Lighting up Your Outdoor Space
January 22, 2008
It once was that the front porch light was the main and ofttimes the only exterior lighting for a home. It was turned on with an inside switch and used primarily when guests were expected or family members were away for the evening. It was a symbol of welcome to the outside world.
Today, homeowners have many options for lighting up the exterior environment of a home. There are spotlights and low voltage lights as well as traditional lights mounted in strategic locations. The use of timers, motion sensors and photocells have become popular ways to turn these lights on and off.
Here are some of the devices that you can use to automate your lighting.
1)120-volt timers: You can automate any 120-volt light switch (your usual switch) by replacing the existing switch with a timer. There will be a knob and a dial to set the on and off times.
2)Low-voltage timers: For exterior low-voltage lights (the kind usually used around garden paths) you can also install a timer. The timer is part of a transformer that converts the 120-volt house current to low-voltage, usually 12 volt. The timer and transformer are contained within a waterproof housing that mounts anywhere inside or out. Connect the low-voltage wiring to the transformer, install the removable timer pins to turn the system on or off at the desired time.
2)Portable timers: These are especially useful for holiday lights or party lighting. The timer may come already mounted on a stake, or it may have mounting holes to allow it to be attached to a wall or post (don't allow it to lie on the ground). There will be a cord to plug into a 120-volt outlet.
3) Photocells: A photocell is a small electronic device that reads the amount of available daylight it can "see" through its eye. When the circuits detect that the light has fallen below a certain level, it will activate a switch that send s power to the lights it is controlling - ideal for lights you want to go on at dusk and off at dawn.
4) Motion detectors: A motion detector has a wide angle eye that can detect motion within a set degree or arc that is in front of and to each side of the detector. When motion is detected, it immediately triggers the light - usually one or two spotlights -to come on. Motion detectors make great security lights.
All of these devices are available at home centers and lighting stores. Although most can be installed by a homeowner, it is recommended to hire an electrician to be certain that they are properly installed and meet building and safety codes.
It once was that the front porch light was the main and ofttimes the only exterior lighting for a home. It was turned on with an inside switch and used primarily when guests were expected or family members were away for the evening. It was a symbol of welcome to the outside world.
Today, homeowners have many options for lighting up the exterior environment of a home. There are spotlights and low voltage lights as well as traditional lights mounted in strategic locations. The use of timers, motion sensors and photocells have become popular ways to turn these lights on and off.
Here are some of the devices that you can use to automate your lighting.
1)120-volt timers: You can automate any 120-volt light switch (your usual switch) by replacing the existing switch with a timer. There will be a knob and a dial to set the on and off times.
2)Low-voltage timers: For exterior low-voltage lights (the kind usually used around garden paths) you can also install a timer. The timer is part of a transformer that converts the 120-volt house current to low-voltage, usually 12 volt. The timer and transformer are contained within a waterproof housing that mounts anywhere inside or out. Connect the low-voltage wiring to the transformer, install the removable timer pins to turn the system on or off at the desired time.
2)Portable timers: These are especially useful for holiday lights or party lighting. The timer may come already mounted on a stake, or it may have mounting holes to allow it to be attached to a wall or post (don't allow it to lie on the ground). There will be a cord to plug into a 120-volt outlet.
3) Photocells: A photocell is a small electronic device that reads the amount of available daylight it can "see" through its eye. When the circuits detect that the light has fallen below a certain level, it will activate a switch that send s power to the lights it is controlling - ideal for lights you want to go on at dusk and off at dawn.
4) Motion detectors: A motion detector has a wide angle eye that can detect motion within a set degree or arc that is in front of and to each side of the detector. When motion is detected, it immediately triggers the light - usually one or two spotlights -to come on. Motion detectors make great security lights.
All of these devices are available at home centers and lighting stores. Although most can be installed by a homeowner, it is recommended to hire an electrician to be certain that they are properly installed and meet building and safety codes.
posted by shirley harry at 8:44 AM
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