Flood Lights

Chris asked:


I live in a colder climate and we do not get much sun. I am forced to grow my tomatoes and herbs such as rosemary under artificial light. I found some construction flood lights, I think they are 500 watts. Will they do? I do not know much about lights, I use florescence lights, cool white.

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harley paul asked:


i have a flood light with a 70 watt high pressure sodium lamp dusk 2 dawn an want 2 put a 100 watt led bulb in can i ?

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vergon2 asked:


Can anyone make suggestions on installing a pair of flood lights on each corner of the back of my house? I currently have no exterior lighting other than a small light mounted on the side of a recessed porch. Thats my problem it doesn’t shine enough to light the yard thats why I want to add the pair of flood lights. What would I have to wire to get it done? Any electricians or contractors opinions would be appreciated.

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rubeninfl asked:


I can’t figure out how to just turn on my floodlights. The lights can be turned on, or turned on to work with the motion detector. I was told that there is a pattern of switching it on and off you have to do to turn it on, but I can’t figure it out. When I do manage to turn the lights on it’s just by like after flipping the switch up and down like a crazy man.

Does anyone know?

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Julia Ritzenthaler asked:


Anyone who has undertaken a do-it-yourself decorating project knows that the devil is definitely in the details. Whether you are working on a major do-over or just one element to improve your home, the attention to details makes all the difference in the outcome. Lighting is just one of the details that have to be carefully thought out before the project starts.

If your focus is on which light bulbs need to be replaced instead of which fixtures, that is an indication that the lighting system has been well-thought out. You don’t have to think about it; you just enjoy it. The system complements the home decor and satisfies the specific purpose in any given area of the home. Before you start your do-it-yourself project, you need to make choices about which lighting fixtures will accomplish the goals you have in mind. Before you do that, it is important to become an “expert” in lighting design and purpose.

The two major categories of light fixtures are interior and exterior lighting. The former is all the lighting installed inside the home in enclosed rooms. Exterior lights consist of any light fixtures used outside of the house. While that sounds too obvious for words, it is really just the beginning. For example, exterior lighting includes a wide variety of fixtures. Choosing the right fixtures depends on the purpose for the lighting. For sure you will want entry lighting that provides both safety and security. You may want lights along the walks and pathways leading to the entrances as well. Your family and guests will probably not be thrilled if they have to stumble around in the dark to get to the front door. A lantern or similar fixture at the driveway entrance should also be considered. Do you have a deck or a porch? If so, you’ll want appropriate lights for those areas as well.

If you think that covers all the bases, think again. Depending on the size and scope of the property, you may need to consider other lighting as well, including garden lights, landscape enhancing lights, flood lights and pool lights. And don’t forget provisions for holidays, such as Christmas, if that is your thing.

Finished yet? Maybe not. What about security lighting? You may want to consider motion sensors, which also fall under the heading of lighting, in certain areas of the yard. Then there is emergency lighting. That can range from full-scale generator backups to adequate flashlights and a good supply of batteries. Are you looking for ways to lessen your carbon footprint? Perhaps you want to consider solar lighting, both indoors and outdoors. And that takes you to your other lighting consideration: interior choices.

A quick mental survey of the rooms to light up will give you an idea of the many varieties of lights and lighting fixtures that you can choose from. Kitchens, family rooms, media rooms, home offices, foyers, bedrooms, bathrooms, children’s rooms, laundry rooms, garages, utility or storage rooms, pantries, dining rooms and living rooms. Not everyone’s do-it-yourself project includes all of these rooms, but almost everyone must consider the variety of lighting fixtures available for interior lighting and decide which best suits their needs.

Available options include hanging lights, recessed lights, track lighting, chandeliers, ceiling fans with lights, table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, pendant lights, task lights, hall lights, night lites, area lights and mirror lights. You also have to consider which type of lighting best suits a particular area: halogen, incandescent, fluorescent or even fiber optic lighting. Do you want dimmer switches or regular wall switches?

You may want to consider full spectrum lighting. Full spectrum lighting is a system that creates lighting throughout the house that comes as close to natural or day light as possible. Don’t forget solar options.

As you can see, a do-it-yourself decorating project that involves exterior and interior lighting means making an array of choices. The more you know about what is available and what specific purpose they serve, the better your choices are likely to be. It’s all in the details, and the details are what your family and guests will talk about when you have finished your DIY decorating project.



