The exterior lighting serves several purposes. Firstly is the security and safety of the home and it’s surrounding areas. Criminal acts like burglary, car theft and assault are statistically much lower in areas with adequate light. Accidents like falling from elevations, stepping into depressions, twisting or breaking ankles, walking into building protrusions or landscape features are far less likely to occur. Through illumination of objects and walkways a safe environment is created.

Conversely, too much, too bright or misdirected light can cause temporary blindness creating the same problem as no light at all. Inadequate safety and security at a home can cause serious results such as medical bills, disabilities, inability to work, lost income and liability for injuries to guests, or even trespassers on the property.

Low voltage fixtures produce superior effects in maintaining the home’s safety, as well as that of streets and driveways. The illumination they produce is more natural and better quality than higher voltage alternatives. It is easily directed exactly where it is needed while not diffusing, or flaring into areas where it is unwanted. A lower intensity will create visibility, while not blinding or overpowering. There is less contrast between dark areas and illuminated ones so the shadows are less dark. Clearer, sharper images are the result, and grater visibility.

There is not the same problem with light pollution that is is with traditional fixtures. Illumination is easily directed where wanted and does not intrude onto neighboring areas or into the night sky where it is wasted while obscuring the spectacle of the stars in the heavens.

A clean, crisp effect is produced, which enhances architecture and landscaping. Whether used as ambient, general light, or to accent building or landscape features, through down, up, front or back light, the resulting effect is artistic. It is more effectively used in recessed areas and alcoves, or as highlight directing people toward focal points or entrances. For task lighting it produces better performance with less eye fatigue.

There is a much greater variety of fixtures available. About 100 options verses about 12 for conventional styles.

Lastly, these fixtures operate at approximately 1/3 the cost of traditional ones. When LED bulbs are used about 10% of the energy that incandescent bulbs use is consumed. With florescent 20% or incandescent is used, and energy saving halogen bulbs use 70 %. Bulb life is extended so maintenance is much less expensive.

When considering switching to low voltage outdoor lighting – why it makes sense is that better quality and more useful, pleasing light is produced. At the same time, less energy is used, less maintenance required and less environmental damage caused.

Ed Pedicine

NJ Low Voltage Lighting, NJ Landscape Lighting

Every style of home will have its own feel and style. There are listings where the overall impression is a country look. Suburban homes will have a certain style, as well as modern and trendy looking houses. Figuring out what type of property has to be designed, will help a customer pick out the right style for them.

Most stores will carry several sections of units. These units may be divided into several categories that influence where they would be placed in a home. A section could feature modern lights, country designs or be separated by brand or location at the home. The store may separate the front lights from the backyard ones.

Modern looking lights will have a certain look and feel to them. They may offer an abstract look with sharp corners and a simple design. The simple and medium sized units will create the perfect balance of style with a similar designed property.

In a country styled home, units for lighting may be designed in a brass finish. The brass design may also have large features that help it to blend in a country home. Most country units offer large bulky fixtures and features where the lighting should match the style.

The front of the property is where guests and home owners will see first when approaching the home. Typically these fixtures would be placed on either side of a double door. In a smaller property where there is only one door, a fixture could be placed on either side of the door frame. The style and size of the house may impact where the lights will go around the door.

When there is a garage attached to the home, most people will place lights there to help the area stand out. A single door may allow for a fixture to be placed over top. A double door design may have a single fixture over each door panel or have a fixture placed on either side of the doors.

There are other places that these fixtures can be hung or attached. A pole with a separate light could be placed in the front or back. These units could offer the same modern or country look that is desired. Lights in the garden could help to bring out the landscaping and showcase a pathway to walk around. Spot lights are great for security and lighting up a home.

Principles of design for outdoor lighting may be used when picking out units. These units could be placed over a door, garage or in a garden. There are many different kinds of styles to pick from. Most stores will offer some help when it comes to picking out the right model and style for a home.  However, we will do much more than that!

Ed Pedicine

NJ Outdoor-Landscape Lighting

Many are not aware of how far this industry has evolved past the utilitarian, functional approach still associated with it. Safety and security are still important, but they are done better now. Low volt lighting allows safe passage along walkways, changes of direction, and elevation to the destination. Crime is still deterred, entrances highlighted. But this is accomplished more effectively and aesthetically.

