Outdoor Lighting Lamps » Outdoor Lighting

Bollard Lights: A popular Choice for Exterior Lighting

Rachel — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 19:40:39 +0000

Bollard lights are sometimes called mini lamp posts and are a very popular choice for exterior lighting when space is at a premium. Most bollard lighting is less than one meter high, but despite its small stature, these lights are able to give off an impressive amount of illumination and are just as effective as their larger cousin, the lamp post.

The lights come in a huge variety of styles, ranging from ultra modern brushed steel posts, to antique style black wrought iron. Simple, contemporary designs of bollard light are great for drawing attention to impressive features around the garden, but if you prefer to use some lighting that is a feature in itself, an antique style bollard post light is an excellent choice. When installed along pathways and drives, traditional designs of bollard post lights not only look beautiful when lit up at night, they are also very useful for guiding the way when visitors arrive.

Modern designs of outdoor bollard lights can be positioned all over the garden. You might choose to have some around your patio area for outdoor entertaining, but they can be just as effective when positioned amongst the shrubs and trees in your garden. If you have some beautiful trees and plants growing in your outdoor space, it makes sense to use strategic lighting to draw attention to such key areas at night. Bollard post lights are ideal for this purpose and simple modern designs tend to be very unobtrusive.

Solar bollard lights are ideal for areas of the garden where there is no electricity supply. The lights charge up during the day from a small solar panel situated on top of the post. Once the daylight sensor tells the light that night has arrived, the lamp will switch on and your garden will be bathed in a lovely ethereal glow.

Night lighting is the best way to make the most of any garden, no matter what time of year it might be. Bollard lights can be used in any area of the garden to add some lovely atmosphere at night. During the summer, extra lighting will enable you to entertain outdoors, as well as enjoy some alfresco dining on your patio or terrace. In the winter time, garden lighting will transform your garden into a sparkling paradise. Instead of gazing out of the window and seeing nothing but pitch blackness, you will be able to enjoy the fruits of all the hard work you did over the summer.

As well as adding some extra aesthetic style to your garden, lighting should also be considered an important safety feature. If you intend to use your garden at night, lighting is essential. Bollard post lights can be an attractive method of lighting the way along paths and walkways, especially if your garden is on more than one level or contains water features. By including some key lights at various intervals, you can ensure that your family or guests will not succumb to a terrible accident as a result of insufficient garden lighting.

Make most of your Outdoor Chandelier

Rachel — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 18:30:27 +0000

If you want to make the most of your outdoor space during the summer months, lighting is an absolute must. In order to turn your patio or terrace into an extension of your living room or dining room, it is essential to install some effective lighting. Whilst there are lots of different types of lighting for outdoors, many people choose to make a feature of the lighting and an outdoor chandelier is a great choice for hanging above a patio dining table.

Outdoor chandeliers are designed for installation in the great outdoors, but you still need to take account of various factors before making a decision as to where you install them. An outdoor chandelier will need access to the mains electricity supply, so when you are deciding where it should go, check whether the existing wiring will run to the desired location. You should also check that your preferred location offers some protection from the worst of the weather. Chandeliers designed for outdoor use are very resilient, but even the most robust of chandeliers is likely to look a little worse for wear if repeatedly subjected to torrential rain and strong winds.

The chandelier needs to be placed in the best possible position for providing effective lighting. Ideally this would be over a table or seating area, but outdoor gazebos are a great place for hanging outdoor chandelier lighting. Circuitry needs to be absolutely watertight and a qualified electrician is the best person to carry out the job. If you have chosen a style of chandelier that requires fabric shades, it is possible to purchase shades made from a waterproof material.

Many people enjoy entertaining outdoors during the warmer months of the year, but with inadequate lighting, this is not always possible. If you regularly hold dinner parties for your friends and families that involve an elaborate meal with drinks, a few candles shoved into old wine bottles will not really create much ambiance for your guests. Installing an outdoor candle chandelier will immediately turn your patio or terrace into a beautiful and stylish extension of your home. You can enjoy a pleasant evening with your family and friends beneath the soft glow of a chandelier.

There are many different styles of chandeliers designed for outdoor use. Many people prefer contemporary designs, but you can also choose from antique or rustic styles to suit the decorative scheme of your home. If you live in a cabin or timber framer home, a wagon wheel design of chandelier will look particularly effective.

