[bigviclbi]

OK I am going to do my first lighting system. I went to the lighting store and got some help. A few question:What's the normal watt lights for lighting a path? I figured on using in the range of 10-12 every 5 feet. The person already has a system in the front but wants to replace the plastic with metal. Can I just disconnect the old light and put the new "taps?" into the same wire or should I use new wire? The transformer is the right size so I will reuse that. Pricing by the light or hour? Is a $20.00 light from home depot decent quality? Any answers will be great, but at leeast one is mandatory.

[treedoc1]

my pricing

$125 a fixture
$1 a foot for cable
$1 a watt for the transformer (900 watt multi tap = $900)
simple install on exterior of house.
Interior install for transformer is extra...typically another $250

I don't reuse existing cable. You will never find the damaged portions when your new light don't work corrrectly.

Light wattage typically ranges from 7 -18 watts. Spots will use 20, rarely higher. Putting lites every 5' is huge overkill, unless you want that Newark airport runway effect.

Rule of thumb, runs on 12/2 wire need to stay under 200'

Google low voltage outdoor lighting for many of the sites for information.

I prefer to stay away from Home Depot Malibu brand, and the Lowe's brands because of the lower plastic or aluminum quality.

PM me if you want a few sites that I have had sucess with in ordering material online from.

[GLAN]

I use Malibu Cast Metal fixtures.........basicaly for convenience of availability......and that I can get them at Home Depot or online easily. Cost is also reasonable. Some customers prefer the not so ordinary and don't mind a higher cost per fixture. For that I have catalogues for other brands.

Yes...install new wire. The $1 per foot wire installed is kinda the norm. As for the fixture.....2 - 3x your cost is not uncommon, I price the transformer the same.

Path lights and Lanterns as mentioned up to 18 watts. Spotts generaly 20 watt.....though I use 50 watt for getting more light onto a larger specimen, or location.

5 feet apart is much to close. Double that should be enough

[scott C]

I have not done many lighting installs, although I would like to. does any one have a good resource of info related to choosing proper wattages and spacing or is it more of a trial and error thing. Also info about voltage drop.

[GLAN]

Try this site
http://www.lvlia.com/

[bigviclbi]

Guys thanks for the info, but i'm going back to the well till its dry. How far apart should I go?Currently she has light every three feet, five feet was what it said on the box just going by that. Obviously it would be cheaper to do less lights with higher wattage so can someone give me a base for lighting a path? No spotlights, I asked her if she wanted any uplighting she said no. Backyard lighting is around an inground pool, thought a spotlight in each corner (4)with a few lights to get any spaces in beetwen. Guys I saw a 600 watt transformer for like $300? at hd, would you really mark it up to $900? I think i'm gonna go a little lower on this first one pricing wise. Well i might have to send you guys commision checks

[GLAN]

I have been fortunate enough that my lighting runs are not all that long or trying to get so many lights on a transformer. I have been using 300 watt transformers.

I prefer to set up the layout for that size transformer. If need be we use 2, 3 or more transformers. I look at it this way.....To replace a 300 watt transformer is cheaper than to replace a 600.

My own home I have lighting in the front...2 zones, each having 300 watt trans. In the back...4 zones, each having a 300 watt trans. I have a friend that is an electrician, easy enough to pull wire and place outlets through out the back

[bigviclbi]

Thanks guys, I went and got a Kichler catalog and it explains alot. I am going to a free seminar they are having on St. Patty's day, so I guess I'll learn about lighting then get lit!

[shawn]

want are some of the sites that i can get lighting from. i been using lowe's brand and thay deo't last that long

[GLAN]

Originally posted by shawn
want are some of the sites that i can get lighting from. i been using lowe's brand and thay deo't last that long

Is it the light or the bulb that doesn't last long?.......probably the bulb.

[NCSULandscaper]

I like the Unique Lighting system

www.uniquelighting.com

their system uses hub technology that evenly distributes the same voltage to each light. Multi-tap transformers are easy to use for long wire runs so you do not get the dim effect on the end of the light line..because everything goes into hubs that can run up to 5 lights.

[NCSULandscaper]

well lights for trees (35 watts each)

[NCSULandscaper]

transformer install

[NCSULandscaper]

equilizing hub

[GLAN]

Looks great Mat.


I don't get as dramatic affect in most of our fronts.....due to street lighting.

Back's are cool