Garden lighting steps

[Bugwug]

Howdy Oracles

I have 2 small gardens and would like to install new garden lighting instead of a bunch of solar powered things that dont last long due to shade.

Where does one start with installing lights? There are many guides about different lights and references to systems and transformers but its bewildering to be honest.

My electrician will get mains power from the front of the house to the kitchen (or outside).

All advice appreciated

Thank you

 

[omega015]

Do you know where you want each light to be? Do you know which lights you want? Having a plan or general idea of what you want to achieve will help your electrician determine what cables, fuses, digging, drilling etc... will be needed in order to achieve what you want.

 

[Bugwug]

Hi,

I would have a few uplighters, a wall light or 3.

I havent really thought about what all the lights will be as i dont know where to start. If i look on the Homebase/Wickes/B&Q websites they only sell lights, there is no mention of transformers however, if i search online there are many references to transformers and kits and then various forms of actual lighting.

My electrician can do the power part but i need help in starting a plan in the first place. Do i need a transformer? I would imagine so as the lights will be outside where it could be wet but am confused why the DIY shops dont mention them in their Advice guides.

Ta

 

[omega015]

Generally if you need a transformer most consumer products will come with the relevant transformer or specify that it needs one. If its 240v then it doesn't need one. Just choose the lighting you like/want and then take it from there. Feel free to post some links of the lights you was thinking and we can advise if anything else is likely to be needed.

 

[ericmark]

Lighting a garden, or any display is an art form, I was talking to local vicar about lighting church, he was thinking of using LED, I pointed out the yellow hue of the son lamps actually enhance the look of the stone.

So are the lamps simply to see way to garden shed where beer is stored, or is it to show off an array of flowers? In the main to simply see the path lights need some elevation, the so called security lamp will light the way well. But for the pond likely you want lights shining through the water, however the filter has to be good, don't want it to highlight the algae.

The higher the lamp, the bigger the lamp, and the more distance between the lamps. So at 1 foot high likely 2 watt LED and 6 foot 10 Watt LED. It can look really good, it can also look rubbish.

 

[Bugwug]

Hmmm, i completely overlooked lights in the pond barrel!

They are both small courtyard gardens (One Decked and the other flint/brick walls) but i would want to add some detail lighting and some mood lighting along with some interesting wall lights.

I think its the power part i am having the trouble with, once i know what lights i can look at i could start sketching ideas

Ta

 

[Bugwug]

i thought all garden lights would have to be LV because of water risks. How would a 240v light be safe outside?

 

[winston1]

i thought all garden lights would have to be LV because of water risks. How would a 240v light be safe outside?

240v is LV. Street lights are 240v and are outside. Are they unsafe?

 

[omega015]

most non electricians/DIY think 12v is low voltage and 240 is high voltage etc.. and would be unaware of the correct terms. Try not to confuse them

 

[winston1]

most non electricians/DIY think 12v is low voltage and 240 is high voltage etc.. and would be unaware of the correct terms. Try not to confuse them

Not trying to confuse them. Trying to educate them and Bugwug.

 

[Bugwug]

Yes sorry, i am not an electrician but a female home hobby DIY-ist.

I like to give most things a go for the interests of learning but if appropriate for a pro then im happy to engage one.

I have learnt plastering, do tiling and plumbing tasks amongst many other things so that i am not a dopey 'person on the street' but im happy to have limits!

By asking Qs such as this it helps me optimimise eventual results by having at least some understanding of what im asking others to do/advise me on.

Ta

 

[Bugwug]

Meaning im always grateful for anything positive you guys throw back at me!

The site is a wonderful resource for all things and has helped me loads over time

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Basically go and look at spaces which are lit at night, do Bing image searches, look at websites of garden lighting specialists - find things which you like, and then ask your electrician to recommend lights/suppliers which fit the bill.

Don't know if you have the budget for it, or if you even have a gas supply, but gas lights are nice to have outside.