Sun rooms are often suited to lighting designed for outdoor use. If a traditional chandelier is installed in a sun room or conservatory, the effects of sunlight can often adversely affect it, especially during the summer months. The heat generated from strong sun damages many internal light fittings, so an outdoor light fitting can be a sensible choice for conservatories. If you use your conservatory for growing plants, high levels of humidity can also be an issue with less resilient indoor light fittings, therefore an outdoors chandelier built for resistance to heat and moisture is ideal.

Stair Lighting Ideas

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:48:28 +0000

Walking up and down the stairs is a safety issue, especially during the night. Stair lighting is an important consideration to ensure the right illumination and comfort for you and your family. Not only are stair lights essential for safety, but they can also be an enhancing feature to your home. With so many designs available, you will be able to find something that will suit your style. Typical models of stair lights include:

Recessed Lights – are very popular for both indoor and outdoor stair lighting. They come in different sizes and accent rings; round, oblong, or even diamond shaped fixtures. There are two types of recessed lights: One is the flood lights that can put out a wide light pattern and cover a large area. The other is the spot lights that focus their beam on the area where they are pointed. Recessed lights are either battery operated or main-power operated. But they can also come with motion sensors which can be a unique feature.

Ceiling Light Fixtures – is ideal for indoor stairway or any area that has a ceiling you can mount on. This type of stair lighting fixture should be flush to the ceiling as much as possible, especially on areas with lower ceiling, to avoid bumping your head on the fixture. It is best to use 75 to 100-watt ceiling light fixtures to make sure you have enough lighting on your stairway.

Wall Mounted Fixtures – can brighten up and enhance the walls on both sides of your stairway and provide safety at the same time. They can be simple or elegant in design and can have multiple sockets if you need extra illumination.

Post Step Lights – can also be a perfect choice as you can install them on the risers, beneath your stair rails or alongside your garden steps.

LED Light Bulbs – are initially expensive type of stair light but they are very energy-efficient and can last longer up to ten years or more. LED lights are usually used for recessed lighting as they don’t break easily unlike incandescent light bulbs. They are also safer and cooler to touch.

Solar Powered Lights – are virtually energy-saving stair lighting fixtures. They are easy to install and very friendly to the environment. Solar powered lights are best use in outdoor stair lighting because they need sunlight as their energy source.

Stair Lighting is an important element for your living space. Whatever type of stair lighting you choose, it will always make your home look better and secured.

An Awesome Décor with Tea light Holders

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 09:22:49 +0000

Since time immemorial, candle lights have been graciously lighting up dinners or used mainly for illumination of the whole house. Candles are undeniably romantic in nature or at times mysterious and scary. In any way one perceives it to be, it is the soft glow of light that brings about it all.

Modern designing have apparently changed the concept of candle lighting to a more sophisticated manner. It is being used now as a highlight in interior and exterior designing in the homes and in some business establishments as well.

A cup needs a saucer, as a candle needs a holder, thus, the tea light candle holder came about. Tiny candles sit on pretty holders to give a unique decorative feature at home or in any place that needs only a small light for relaxation. They become stylish when paired with a beautiful piece of holder. These small but gorgeous tea light holders are used to accentuate the indoor place or can be for collection purposes only as its main reason.

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Tea light holders are small candle holders that are usually placed on table tops or on a shelf above the fireplace as a decoration. They come in different sizes, colors and shapes that can magnify the natural gentle light of the candles. They come in clear glass, smoked glass, frosted glass, stone glass, metal, ceramic, marble, fabric covered, wooden marble, wood or iron. However, whatever they are made out with one can not just miss to appreciate the exquisiteness of these teeny weenie items. Some are designed for table top settings, walls, water or hanging. Any design, color or shape one would fancy is almost always available on reliable online shopping websites where a wide array of selection can be found. These can also make great presents for any occasion because of their elegant look but affordable price.

Decorating with tea light holders can be fun and exciting at the same time. You can arrange them in singles or in sets with a little space required. Using a little imagination and a great sense of art, one can transform a dull room into an exhilarating and warm place. The atmosphere immediately changes when the candles are being lighted on, whether on the table, floating on some water, mounted on walls or hanged outdoors with the wonderful tea light holders adding to the magical ambiance of the surroundings. One can also use scented candles to spice up the mood some more. The fragrance would help soothe a tired body and would help relax the mind.

