8 STEPS TO GET YOUR LIGHTING RIGHT The best outdoor lighting plans expand your living environment, heighten curb appeal, and add safety to your outdoor space. We recommend taking a smart and measured approach to ensure your lighting design is pure perfection:
1
2
3
4
Assess your home’s exterior and select the areas you want to illuminate.
Choose decorative fixtures that complement your home’s architecture and landscaping elements.
Choose from a variety of distinctive lighting techniques.
Research energyefficient LED fixture options for longterm savings.
5
6
7
8
Select your fixtures and accessories based on installation requirements and landscaping needs.
Consider the appropriate lamping based on light intensity and beam spread.
Select the proper transformer to provide the correct power supply.
Choose controls to turn the lights on and off, adding an additional maintenance-free amenity
(See our guide to L ANDSCAPE LIG HTING TECHNIQ UES for more information)
LE ARN MORE B ELOW
HOW TO SELECT A TRANSFORMER
WHEN CALCULATING YOUR LANDSCAPE LIGHTING BUDGET, consider the full scope of the project even if you are planning to do it in phases. In most cases, it’s wise to invest in a larger transformer than you’ll initially need, so you can add more light sources as your landscape matures, water or architectural features are added in, or your outdoor living areas expand. We recommend allowing for an extra 20% capacity to accommodate these kinds of additions down the road. To the right is a quick and easy guide to calculating the size of transformer required to power your home’s landscape lighting plan.
UNDER CONTROL
6 PATH LIGHTS
IDENTIFY THE WATTAGE (OR VA FOR LED) OF EACH OF THE FIXTURES IN YOUR LIGHTING PLAN
CALCULATE THE TOTAL WATTAGE/VA CALCULATE APPROXIMATELY 20% FOR FUTURE GROWTH
SELECT THE PROPER TRANSFORMER TO MEET YOUR TOTAL POWER NEED
20W / 3.9VA EACH
2 SPOT LIGHTS 50W / 7.8VA EACH
INCANDESCENT
LED
6 X 20W + 2 X 50W
6 X 3.9VA + 2 X 7.8VA
220W
39VA
+ 20% FOR FUTURE FIXTURE ADDITIONS 264W
300W
46.8VA
75W
Consider utilizing a dimmer or a smart home control system with your landscape lighting systems. The Hinkley Smart Control + Dimmer helps to reduce power usage and allows you to create different moods throughout the day by setting timing and brightness preferences.
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING 101
H I N K L E Y. C O M