1). Planning The Low – Voltage Landscape System
Strategically locating the fixtures around a structure with pools of light in contrast with darker areas provides the interplay of light and shadow that creates stunning visual impact. Low voltage lighting is easily installed, making it ideal for enhancing existing properties.

2). Sketch the Property
The front sidewalk or driveway is a natural starting point. Sketch the structure (house or office building) in context of the lot, and make note of trees for uplighting, interesting textures, signs or address markers, colorful flowerbeds, and shrubbery.

3) Indicate Fixture Location
Once the sketch is complete, pencil in the placement of area, path, directional, and specialty fixtures.

a. Area lights are indirect light sources that have a large distribution of light on the ground or on the surface commonly used for driveways, isolated planters, or perimeter illumination.

b. Path lights are commonly used for small pathways, walkways, flowerbeds and ground cover areas, with spacing of 6 to 10 feet. With a narrow sidewalk, stagger the lighting from one side to the other; however, a uniform row of fixtures works well for a wide walkway or driveway.

c. Well lights are extremely effective for aiming light up a tree or column. They should be located 2 to 4 feet from the trunk base. Directional lights aim a beam directly at an object or surface. These fixtures can be hidden under shrubs or in other unobtrusive ways

d. Special fixtures are used for a wide variety of special installations and applications, including hanging, surface, and underwater, step, and brick lighting. It is usually more attractive when the lighting effects are spread throughout the setting rather than merely aimed for symmetrical distribution.

4) Selecting the Proper Transformer
When the system lamp wattage is known, the transformer calculation is easy. Just add up the total wattage of the lamps you are using and make sure it is less than or equal to the transformer rating. Try to leave extra space on the transformer for future expansion.

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