So next time you would think of making some perks in your homes, try adding these exquisite tea light candle holders. They are unique and inexpensive way to beautify ones abode.

Different Types of Swimming Pool lights

Rachel — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:36:04 +0000

Swimming pool lights are not only for security and safety, but they can also be attractive. Lighting your pool can turn your outdoor space into a place suitable for entertainment. Technology advancement has greatly improved ways to light your swimming pool. So you don’t have to worry about settling for boring, plain lights. Swimming pool lighting today offers a wide variety of features to suit your style. Whether you want a party scene or a tranquil mood, the lighting industry will help you achieve the themes you desire. If you are thinking about adding lights to your swimming pool, then there are many options you can choose from.

Incandescent Lights

Incandescent swimming pool lights are the standard features in most pool installations. They are least expensive than most permanent swimming pool lights. Replacement of incandescent lights is easier because their parts are available in most pool supply stores.

Halogen Lights

If you are looking for super bright lights, then halogen swimming pool lights may just be what you need. Brightness for this kind of lights is more superior to the other types of lights. Halogen lights are like incandescent lights but they can work longer hours than the latter. You need to handle them carefully too.

LED Lights

Light Emitting Diodes (LED) swimming pool lights can add fun and character to your pool area. They have a built-in color changing feature to suit your mood. LED swimming pool lights may be a bit expensive. However, it uses up only 90% less energy than standard light bulbs.

Fiber Optic Lights

Fiber optic swimming pool lights are the most expensive form of lighting system. They are usually installed professionally near the water line. Like LED lights, fiber optic lights also have a changing-color feature using a rotating wheel. This creates a dramatic effect that can extend to the surrounding landscape.

Floating Lights

If you don’t have a pre-installed lighting niche, floating lights will be your best option. These are battery-operated swimming pool lights that float on the surface of the pool, as the light is projected down into the water. They may look like lily pads or jelly fish on your pool.

Above Ground Pool Lights

These kind of light are for above the ground swimming pools. It comes in a variety of styles and can be attached in different ways. You can mount it on the side of the pool or use floating lights as an option.

Swimming pool lighting has many new styles you can choose from. It is one way to express your creativity, improve security and most of all, to enhance your surroundings.

Solar Security Light: Increase Safety and Security

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 10:57:25 +0000

Well illuminated homes, gardens, pathways, parks, recreational outdoor areas, establishments, buildings, streets, etc. are not only pleasing to the eyes but also give a sense of notion to the public that the place is free from harm and danger. Setting up solar security lighting in the vicinity deters the criminals from doing their lawless activities and minimizes the possibility of incidents and accidents that could have happened there at night.

Solar security light is the answer to the high cost of electricity and all other related service- cost of living. Since solar powered lights get energy from the sun through the use of the solar panels, the expenses for the electrical bill is remarkably cut out. The batteries that are used to give power to the light are charged by the sunlight and can be ready for use at night. It is maintenance free and automatically turns on when the surrounding turns dark. It does not only save money, but also does a great part in saving our environment from further damages.

Solar security lighting is best to install in areas where there is no electrical connection or in absolutely no power source like in some remote places. It is ideally useful as a lighting system in the backyard, outdoor pathways, gardens, driveways, and patios. This kind of light is very convenient to use because this can be transferred from one place to another without the hassles of asking help from a professional electrician as this has no electrical connections and is one hundred percent safe. This solar security light is durably made out of the best materials to withstand any kind of weather conditions and is completely sealed in a waterproof housing to keep the rain from going inside.

Another important feature attached to the solar security light is the solar powered motion sensor light, that has widely caught the attention of the majority who are concerned about the environmental problems like the global warming and at the same time conscious of bringing down the cost of electricity bills without jeopardizing the safety measures of the homes and the whole community as well. The light turns on when it detects a movement of a physical matter within the radius it covers, prompting any intruder to be trapped off-handedly. It gives off a bright light when trigger by any motion in the vicinity.

The best type of a solar security light is the one that has low wattage lighting because the light it emits is equally distributed within the area for a better vision. A continuous bright light at night will create dark shadows and gives a blinding effect when one looks out. This is a perfect choice of outdoor lighting to beautify the surroundings and at the same time gives enormous savings and is very environment friendly.

Security Lights for a Safe Community

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:40:42 +0000

The aspect of security in a community is a basic concern to all residential homes, establishments, all public and private places and in all nooks and corners of the country. It is a big factor to consider for making the world a peaceful and a wonderful planet to live in.

