The 2 Main Types of Deck Lighting
Richard Vande Sompel asked:
Once a deck has been constructed it is like an empty stage waiting to be furnished with such items as a table and chairs, a chaise lounger, a barbecue, portable bar and bar chairs. Electrical power can run a barbecue spit, a music sound system but best of all it can power a deck light system that will dramatically tranform an ordinary deck into a sparkling gem under the nighttime sky.
Deck illumination is divided into 2 categories: functional and decorative. Both types can be installed permanently or set up temporarily for the purposes of special occasions.
Functional deck lighting has 3 different purposes:
1. General illumination – When deciding upon a functional deck lighting system it is important to keep in mind 2 factors. Outdoor lighting does not require as much illumination as indoor lighting and any light fixtures should never be placed in such a way is to shine directly into people’s eyes. There are a variety of ways to keep lights from shining into eyes. Conceal light fixtures behind wall valances, the eaves of the roof or rafters overhead. It is also possible to mount floodlights in trees or off roof eaves so that light is directed onto the deck area at an angle of 45 degrees. Finally, it is also possible to bounce light from low level sources off the walls of the house, privacy screens or other large vertical surfaces bordering on the deck. In general make a practice of using the fewest bulbs of the highest possible wattage in this system.
2. Concentrated illumination – Any deck areas that are used for activities at night should have brighter lighting. Versatile activity lighting might be portable telescoping stands for use with floodlights that can provide simple adjustable lighting. These can be stored away when they are not in use. This type of lighting would require electrical outlets in the various areas.
3. Safety illumination – Only low levels of illumination are needed for safety lighting along stairs or walkways. It is important to ensure that the lighting itself does not throw deceptive shadows, does not create glare and is not an obstacle of any sort to trip over. Recessed light fixtures, backlighting from beneath deck edges or steps and low mushroom style fixtures are the ideal types to use in these cases.
Decorative deck lighting also has 3 different purposes:
1. Landscape illumination – The whole nighttime image of a deck can be dramatically improved by the illumination of nearby tree branches, a water feature, shrubs or a nearby garden. It is wise to experiment with the placement of floodlights to create effects such as uplighting, downlighting, silhouetting, diffusing and fill lighting. Take the time to view the effects from various parts of the yard as well as on the deck. Make sure that when you make your final choice that you position the lights so that they are not visible in daytime hours if possible.
2. Color illumination – Colorful illumination can create wonderful visual effects in and around a deck. Green light is ideal for accenting shrubs and bushes. Yellow lighting gives warmth to brown house siding. Haphazard use of color lighting however has the power to create bizarre effects sometimes. Talk to a professional if possible about this area of illumination.
3. Festive lighting – Celebrations, parties and holiday decorating can often create a need for festive lighting in or around a deck. Strings of miniature lights can be used to link deck items such as railings, pergolas, arbors, patio umbrellas, privacy screens, etc. Larger bulb light strings can be used to create party lanterns. Torches, candles and any other open flame types of illumination should be held in place securely in carefully selected locations that prevent any kind of fire related accident from occurring.
Outdoor lighting fixtures come in many shapes, sizes and of course price tags. It is a wise decision to visit local home imporvement retail outlets to see what is available. Take the time to consult with knowledgeable staff there to assist you in the planning and implementation of your deck lighting system. If possible make use of both functional lighting and decorative lighting in and around your deck so that it becomes the most attractive deck in the neighborhood.
Once a deck has been constructed it is like an empty stage waiting to be furnished with such items as a table and chairs, a chaise lounger, a barbecue, portable bar and bar chairs. Electrical power can run a barbecue spit, a music sound system but best of all it can power a deck light system that will dramatically tranform an ordinary deck into a sparkling gem under the nighttime sky.
Deck illumination is divided into 2 categories: functional and decorative. Both types can be installed permanently or set up temporarily for the purposes of special occasions.