This can be one of the best investments you make in your home. By extending your usable living space into the outdoors during the evening hours and enhancing the aesthetics of your home’s architectural and landscaping features, you increase the property’s value. You will be making the space more useful, more comfortable and relaxing.

Through properly designed systems you will have a functional, but artistic effect, tastefully using light to enhance form and shadow with color combination and texture. The result can be theatrical.

Professionals can be located through referrals from happy customers, by discovering who designed appealing projects that you have seen, or through advertising. In interviewing these vendors find someone you are comfortable with and trust. This person should have communication and customer service skills. He will listen carefully to your desires and concerns rather than just forge ahead with what he thinks you should have. He will have ideas and suggestions for you to consider, and will point out potential problems or mistakes that may leave you unhappy with the results in the end.

Above all communicate a budget to this person early on, or your project could quickly get out of control, costing many times what you wanted to spend. At some point there are diminishing returns on your investment. Conversely your budget should be realistic and the installer must use quality materials and equipment if you are to be satisfied with function, maintenance and lifespan of the work. New LED bulbs will operate with 1/3 lower energy cost and will last much longer.

A detailed design plan should be developed with the installer. Expect him to have a passion for this work. He should be thoroughly versed in all possibilities that are available, and be imaginative. He must be up to date on innovative new products becoming available. He needs to be able to solve problems that may be presented by your project, and devise solutions. He should not only be technically competent but have a creative personality as well.

The installer should appear to have fundamental business skills and be organized. His business practices should be ethical and fair. His crew should be skilled and professional.

How to hire a landscape lighting contractor is a multiple step proposition. It entails knowing what you want, what to expect, and how to obtain it. Do not expect the right installer to be a perfect human being. You can, however, find one with the necessary qualities.

Ed Pedicine of Emerald Lawn Sprinklers
Landscape Lighting, NJ Outdoor Lighting

After inventing the light bulb Thomas Edison began using direct current systems to light individual houses. Later Nikola Tesla invented the transformer. This allowed alternating current electricity to be stepped up to high voltages and transmitted longer distances, and stepped back down to lower voltages to be safely used.

A bitter argument followed, with Edison arguing that his competitors were promoting a system dangerous to the public. To make his point he even helped to develop the electric chair to be used in public executions in public, to demonstrate the potential dangers.

Another known disadvantage is the thermal effect, whereby heat is generated in equipment at high voltage, causing fire risk. Another is surging, or over current which is a risk to electrical equipment. Also present is electrical disturbance whereby radiation can interfere with signal reception. It is also demonstrated statistically that electromagnetic fields are a risk to the health of persons in close proximity to the electrical line.

When considering a 12 V system we can see that there is no risk of injury or electrocution from the current. Meanwhile a 120 V or 220 V systems in use in the US. Their long history of deaths caused by electrocution from accidental contact with lines demonstrates that. Expense of operating can be 1/3 lower and LED bulbs have a much longer life as well.

A system using direct current could also be used in rural areas lacking distribution line access. It can also be used if the user wishes not to be dependent on the grid, which can fail to to deliver electricity at times, or if he does not want to pay monthly bills to the utility company. In situations like this electricity may be produced by solar panels, hydro power, wind turbines, geothermal, or fuel burning generators. Banks of batteries are used to store power for eventual use, as needed.

The light produced is of a different quality as well. Low volt bulbs produce a warmer appearing light. It can produce a more dramatic effect in architectural or outdoor landscape applications. It is sharper and clearer, making it suitable to direct specifically where wanted, or used as an accent. The quality is more natural looking and can also be used under water.

Meanwhile, high volt bulbs produce a more diffused light, which tends to scatter. It is harder to control and focus on specific areas. Much of it is lost into the atmosphere, causing light pollution of night skies and obscuring the stars from view.

The pros and cons of low voltage lighting should be weighed, balancing the desired effect, the cost, and safety. In considering all this it may become apparent that low volt lights have some distinct advantages, in your application.

Ed Pedicine

Apart from using these lights to beautify your outdoor living space, they also add to the safety and security of your home as well, for you, your family, and your visitors. Having lights at strategic points outside your home makes it a little more difficult for intruders to gain access to your house.

There is nothing better than spending a warm summer evening outside on your deck entertaining a few friends. It is essential to have the correct lighting in place, not only to create the right ambience, but for safety purposes too.

For instance, having a light at each corner post of the deck will highlight the area just enough to allow your guests to walk around safely. These lights will give a subtle glow, perfect for that summer night barbecue. Illuminating the deck area will make your guests have no doubt as to where the entertainment is to be held!

