Landscape lighting fixtures are exposed to sun, wind, and moisture daily. High quality copper and brass fixtures are designed to withstand this exposure.
Low voltage landscape lighting is wired through a transformer that sends a safe voltage to each light fixture. Wire connections within the transformer can degrade over time and cause problems with your lights. Get professional help from Elegant Custom Images Inc today.
When a fixture breaks in your landscape lighting system, it’s time to call a professional for repairs. The good news is that many times, your low voltage landscape lighting fixtures are easy to fix. Some issues are simple, such as a broken ground stake or loose wire, while others require more investigation and digging.
Electrical problems and corroded connections are one of the most common reasons for landscape lighting system failure. Lighting installed outdoors is exposed to the elements, and moisture can cause corrosion that leads to short circuits or electrical arcing. The best way to prevent this is by regularly inspecting the wiring in your landscape lighting system and replacing worn parts when necessary.
The first step in diagnosing a problem is to turn off the power to the light and check that the bulb is still working. If it’s not, the problem could be a tripped circuit breaker or a failed light fixture. A voltmeter can be used to test for voltage drops over long wire runs and help you determine where the problem lies.
Leaking fixtures are another sign that your lighting needs attention. If multiple fixtures are leaking, the problem may be caused by an overcrowded transformer. It is also possible that the fixtures were not designed for outdoor use and have deteriorated. In this case, it is best to replace the fixture with something that is able to withstand the harsher elements.
As the seasons change, it’s important to periodically adjust the timers on your landscape lighting system. This ensures that your lights come on at night when you want them to. In addition, trimming vegetation can prevent it from blocking lights or damaging them with overgrowth. It is also a good idea to periodically adjust the positioning of your landscape lighting to account for plant growth or changes in your landscaping. When a lighting system is positioned improperly, it can create shadows or highlight the wrong features of your home. A professional can help you properly position your landscape lighting to avoid these problems. A thorough inspection can identify potential problems before they become serious and costly.
Wiring
The wiring in a landscape lighting system is usually the least expensive component to repair, but also one of the most important. Whether buried underground or running along the side of your home, the wiring is responsible for bringing a safe voltage to each fixture in your landscape lighting system. Unfortunately, electrical wire connections can develop loose spots that create short circuits. These shorts generate heat that can melt or even burn the wire and in severe cases can cause fires.
Wiring problems in a landscape lighting setting can stem from a number of issues, including substandard materials used during installation, the wrong outdoor connection system, cut wires (by property owners or landscapers, irrigation specialists, or even neighbors), moisture damage within the system, or improperly buried wire. These issues can be addressed by hiring a professional to ensure your landscape lighting is properly connected.
Another common problem with landscape lighting is that fixtures get knocked out of place over time. This can lead to a lack of light or a dimmer that doesn’t work as it should. Landscape lighting experts can install stakes that will stay straight and prevent these issues from occurring.
Fixtures are the most visible aspect of any landscape lighting system and are vulnerable to a variety of environmental factors. The good news is that quality fixtures made from copper and brass hold up well to the elements and will rarely experience any type of moisture problem.
Often, the first thing that goes wrong with a fixture is the light bulb. A simple light bulb replacement is an inexpensive way to test if a fixture is in need of a repair. If the fixture’s socket is damaged, however, it could be difficult to diagnose a problem without removing the light and dismantling the entire system. A professional should be called in to do this to avoid damaging the transformer or wires.
Timer
When installed correctly, landscape lighting enhances the beauty of gardens, fountains, trees, shrubs, and buildings on a home. It also provides security and safety benefits for homeowners and their guests. Unfortunately, these lights don’t last forever and require regular maintenance to keep them working properly. A professional landscaper will perform the necessary maintenance to keep a lighting system operating smoothly, but it is important for any homeowner to understand how to conduct routine maintenance themselves.
Most outdoor lighting systems include a timer that helps automate when the lights turn on and off. There are several types of timers, but the most common is a mechanical timer that has a dial and pins that you set according to the current time of day. You will need to adjust the timer as Daylight Saving Time approaches, and you should also check it periodically to ensure the time is correct.
Another type of timer is a digital timer that has a display and buttons to program on and off times for the lights. These are more advanced and require more knowledge, but they can be more versatile than a mechanical timer.
Before you begin, unplug the transformer cord from the timer. Next, locate the timer and open it to reveal the clock, on/off switch, and programming options. There may be a number 1 flashing on the display; this indicates the event for which you are changing the settings. Once you have located the ON/OFF switch, use the mode button to scroll through the options until you find the desired time.
Some timers can lose their time with age, so it is important to check them periodically – once or twice a year around daylight savings time should suffice. Once you have the correct time set, close up the transformer and plug it back in.
Some outdoor light timers allow you to choose the duration for which the lights will be on – you can select two, four, six or eight hours. The lights will then automatically turn on at the selected time and turn off at the same time each day. Some even come with a bypass switch that lets you override the programmed on/off times and turn on or off the lights manually.
Switches
Landscape lighting can add a beautiful accent to your home while also deterring intruders. However, like any other system it requires regular maintenance to keep it functioning at peak performance. Fortunately, some of the most common landscape lighting repair issues can be solved with simple DIY tasks and a little know-how. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Lights Not Turning On
Oftentimes lights not turning on is caused by a blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker or a low voltage reading. First, always make sure the power is completely turned off by either unplugging the transformer or removing the circuit breakers for your whole house.
Next, check the light bulb socket to see if the light bulbs are out or need replaced. If the bulb is out, it will need to be replaced and should be done so using caution because you are working with electricity. Lastly, the light fixture itself may need to be replaced due to a damaged socket or worn gasket (the piece that holds the bulb in place).
2. Flickering Lights
When your lights begin flickering it is time to take a closer look at your landscape lighting system. There could be several problems, including bad connections, improper wire size or voltage drop over long wiring runs.
3. Lights Going Out Completely
If your lights are out completely, it is likely that a wire or fixture has failed or something more serious such as a floodlight that needs to be removed and cleaned of moisture. It is important to contact a landscape lighting professional if this is the case because it can be a safety issue.
4. Upgrades
If you have a old or outdated system that constantly breaks, it may be time to consider upgrading to newer components such as transformers and wires. Not only will this improve your systems reliability but it will also save money on electricity and allow for more options such as a photocell and timer control.