homeowner to professional contractors.

In an industry that is constantly changing, LED Spot maintains its reputation as one of the leading sustainable lighting solution providers. Ready to begin your landscape lighting project? Check out our extensive line of landscape lighting products and turn your vision into reality.