Components can include:

1. Power
2. Connection to main property power source
3. Transformers
4. Timers
5. Light sensor switching
6. Motion sensor switching
7. Manual ‘light switches’
8. automated light switching units-systems
9. remote lighting switching – on-property devices, off-site phone or online systems
10. Electric wiring
11. conduit – underground for line voltage, vulnerable locations, under or in constructed elements-pavements
12. cable, wire – underground per codes for line and low voltage, above ground at stake-mounted and tree mounted fixtures.
13. Light fixtures – fixed location – line voltage
14. Post mount – column mount
15. Address light
16. Wall mount
17. Ceiling mount – hanging fixture
18. Security lights
19. Tree lights – up and down lights
20. In-grade fixtures- uplights buried in-ground – top flush with surface
21. Adjustable aim “bullet” – uplight
22. sports court lights – i.e.: tennis courts
23. portable fixtures “hard-wired” or “plug-in” ‘wet location rated’ interior style fixtures
24. string lighting – “holiday lights” – bulbs and LED
25. Light fixtures – modest location adjustments
26. Path lights
27. Area lights
28. Uplights (directional, spot, and flood lights)- stake mount

1. wall lights – surface mount
2. tree-mount lights – down lights
3. deck lights – surface mount
4. well lights – mounted below grade
5. hardscape lights- integrated into walls.
6. step lights – recessed into catherine risers
7. rope lighting – fiber optics

Don’t forget specific areas that could benefit from lighting, such as the front door, a pool, steps, driveways, garage doors, pathways, decks or patios, address plates, landscaping, flagpoles and outdoor cooking areas. While you’re assessing where you need light, also assess beam angles.

Increase the Value of Your Home with a Well-Lit, Outdoor Room

The number of people who believe their outdoor space is an important extension of their home is growing. No longer made up of only a picnic table and small grill, an outdoor room is now defined as a multi-functional space that can handle food prep and cooking, is large enough for lounging and dining, and has a hearth product to extend the season. Creating these areas and designing enhanced light schemes around them can greatly increase the value of your home and give your family years of pleasure to come.

Motion Sensor Lights

Any outdoor light can have a motion sensor or photocontrol included to help manage lighting. The motion sensor lights up when something passes by the infrared beam and lighting goes on for a specified time. This is a great security and safety device, but also an energy saver, since the light typically stays on for just a few minutes.

A photocontrol or photocell acts more like a timer, and is most commonly found on parking lot lights. The lights turn on at dusk or a certain level of darkness, then turn off in the morning when the sun is rising. Photocells are also used for many outdoor lighting applications.

A sensor needs a reasonable sensing range — which often depends on mounting location and operating conditions — fixture placement matters. The sensors should be able to see the right subjects at the right times. Installing the fixture too low or too high can limit the field of view.