GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post - Where buy high quality low voltage landscape lights ?

Dioclese · 09-06-2009, 03:58 PM posted to alt.building.construction,rec.gardens

"willshak" wrote in message
m...
on 6/8/2009 7:36 AM (ET) Dioclese wrote the following:
"James" no wrote in message
...

I have used 12 volt landscape lights for about seven years. During
this time, I have used various light fixtures from Home Depot and
Lowe's. Some seem pretty low quality, some appear pretty decent at
first. But, they all leak after a few years.

I have also tried more "upscale" lights from a lighting dealer, costing
in the range of $90 per fixture. They also leak after a few years. I
see NO difference in quality of the "upscale" fixtures at $90 than what
I buy at the big box stores at $15 each. No difference whatsoever.
(Generally speaking, I am a believer in the saying that you get what you
pay for. This does not appear to be the case with low voltage landscape
lights).

Do any of you have experience with the long term use of low voltage
landscape lights, and have you found decent fixtures with good seals, so
that they don't leak after a few years ? If so, what brand/ store /
etc would you suggest that I try ??

Thanks for any comments or advice !!

James

One box of 4 that I bought very cheap, says right on the box that the
solar powered batteries cannot be replaced. Lasted for 2 years. No
evidence of water intrusion. Lights: LEDs. Lights hang down, not
pointed up. No way for water to affect them unless you have more than 8"
of standing water.

Tried them again in a box of 6, even cheaper this time. No battery
replacement disclaimer. Similar design. 1/2 price sale, I'm buying
another box for when these fail. Just connect the top section to the
current assembly already in the ground, all working again.

That's my advice. Buy them while on sale, and buy more than one set for
your application.

I don't think the OP is talking about solar powered lights.
However I was in HD or Lowes last week and I saw solar powered lights that
said the batteries are regular AA rechargeables.
The problem I've had with solar powered lights is that the solar panel
plastic turns milky and gets hairline cracks. I've gone so far as to buff
the lenses and coated them with Future floor finish, but it doesn't last..

--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @

The 2 models I"ve tried have lithim-ion batteries built-in.

The last set that quit, they just quit. No visible sign of why.
--
Dave