Functional deck lighting has 3 different purposes:
1. General illumination – When deciding upon a functional deck lighting system it is important to keep in mind 2 factors. Outdoor lighting does not require as much illumination as indoor lighting and any light fixtures should never be placed in such a way is to shine directly into people’s eyes. There are a variety of ways to keep lights from shining into eyes. Conceal light fixtures behind wall valances, the eaves of the roof or rafters overhead. It is also possible to mount floodlights in trees or off roof eaves so that light is directed onto the deck area at an angle of 45 degrees. Finally, it is also possible to bounce light from low level sources off the walls of the house, privacy screens or other large vertical surfaces bordering on the deck. In general make a practice of using the fewest bulbs of the highest possible wattage in this system.
2. Concentrated illumination – Any deck areas that are used for activities at night should have brighter lighting. Versatile activity lighting might be portable telescoping stands for use with floodlights that can provide simple adjustable lighting. These can be stored away when they are not in use. This type of lighting would require electrical outlets in the various areas.
3. Safety illumination – Only low levels of illumination are needed for safety lighting along stairs or walkways. It is important to ensure that the lighting itself does not throw deceptive shadows, does not create glare and is not an obstacle of any sort to trip over. Recessed light fixtures, backlighting from beneath deck edges or steps and low mushroom style fixtures are the ideal types to use in these cases.
Decorative deck lighting also has 3 different purposes:
1. Landscape illumination – The whole nighttime image of a deck can be dramatically improved by the illumination of nearby tree branches, a water feature, shrubs or a nearby garden. It is wise to experiment with the placement of floodlights to create effects such as uplighting, downlighting, silhouetting, diffusing and fill lighting. Take the time to view the effects from various parts of the yard as well as on the deck. Make sure that when you make your final choice that you position the lights so that they are not visible in daytime hours if possible.
2. Color illumination – Colorful illumination can create wonderful visual effects in and around a deck. Green light is ideal for accenting shrubs and bushes. Yellow lighting gives warmth to brown house siding. Haphazard use of color lighting however has the power to create bizarre effects sometimes. Talk to a professional if possible about this area of illumination.
3. Festive lighting – Celebrations, parties and holiday decorating can often create a need for festive lighting in or around a deck. Strings of miniature lights can be used to link deck items such as railings, pergolas, arbors, patio umbrellas, privacy screens, etc. Larger bulb light strings can be used to create party lanterns. Torches, candles and any other open flame types of illumination should be held in place securely in carefully selected locations that prevent any kind of fire related accident from occurring.
Outdoor lighting fixtures come in many shapes, sizes and of course price tags. It is a wise decision to visit local home imporvement retail outlets to see what is available. Take the time to consult with knowledgeable staff there to assist you in the planning and implementation of your deck lighting system. If possible make use of both functional lighting and decorative lighting in and around your deck so that it becomes the most attractive deck in the neighborhood.
Home Light Bulbs – Helping you to See the Difference
Jeff King asked:
Lighting can make a big impact on a person’s health, mood and ability to perform their job. Many businesses have realized using the proper light bulbs can increase a person’s ability to think through complex situations, enable a person to make an informed decision and create a positive atmosphere. However, the realization of using the proper light bulbs has not been carried over into the home to enhance one’s home life, but there are many reasons why it should.
The typical household light bulbs are incandescent 60 watt GE light bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs can light up a room well, but it is estimated that over 20% of electrical usage in a home comes from lighting a house and out of that amount only 10% is light producing. The other 90% is heat producing, but the heat produced is not even sufficient for completely heating up a room. Halogen light bulbs used in garages and outside are similar to the incandescent light bulbs only they produce even more heat and use more power. With the increase in technology many other light bulbs have been created that provide a higher percentage of light at a lower cost.
Fluorescent light bulbs have become a popular alternative to the typical household light bulbs, because not only can they light up a room, but they last a longer amount of time and use a fraction of the electricity compared to the incandescent light bulbs. Fluorescent light bulbs come in many sizes and there have been some that are made to fit into the light sockets of the incandescent light bulbs. In addition to the reduced cost of usage the fluorescent light bulbs can be purchased to produce a more natural light.