Outdoor lighting is not just all about illumination and aesthetic in nature. While it is true that the lights add beauty to the surrounding, it is also a necessity to look into the protection of the people around. One significant use is for safety measures to enable the entire neighborhood of a positive mind that all is well every time the night comes. The most widely installed kind of lighting are security lights. The features as the name implies are purposely for keeping the vicinity safe from any crime or untoward incidents that may happen during the night. Poorly lit houses, streets, thorough fares and other areas are prone to such unlawful doings, thus, outdoor security lights are needed to be installed for security reasons.

Post lights are required to be set up in the parks where people usually go and spend time for some relaxation or go walking, jogging, do some exercises even in the evenings. The lights plus a reliable security personnel will surely make them feel safe against common crimes done by lawless persons. Lighted up streets are safer than dark ones because the security light on the posts will prevent accidents from happening in the district.

A parking area also needs an ample number of security lights to discourage car napping and or theft incidents which are quite rampant nowadays. Although it is not a total guarantee that the security lighting can stop criminals from doing what they want to do, it can be a deterrent for the would-be perpetrators to do such crimes because there is a bigger chance for them to be easily apprehended on a well-lighted area.

Examples of security lighting are the floodlights and the low pressure sodium vapor lights. Security lights are a must- needed fixture in all military camps and detachments. It aids in the detection and preclusion of intruders and enemies of the state. For some entities they would want to add up another advance feature which is the security sensor LED light to ensure more safety measures. This automatically turns on whenever it detects a movement. It is very ideal to install in the backyard or pathways. Since this is a solar-powered light, it is very easy to put up for use anywhere because it has no batteries or electrical wirings needed.

Lighting is vital to crime deterrence and at the same time an aesthetic fixture in the surroundings where beauty and security are made one.

Flood Lights: Flooding your Garden with light

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 06:44:00 +0000

Flood lights are wide-beamed artificial lights with a high magnitude of energy that are used to brighten up an entire field where outdoor sports are being held. The very bright light it gives is comparable with the day light we get from the sun. These are often used when an outdoor game is being scheduled in the evening to accommodate spectators who work day time but do not want to miss the action.

One type of flood light is the Metal Halide which gives off a very intense white light. However, due to its glaring luminosity this has become unpopular when another kind was introduced in the market. This is the sodium floodlight or also known as the SOM floodlight. It emits a light orange light that is gentler to the eyes. It is similar with the street lights we have around.

Due to its high pressure that provides greater visibility at night but energy and cost saving features, flood lights have become an important requirement in stadiums where professional sports are being played. Some professional famous outdoor sports include cricket, football, baseball, Rugby, tennis and racing. They have become an important fixture in all stadiums all over the world. Cricket flood lights are traditionally fixed with lights installed in long poles to make sure that the ball is kept on sight when the batsman hits it and travels too high at times. Different stadiums have different outdoor flood lights, but the newest and the most popular type would be the Ring of fire, the lights of which are installed around a big ring to give off a more compact illumination.

The lighting effect is also helpful for television networks covering the entire event. For outdoor sporting fields and other stadiums which do not have enough lights installed can use temporarily the portable ones with the same efficacy and use. The only difference is that it can be transferred and positioned in areas where more light is needed. This temporary or portable LED flood light is generally used as stage lighting instrument where it can be placed to supply the stage with ample illumination during a show or especially during a concert in an open field.

This kind of light guarantees durability, long life span, and perfect usage of lighting needs for a big area and at a lower energy cost. They are made out from the highest quality of aluminum, LED and other materials. They are also maintenance free with just cleaning required. They can withstand any kind of weather conditions even during low temperatures. The SON, or the sodium flood lights have a high luminance per watt ratio thus making them the widely cost effective choice in open areas where certain lux levels are importantly needed.

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Various Outdoor pole lights Designs

Rachel — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 08:50:14 +0000

Outdoor pole lights come in a variety of different sizes and designs. It is suitable for gardens as well as driveways and paths, walkways, car parks, and anywhere else lighting is required at night. Pole lights are great for providing extra security or safety light. They are a simple, yet stylish design, suitable for both contemporary and classic settings.

