Top 10 Lighting Design Issues

Landscape lighting can add safety, security, beauty and value to any property. However, there are some common lighting pitfalls that contractors should avoid when adding lights to a job site. Ambiance Lighting Systems outlines the most common lighting design issues and offers solutions for each.

1. Not planning for the future – When designing for a client who is building a new home, have the builder place pipe or channel under the driveways and walkways for future landscape lighting needs.

2. Didn’t offer the client a range of options – With proper planning and cabling, lighting can truly be done in phases. Also, don’t determine what the client should spend on lighting. Instead, present the options and let the client decide the value of light.

3. A lack of switching flexibility – A lighting layout must reflect the different uses a well-designed landscape will provide. There are some areas you should light only when they’re in use.

4. Didn’t use waterproof splice – Regardless of what brand you use, make sure the connection is waterproof. (No black tape, please.) Poor system performance results when splices corrode, creating electrical resistance.

5. Not enough sources of light – Trying to illuminate large areas/objects with too few fixtures or large wattage results in nasty glare and an unbalanced effect. The neat thing about 120-volt fixtures is their micro size, allowing them to be installed anywhere.

6. Voltage drop – Layout logistics rule of thumb: 100’/100 watts per 12 gauge cable. To minimize voltage loss and add functionality to the project, insist on having adequate 120-volt outlets for transformers, catering and other outdoor functions.

7. Using more than 80 percent of transformer capacity in initial design – Clients always add lights; they rarely delete lights. Leave room on the transformer size for that eventuality.

8. No three-dimensional lighting effects – Use vertical elements to downlight (moonlight), area light or trellis light. This is the most efficient and elegant type of lighting. It’s also the most under-used. This effect gets fixtures out of harm’s way.

9. The use of pathlights in turf – Regardless of brand, fixtures prefer not to be mowed, fertilized or watered. When possible, use downlights or wall lights instead of pathlights or place them in planter areas only.

10. Too many well lights – To minimize maintenance, use well lights only in turf areas; use regular spotlights in planter areas. The subterranean environment creates the most maintenance problems. Avoid it if possible.

The author is Assistant Editor-Internet for Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at aanderson@lawnandlandscape.com.