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Cherry asked:


There are many good reasons to light your property at night, not the least of which is safety. Beyond safety, though, there are other considerations. Outdoor lighting can completely transform the look of your home after dark. Outdoor lighting has a reputation for being expensive to install and maintain, but it does not have to be. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your budget to install outdoor lighting that makes a statement and turns your home into a nighttime showpiece in your neighborhood.

Evaluate your resources and power sources. If you keep your lighting close to the house, you can save on installing new power outlets and additional wiring. If you do need to install wiring and outlets, there are do-it-yourself kits that you can install on your own. If you opt to install your own and you’re not a licensed, experienced electrician, though, do have your work inspected by one before using it.

On the same note, check with your local code authorities before adding any outdoor power sources to be sure that you adhere to regulations. Nothing turns a cheap job into a huge expense faster than fines for violating local ordinances.

Consider solar powered lights for walkways and paths. Solar powered stake lights are an extremely budget conscious option for path and safety lighting. You can buy them in sets of four or six at your local home and garden store for as little as $30. Installation is as simple as driving a stake into the ground. There are no wires, and no drain on your electric bill. Most are powered with a battery backup for those days when there’s not enough sun to power the lights.

Consider safety first. Decoration is wonderful, but your first concern should be safety. Use motion sensor lighting to illuminate dark areas on your property without having lights glaring all night long. Do not skimp here – your safety is vital. Do, however, check with your insurance company. You may get a break on the premiums for making safety improvements.

The second safety issue is illuminating pathways and steps to avoid falls and injuries. Path and stair lighting can be very decorative and attractive. One inexpensive option for stairway lighting are strips that fit along the edges of the risers. The light is indirect and shines down on each step so you and your visitors can see where you’re putting your feet.

Less is definitely more when it comes to outdoor lighting. Avoid garish, overbright lights. An additional benefit to using fewer lights is a savings of wattage, and, in turn, expenses; both up front and in long term maintenance.

Backlighting and low lights can add drama to a bland landscape. Choose a feature to highlight and use a single light behind it to cast it in silhouette. If you shine lights through a tree, the overall effect can be truly dramatic.

Don’t be afraid to be tacky. Twinkling fairy lights may be overdone, but a single strand of tiny white Christmas lights twining a potted patio plant or edging the patio deck can be surprisingly effective.

Turn to unusual sources. For instance, instead of using overhead or spotlighting for your patio or deck, rely on battery or solar operated table lanterns on your patio tables. Light your outdoor space just as you would your indoor space, taking into account ambient light and task lighting. Do not light what doesn’t need lighting.

Driveway lighting serves two purposes. It should illuminate paths and walkways so that your guests and family can make their way safely from vehicle to house, and it should outline your driveway enough that drivers can navigate it safely. Consider walkway lights along the edges of the driveway, especially if the driveway is edged with stones, bushes or raised flowerbeds.

 

Providing good outdoor lighting can offer added security as well as extend your outside parties or other activities well into the night. Adding outdoor flood lighting will also enhance the beauty of your home and increase its value. There is a wide selection of decorative outdoor lighting from which to choose. Before beginning your project, consider these valuable tips.

Step1

Contact your local municipality on code requirements and adhere to these closely.

Step2

Call the electric company to arrange for them to mark any areas with underground wiring prior to your dig.

Step3

Purchase lighting fixtures that are comprised of approved properties and made for outdoor usage. Look for the Underwriter’s Laboratory seal.

Step4

Obtain a ground fault interrupter to stop the current should the hot wire become compromised in any way.

Step5

Disconnect the power source to prevent electrical shock.

Step6

Ground the cable and lighting fixtures.

Step7

Dig your trench at least 2 feet deep to protect your cable. If there is above ground exposure use a conduit to prevent weather damage. Local codes may require the entire line be protected. Consider key placements for your fixtures and direct them away from the home. Prevent glare by using lower watt bulbs. Test your angles to make sure you are not flooding your neighbors yard or the street with your flood lights.

 

You can create many other different effects without much investment if you take the time to plan your lighting blueprint as carefully as you do your landscaping. Find interesting features in your landscape and use light to accent them at night. Do keep in mind that light pollution has become a serious consideration when lighting at night. Keep the lights low, and angle them so that they do not disturb neighbors or local wildlife.



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