Another low energy using light source is LED light bulbs (LED is short for light emitting diodes). LED light bulbs are commonly used in computer screens, remote controls and digital clocks, but they are beginning to be looked at as the future of lighting. LED light bulbs generate a significant amount of light, but they do not spread the light around the room like the incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs. They do provide an excellent low cost light source for specific areas that need to be lighted such as reading areas. Some manufacturers have made products using LED light bulbs for times when there is no electrical source and items need to last a long time on batteries. A flashlight produced by Sylvania with LED light bulbs, called Dot It Lights has been making its way into the market successfully.
In addition to the higher cost of incandescent light bulbs there is a health factor that the scientific community has studied. The type of light incandescent light bulbs provide is considered an unnatural light. Unnatural light is considered light that is different from the light produced by the sun. The scientific studies have shown that if a person spends a significant time indoors or without natural light their health will decline. Some of the common health problem symptoms are fatigue and depression, but there have been a few studies that have shown lack of natural light can cause cancers as well.
Many light bulbs are now being designed as full spectrum light bulbs. Full spectrum light bulbs are not a specific type of light bulb, but rather a description of the light the light bulbs produce. Full spectrum light bulbs produce light that is similar to the natural light of the sun. In many areas of the world where the sun does not shine these lights are used to promote a healthy environment. Due to many people spending a lot of time inside full spectrum light bulbs should be used in the home to ensure a person receives natural light, or close to natural light, throughout the day to promote a healthy body.
The benefits of using the right light bulbs at home can impact every area of your life; financially, by reducing cost; mentally, by increasing concentration; and bodily, by promoting healthy chemical production. You have nothing to lose, but a lot to gain by using the new technology of light bulbs.
Lighting can make a big impact on a person’s health, mood and ability to perform their job. Many businesses have realized using the proper light bulbs can increase a person’s ability to think through complex situations, enable a person to make an informed decision and create a positive atmosphere. However, the realization of using the proper light bulbs has not been carried over into the home to enhance one’s home life, but there are many reasons why it should.
The typical household light bulbs are incandescent 60 watt GE light bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs can light up a room well, but it is estimated that over 20% of electrical usage in a home comes from lighting a house and out of that amount only 10% is light producing. The other 90% is heat producing, but the heat produced is not even sufficient for completely heating up a room. Halogen light bulbs used in garages and outside are similar to the incandescent light bulbs only they produce even more heat and use more power. With the increase in technology many other light bulbs have been created that provide a higher percentage of light at a lower cost.
Fluorescent light bulbs have become a popular alternative to the typical household light bulbs, because not only can they light up a room, but they last a longer amount of time and use a fraction of the electricity compared to the incandescent light bulbs. Fluorescent light bulbs come in many sizes and there have been some that are made to fit into the light sockets of the incandescent light bulbs. In addition to the reduced cost of usage the fluorescent light bulbs can be purchased to produce a more natural light.
Another low energy using light source is LED light bulbs (LED is short for light emitting diodes). LED light bulbs are commonly used in computer screens, remote controls and digital clocks, but they are beginning to be looked at as the future of lighting. LED light bulbs generate a significant amount of light, but they do not spread the light around the room like the incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs. They do provide an excellent low cost light source for specific areas that need to be lighted such as reading areas. Some manufacturers have made products using LED light bulbs for times when there is no electrical source and items need to last a long time on batteries. A flashlight produced by Sylvania with LED light bulbs, called Dot It Lights has been making its way into the market successfully.
In addition to the higher cost of incandescent light bulbs there is a health factor that the scientific community has studied. The type of light incandescent light bulbs provide is considered an unnatural light. Unnatural light is considered light that is different from the light produced by the sun. The scientific studies have shown that if a person spends a significant time indoors or without natural light their health will decline. Some of the common health problem symptoms are fatigue and depression, but there have been a few studies that have shown lack of natural light can cause cancers as well.
