A Guide to Buying Your Own Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

There are two primary voltages of outdoor lighting fixtures. For home owner's, a type known as low-voltage(12 volts) is more suited to the needs of residential lighting. However, for those seeking a more industrious use for their outdoor lights, the preferred buy is something called a line voltage system, which runs at about one-hundred and twenty volts. However, line voltages systems do offer their own advantages, so they should be considered.

The advantages of a low-voltage systems include but are not limited to: flexibility to re-install and re-locate, as the power cable doesn't require shielding, they are designed to handle high humidity, they run on smaller sized light bulbs, and in most cases you do not need an electrician to install them. However, these low-voltage systems do require a transformer  to convert the current from the power lines into a lower voltage. These low-voltage lights however are merely like outdoor lamps, and do not provide bright, robust lighting. They are adequate to light up your back porch or front yard, but are not capable of providing light to an area say the size of a soccer field.

For homeowner's who have a larger backyard or perhaps live in a rural area, the more practical decision is to install merely a few line voltage systems rather than cover the house in low voltage outdoor light fixtures. Line voltage systems run at much higher power levels, and require that the power cord is either buried a foot and a half or that it is protectively shielded. In addition, all mechanical aspect of the line voltage system must be absolutely waterproof, as such high voltages can be extremely dangerous.

For those interested in low-voltage outdoor systems however, it is important to be aware of the different types and styles of lamps. There are designs known as Up-lights, which are placed at a ground level and directed upward in order to provide a pleasing aesthetic while simultaneously being practical.

Also in the list of designs is a category known as Down-lighting, which are hung usually from the molding of the house. For a pleasing aesthetic design, it is recommended that a homeowner shield these fixtures from view. Down-lighting is also excellent at providing security to a home, and should be placed near doors or windows.

Other major styles include Back-lighting and Path-lighting, in which a homeowner places outdoor light fixtures behind either a statue or plant, or where a homeowner lines a sidewalk or pathway with lights, respectively. Also available are a variety of specialty lights such as string lights (similar to holiday lights), patio torches, and underwater lighting.

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