When used for gardens and areas around the home, the lighting poles come in different finishes, including a stainless steel tube with a UV stable powder coated finish in a range of colors: bronze, matt black, green and silver. Light poles are also available in solid copper, brass, or stainless steel. Copper and brass age naturally over time and the resultant verdigris finish is often considered very attractive.

Pole lights are suitable for use with MR16-20, 35 or 50-watt bulbs. Alternatively, 5-watt fluorescent bulbs are available which are ideal for low energy, high light output, long lamp life and very low heat generation.

All pole light kits come equipped with a safety-isolating transformer, cable, and a spike if the pole is to be installed in soft ground. This type of lighting does need to be fitted by a qualified electrician.

Outdoor pole lights are available with anti glare hoods. The lenses often have a frosted glass finish to further reduce glare and many designs feature an angled head that is specifically designed to illuminate paths and walkways without dazzling the eyes.

Pole lights come in different heights, depending on the location they are required for. 300mm poles are ideal for gardens, whereas 700mm poles are more suitable for driveways and paths. A single pole light with an adjustable head is excellent for pathways as the light can be adjusted through 360 degrees rotation and 0-90 elevation.

Twin spotlight poles are ideal for paths and tree lighting. The light heads can be pointed in two different directions and are fully adjustable. Some pole lights are designed to be extremely narrow in appearance and when placed in amongst foliage, they blend in admirably.

When using outdoor pole lighting in a commercial setting, there are other factors to take into consideration. The outdoor light pole needs to be constructed of a durable material and have, if possible, a protective finish that will protect the pole from the elements over a considerable period of time. Commercial lighting poles are available in sizes ranging from 10 to 50 feet.

Commercial light poles need to be installed in a reinforced steel footing due to the weight of the pole. When considering location and what fitting fixture you require, you need to take into account wind zones. In a windy area, the light pole will require extra footing reinforcement. You can also choose from a variety of different lighting options depending on the amount of light coverage required. For example, an outdoor pole light situated on a road may not require the same amount of illumination as a car park. Whatever your commercial requirements, there are plenty of designs and options to choose from.

How does a Low Voltage Lighting Transformer Work?

Rachel — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:33:16 +0000

Many types of electrical equipment in the home require transformers for them to work properly and this includes lighting. Very often, light fittings that work using mains electricity come equipped with a low voltage lighting transformer. You probably take transformers for granted—after all, you buy a set of lights and they come with a low voltage outdoor lighting transformer; you unpack them, plug them in, and bingo, the lights light up and illuminate your patio.

But how exactly does a low voltage transformer work and why do we need it?

Transformers reduce the high voltage electricity produced from power plants into something we can use to power appliances and run equipment in our homes. Large transformers in electricity sub-stations around our towns and villages convert the electricity that is channeled along pylons into the lower voltage electricity that enters our homes. Within the home, smaller transformers attached to individual pieces of equipment, for example home computers, convert this reduced voltage into something even lower.

Electrical devices in the home use relatively tiny amounts of voltage. The mains domestic supply of electricity that runs into the home is normally around the 110-240 volt range, so without a transformer to convert this power into a lower-voltage, devices would explode instantly. Transformers are everywhere in the home and without them many commonplace devices would be useless.

Low voltage lighting is an energy efficient way to provide task lighting in various rooms in the home, specifically the kitchen and bathroom. It can also be used for the creation of ambient lighting in the garden or around the exterior of your home, for example your driveway or pathways. It is a commonly used safe lighting option in dangerous areas, such as the kitchen or bathroom, but it can also be used to great effect when creating an atmosphere in other areas of the home.

Extra low voltage lighting is powered by a 12-volt electrical supply as opposed to 230 volts used in conventional lighting, and it therefore requires a special low voltage lighting transformer. This special transformer helps to reduce the energy consumption of the lights by as much as 60%, although to see any significant differences in your energy bills, you would need to replace several conventional lights. Another positive side effect of extra low voltage lighting used in conjunction with a transformer is that bulb life is increased by about 3 times. This type of specialized lighting is commonly used in shops, museums, and art galleries.

Low voltage light transformers are usually positioned in ceiling or floor voids. It is very important when fitting them you ensure that there is plenty of ventilation around the transformer. Never cover the transformers with insulation as a great deal of heat can be expelled. For the same reason, never position low voltage lighting transformers close to a central heating pipe. Many modern transformers come fitted with a safety cut out switch in case the transformer core temperature gets too high. The cut out switch automatically resets the transformer as soon as the temperature drops again.