Many light bulbs are now being designed as full spectrum light bulbs. Full spectrum light bulbs are not a specific type of light bulb, but rather a description of the light the light bulbs produce. Full spectrum light bulbs produce light that is similar to the natural light of the sun. In many areas of the world where the sun does not shine these lights are used to promote a healthy environment. Due to many people spending a lot of time inside full spectrum light bulbs should be used in the home to ensure a person receives natural light, or close to natural light, throughout the day to promote a healthy body.
The benefits of using the right light bulbs at home can impact every area of your life; financially, by reducing cost; mentally, by increasing concentration; and bodily, by promoting healthy chemical production. You have nothing to lose, but a lot to gain by using the new technology of light bulbs.
The Correct Way To Use Solar Lights
Bryan Wong asked:
If you need outdoor lightning in places where there is no regular power source or the power source is difficult to reach than solar power lights can be the answer. The solar power lights can be used to provide accent lightning. There types of solar power lights that light up brightly but others don’t. Although the lights are getting better you must not think of these lights to be as bright as regular powered light.
To make the solar powered light shine brightly you need sunshine of course. More sunshine is better, when it is cloudy, rainy, or during winter they perform less. At least 8 hours of sunshine and fully charged batteries will make solar powered lights powerful enough.
Most solar powered lighting kits are not as bright as low voltage, electric powered lights. But new models can adequately highlight plants, mark a path, or provide simple security. Solar powered lights need no wires, what is a big advantage. Everybody who has placed traditional lightning themselves will see advantage. Just put them on the ground, and move them anytime you wish. Solar powered lights also use renewable energy and are non-pollutants. Solar powered lights have built-in light sensors that automatically turn off during the day and turn on at night.
In the past, solar cells were (and many still are) very weak and could not hold a consistent charge for more than a few hours. Now, solar lighting designers and engineers have been able to use advanced light emitting diode lamps that draw minimal current yet provide intense light output. LED lamps are so efficient that one lamp can last for several years before being replaced.
In the new solar power lights the NiCAD (Nickel Cadmium) or NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries are used to power solar batteries. Under normal conditions these batteries can last for one year. After that year you can replace them when needed.
The three most common uses of solar lights are:
1) Outdoor Lights
This is the simplest and safest way to light landscape environments. Compared to conventional 12V and 120V outdoor lights, solar powered outdoor lights have great electric consumption cost savings! Solar cells collect light during the day and recharge its lithium batteries. With light sensors, these lights automatically turn on at dusk. Normal operating time is 8-10 hours when fully charged. Lights automatically recharge during the next day. Types of outdoor lights may include hanging lights, wall mounted lamps, or even low post lamps.
2) Garden Lights
Solar powered garden lights emit a light that is luminous enough to accent plants. The designs of these lights are also good enough to complement the plant designs. These can be wonderful garden decorations. Some lights have been designed to look like mushrooms, dwarves, birds, flowers, and other natural elements of the garden. Other lights are designed to be nice complements to a garden. Most garden lights are low lights that are usually on the ground.
3) These lights use a small, photovoltaic (PV) cell to charge a battery that is integrated into the lighting fixture itself. After being charged by the sun all day, the battery provides power to the lamp to illuminate the landscapes during nightfall. These lights often provide the most powerful illumination of the three types.
Landscape lights come in various styles. Some have decorative designs that are made of die case metal for durability and styling detail. Some may even resemble lamppost lighting fixtures that make some large landscapes look great!
Always consider the surrounding geography of your home before planning where to put your landscape lights. The most critical is the placement of the PV panel since any interference to the cell will affect the performance of the landscape lights. Make sure that the PV panel will be placed in a spot where virtually nothing will cover it so it can absorb the maximum amount of sunlight. If your area is full of trees and surrounding buildings, solar powered landscape lights may not be for you.
