Landscape outdoor lighting can add beauty and security to your home. Not only can it highlight your home’s best features, but it can also deter would-be burglars. However, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about installing landscape outdoor lighting. By following the dos and don’ts listed here, you can ensure that your landscape outdoor lighting is installed safely and looks great too! 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Landscape Outdoor Lighting

Landscape outdoor lighting can add security and beauty to your home. It’s essential to plan your outdoor lighting installation carefully, as there are many factors to consider. Here are the dos and don’ts of landscape outdoor lighting: We’ll start with the dos:

Do:

1. Work with a qualified electrician: when it comes to outdoor lighting, safety should be your number one priority. Hire a qualified electrician to install your outdoor lights, and make sure they are properly rated for outdoor use. You don’t want to take any chances when it comes to electrical safety!
2. Use weatherproof fixtures and bulbs: Make sure your outdoor fixtures and bulbs are rated for outdoor use. They should be weatherproof and able to withstand the elements. Make sure to check the ratings before you buy!
3. Use low-voltage lights: Low-voltage outdoor landscape lighting is much safer than standard 120-volt lighting. It’s also more energy-efficient, which is good for your wallet and the environment. You can find low-voltage outdoor lights at most home improvement stores.
4. Plan your lighting carefully: Think about what you want to achieve with your outdoor lighting. Do you want to highlight your home’s features? deter burglars? create a romantic ambiance? Once you know what you want to achieve, you can plan your lighting accordingly.
5. Consider solar lights: Solar lights are a great option for outdoor lighting. They are environmentally friendly and easy to install. Just make sure to buy high-quality solar lights, as they can be less reliable than other types of outdoor lights.

Don’t:

1. Install lights yourself if you’re not qualified: As we mentioned before, safety should be your number one priority when it comes to outdoor lighting. If you’re not qualified to install lights yourself, don’t take the risk! Hire a qualified electrician to do the job for you.
2. Use indoor lights outdoors: Indoor lights are not made to withstand the elements. If you use them outdoors, they will likely rust or break quickly. Save yourself the hassle and only use outdoor-rated fixtures and bulbs.
3. Use standard 120-volt lights outdoors: Standard 120-volt lights are not safe for outdoor use. They can be a fire hazard, so it’s best to stick with low-voltage lights.
4. Use lights that are too bright: Too much light can be just as bad as too little light. When planning your outdoor lighting, make sure to use fixtures and bulbs that are the right brightness for the area. You don’t want to blind your guests or neighbors!
5. Forget about maintenance: Outdoor lights require regular maintenance, just like any other type of light. Be sure to clean your fixtures and bulbs regularly to keep them in good condition. And, if you notice any problems with your lights, don’t hesitate to call a qualified electrician.

By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure that your landscape outdoor lighting is installed safely and looks great. So get out there and start planning your new landscape outdoor lighting today!