Lights can be installed at the base of the corner posts as well. These are very soft lights that are extremely effective in highlighting the floor area of the deck. Your guests will be able to walk around freely, and have enough light when sitting at your deck furniture.

There are always walkways to a deck, and very often a few stairs as well. These look fabulous in the day time hours, but can be risky areas at night. Apart from using lights in these areas for safety purposes, the overall beautiful effect they create is really lovely. If you have umbrellas on your deck, these are catered for as well with the rechargeable umbrella lights that are available.

We are here to serve you if you are located in North NJ or Central NJ.

Ed Pedicine

Emerald Lawn Sprinklers

People living on beach front properties typically include fabulous lighting in the interior of their homes, and want to bring this same elegant style to their outdoor living areas too. These beautiful light fixtures have now been adapted for outside use as well, and are available from most lighting companies.

Most people love entertaining. They love nothing more than to invite a few guests over for an enjoyable evening. The insides of their homes are stunning and are perfect for casual or formal entertainment.

However, there are times when they want to enjoy some outdoor entertainment as well, and want the outside areas of their homes to look just as good as the insides. One way to do this is to have really beautiful fixtures on the decks around their homes, on patios, and in the garden as well.

Well, they are now able to create that impression that they are looking for. There are lights for walkways, decks, and patios that will produce the mood and dramatic effect that they want in the form of accent lights, floodlights, and specialty lights.

For those who enjoy entertaining around the pool on hot summer nights, there are underwater lights that will make the area simply breathtaking. Gardens are not forgotten. Invite your guests to stroll around your magnificent garden, by using pathway lights to show them the way.

Whether you live by the ocean side, lake, have a beautiful pool area or just want to illuminate your backyard life, we can help.  We can help you find outdoor garden lighting if you are in the North NJ or Central NJ locale.  We’ll help you find lights to emphasize the architecture of your home elegantly. There are trendy fixtures and fittings that will draw attention to certain areas of your garden. We will help you to create that impression you so much desire.

Ed Pedicine

Emerald Lawn Sprinklers

The wide array of uses for low voltage outdoor lights can be quite astounding. These lights can be used to make an area safer and more usable after dark as well as help to create a mood by showing off some style. The security benefits of outdoor illumination are incredible, with well lit areas creating panic and hesitation in most thieves.

There are all sorts of cost effective ways to light up a yard or walkway with some well positioned landscape lights or path lights. Energy efficient lighting fixtures could be mounted or positioned in pretty much any desired location. With options such as brackets and sconces for wall mounting as well as post mounted lighting that works great for landscape features and decorative path illumination.

Many popular fixtures are versatile in form and function. Cast bronze and aluminum are wonderful for their style and long lasting grace. Bronze ages with character and can serve as a kind of living art all in itself, while aluminum will retain its form and luster for ages in any climate. The use and function of a light is often complimented nicely by it acting as a piece of decoration as well.

Saving power and money, while making life more secure and convenient, is why so outside lights are so in demand. A touch of style and grace to go along with safety and usefulness makes it a sensible improvement to any home or business. The needs are everywhere so come visit Emerald Lawn Sprinklers to find the best deal and live a brighter life.

Accent lights of all kinds are a great way to brighten an area for safety and to create a desired mood. To give any outdoor area that picture perfect look after the sunlight takes an eye for light and shadows and a little bit of personal taste. It is hard not to attract attention to a business or home while giving it a little added protection at the same time.

Wall sconces are another tasteful way to light up outside areas of all sorts, but are limited to areas with structure. When an open space needs to be lit up the post mounted yard and path lights steal the show. To make a real dramatic effect in both day and night it is wise to get the beautifully cast varieties.

Incredibly attractive and long lasting, cast bronze and aluminum are the best option for a wide array of looks and uses. Standing up to the harsh seasons and weather events is part of the benefit of strong metal light fixture. Classic and classy in appearance, and often highly efficient in the area of energy consumption, makes using a lot of them quite practical for big areas.

The uses and benefits of added outside illumination are plentiful. They add some extra security in the night time hours and add a sense of classic beauty at the same time. It is always good to buy more than you intended, once a person sees them in action they usually wish they bought more. Finding the best designs and prices in North and Central New Jersey is easy. Just call us and get an estimate today.

Ed Pedicine