If you need outdoor lightning in places where there is no regular power source or the power source is difficult to reach than solar power lights can be the answer. The solar power lights can be used to provide accent lightning. There types of solar power lights that light up brightly but others don’t. Although the lights are getting better you must not think of these lights to be as bright as regular powered light.
To make the solar powered light shine brightly you need sunshine of course. More sunshine is better, when it is cloudy, rainy, or during winter they perform less. At least 8 hours of sunshine and fully charged batteries will make solar powered lights powerful enough.
Most solar powered lighting kits are not as bright as low voltage, electric powered lights. But new models can adequately highlight plants, mark a path, or provide simple security. Solar powered lights need no wires, what is a big advantage. Everybody who has placed traditional lightning themselves will see advantage. Just put them on the ground, and move them anytime you wish. Solar powered lights also use renewable energy and are non-pollutants. Solar powered lights have built-in light sensors that automatically turn off during the day and turn on at night.
In the past, solar cells were (and many still are) very weak and could not hold a consistent charge for more than a few hours. Now, solar lighting designers and engineers have been able to use advanced light emitting diode lamps that draw minimal current yet provide intense light output. LED lamps are so efficient that one lamp can last for several years before being replaced.
In the new solar power lights the NiCAD (Nickel Cadmium) or NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries are used to power solar batteries. Under normal conditions these batteries can last for one year. After that year you can replace them when needed.
The three most common uses of solar lights are:
1) Outdoor Lights
This is the simplest and safest way to light landscape environments. Compared to conventional 12V and 120V outdoor lights, solar powered outdoor lights have great electric consumption cost savings! Solar cells collect light during the day and recharge its lithium batteries. With light sensors, these lights automatically turn on at dusk. Normal operating time is 8-10 hours when fully charged. Lights automatically recharge during the next day. Types of outdoor lights may include hanging lights, wall mounted lamps, or even low post lamps.
2) Garden Lights
Solar powered garden lights emit a light that is luminous enough to accent plants. The designs of these lights are also good enough to complement the plant designs. These can be wonderful garden decorations. Some lights have been designed to look like mushrooms, dwarves, birds, flowers, and other natural elements of the garden. Other lights are designed to be nice complements to a garden. Most garden lights are low lights that are usually on the ground.
3) These lights use a small, photovoltaic (PV) cell to charge a battery that is integrated into the lighting fixture itself. After being charged by the sun all day, the battery provides power to the lamp to illuminate the landscapes during nightfall. These lights often provide the most powerful illumination of the three types.
Landscape lights come in various styles. Some have decorative designs that are made of die case metal for durability and styling detail. Some may even resemble lamppost lighting fixtures that make some large landscapes look great!
Always consider the surrounding geography of your home before planning where to put your landscape lights. The most critical is the placement of the PV panel since any interference to the cell will affect the performance of the landscape lights. Make sure that the PV panel will be placed in a spot where virtually nothing will cover it so it can absorb the maximum amount of sunlight. If your area is full of trees and surrounding buildings, solar powered landscape lights may not be for you.
LED Lanterns: A Home Emergency Kit Essential
Ben Anton asked:
Having a dependable light source that isn’t going to fail at a vital moment is essential, especially as inclement weather sets in this time of year. Winter emergencies can strike with little warning. It is therefore important that your home is prepared with the best lighting and survival tools possible. When it comes to a light source, it is important that it not only cast a strong light when you need it most but one that also has a variety of features to make sure that you’re never stranded in the dark during an emergency situation. Consider purchasing an LED emergency lantern which produces a strong white LED light at a fraction of the energy cost of traditional light bulbs.
What’s So Great about LED
An LED light like those available in emergency lanterns or flashlights are far superior to a standard incandescent flashlight. LED’s are not like traditional bulbs because they contain no glass casing or a filament. This means you don’t have to worry about the bulb breaking or the filament burning out at an inconvenient time. A white LED light will burn for years longer than a comparable white light bulb at a much lower energy cost. You may also find that manufactures will combine LED’s in a lantern or flashlight to produce a brighter light in the same amount of space as a standard bulb would be able to create. This is why you can find small LED flashlights that put out a great light than some larger traditional versions. Because multiple LED’s are used in these lights you are also generally able to use different light settings easily as well. The ability to dim an emergency lantern in the evening or at night at the push of a button is another great feature of a quality LED lantern.
What to Look For
There are a few key features you should make sure to pay attention to when you are purchasing your LED emergency lantern. Look for a lantern that is convertible between a “lantern” mode and a “flashlight” mode. Also look for one that utilizes multiple LEDs. Depending on the size of the lantern, 8-12 bulbs are recommended. A hand crank to provide emergency power in case the batteries are low is a wonderful feature as is a rechargeable battery pack. As mentioned above, the ability to adjust the light intensity either through different settings or a dimmer switch is a practical feature that can ensure that your lamp can be used for both emergency situations as well as general outdoor use.
Extra Bells and Whistles
As always, there are some additional LED lantern options and features out there that may prove useful to you. Some come with built-in radio systems for listening to news or weather reports. Others have emergency road flare settings which blink orange or red lights should you keep the lantern in your outdoor survival kit or camping gear. As always, check out product reviews online and read about other users’ experience with lanterns with these features to see if they prove useful or not.
Regardless of the brand or style of LED emergency lantern you choose, it is important that your home have one in its emergency tool kit. The value of having a dependable light source in any emergency situation is immeasurable when it comes to the safety and comfort of your home and family.
-Ben Anton, 2007
Having a dependable light source that isn’t going to fail at a vital moment is essential, especially as inclement weather sets in this time of year. Winter emergencies can strike with little warning. It is therefore important that your home is prepared with the best lighting and survival tools possible. When it comes to a light source, it is important that it not only cast a strong light when you need it most but one that also has a variety of features to make sure that you’re never stranded in the dark during an emergency situation. Consider purchasing an LED emergency lantern which produces a strong white LED light at a fraction of the energy cost of traditional light bulbs.
What’s So Great about LED
An LED light like those available in emergency lanterns or flashlights are far superior to a standard incandescent flashlight. LED’s are not like traditional bulbs because they contain no glass casing or a filament. This means you don’t have to worry about the bulb breaking or the filament burning out at an inconvenient time. A white LED light will burn for years longer than a comparable white light bulb at a much lower energy cost. You may also find that manufactures will combine LED’s in a lantern or flashlight to produce a brighter light in the same amount of space as a standard bulb would be able to create. This is why you can find small LED flashlights that put out a great light than some larger traditional versions. Because multiple LED’s are used in these lights you are also generally able to use different light settings easily as well. The ability to dim an emergency lantern in the evening or at night at the push of a button is another great feature of a quality LED lantern.
What to Look For
There are a few key features you should make sure to pay attention to when you are purchasing your LED emergency lantern. Look for a lantern that is convertible between a “lantern” mode and a “flashlight” mode. Also look for one that utilizes multiple LEDs. Depending on the size of the lantern, 8-12 bulbs are recommended. A hand crank to provide emergency power in case the batteries are low is a wonderful feature as is a rechargeable battery pack. As mentioned above, the ability to adjust the light intensity either through different settings or a dimmer switch is a practical feature that can ensure that your lamp can be used for both emergency situations as well as general outdoor use.
Extra Bells and Whistles
As always, there are some additional LED lantern options and features out there that may prove useful to you. Some come with built-in radio systems for listening to news or weather reports. Others have emergency road flare settings which blink orange or red lights should you keep the lantern in your outdoor survival kit or camping gear. As always, check out product reviews online and read about other users’ experience with lanterns with these features to see if they prove useful or not.
Regardless of the brand or style of LED emergency lantern you choose, it is important that your home have one in its emergency tool kit. The value of having a dependable light source in any emergency situation is immeasurable when it comes to the safety and comfort of your home and family.
-Ben Anton, 2007