Garden lighting (cross posted)
"Neil wrote in message I'm redesigning my back garden at the moment and my thoughts have turned to lighting. I would like to illuminate the terrace which is just to the rear of the house, but also I'm considering some path lighting and maybe some accent lighting to highlight specimen trees, planting groups etc. This would mainly be for use during the summer but occasionally we would switch the lights on at other times, for effect. I live in a rural village so I'm conscious of light pollution and don't really want to brighten the night sky which could affect other locals. I'll discuss my plans with my neighbours before I go ahead but I have a number of questions initially:- What is best practice regarding this kind of lighting? Mains voltage, low voltage or a mixture? Is this a daft idea and I should forget about it? We have had low voltage garden lighting on automatic control for years. You can install a low voltage system yourself easily but to use mains voltage you would need the expertise of an experienced and qualified electrician. Disadvantages with low voltage (24v) are that you can only put so many lights on each transformer so for a lot of lights you would need more than one system or obtain a more power transformer. Try talking to your local proper electrical supplies co. the sort of place electricians go to get their stuff. Don't bother with Garden Centres or Sheds. -- Regards Bob Use a useful Screen Saver... http://setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu/ and find intelligent life amongst the stars |
Garden lighting (cross posted)
"Neil wrote in message I'm redesigning my back garden at the moment and my thoughts have turned to lighting. I would like to illuminate the terrace which is just to the rear of the house, but also I'm considering some path lighting and maybe some accent lighting to highlight specimen trees, planting groups etc. This would mainly be for use during the summer but occasionally we would switch the lights on at other times, for effect. I live in a rural village so I'm conscious of light pollution and don't really want to brighten the night sky which could affect other locals. I'll discuss my plans with my neighbours before I go ahead but I have a number of questions initially:- What is best practice regarding this kind of lighting? Mains voltage, low voltage or a mixture? Is this a daft idea and I should forget about it? We have had low voltage garden lighting on automatic control for years. You can install a low voltage system yourself easily but to use mains voltage you would need the expertise of an experienced and qualified electrician. Disadvantages with low voltage (24v) are that you can only put so many lights on each transformer so for a lot of lights you would need more than one system or obtain a more power transformer. Try talking to your local proper electrical supplies co. the sort of place electricians go to get their stuff. Don't bother with Garden Centres or Sheds. -- Regards Bob Use a useful Screen Saver... http://setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu/ and find intelligent life amongst the stars |
Garden lighting (cross posted)
Good questions. Re light pollution avoidance, don't use up-lights on trees and
stuff. Much of the light goes straight into the sky. Lots of resources available at http://www.dark-skies.org/ Specifically, advice from the The Institution of Lighting Engineers, available at http://www.star.le.ac.uk/~dbl/cfds/ile-gd-e.htm Regards Edwin Bath. ------- Neil Jones wrote: ... I'm redesigning my back garden at the moment and my thoughts have turned to lighting. I would like to illuminate the terrace which is just to the rear of the house, but also I'm considering some path lighting and maybe some accent lighting to highlight specimen trees, planting groups etc. This would mainly be for use during the summer but occasionally we would switch the lights on at other times, for effect. I live in a rural village so I'm conscious of light pollution and don't really want to brighten the night sky which could affect other locals. ... |
Garden lighting (cross posted)
The message
from "Neil Jones" contains these words: I live in a rural village so I'm conscious of light pollution and don't really want to brighten the night sky which could affect other locals. I'll discuss my plans with my neighbours before I go ahead but I have a number of questions initially:- What is best practice regarding this kind of lighting? Mains voltage, low voltage or a mixture? Is this a daft idea and I should forget about it? Have you thought about those individual solar-powered units? Most garden centres and many DIY shops stock them. They give enough light to see the paths by, and any hedgehogs, cats or whatnot, waiting to trip you up. Light pollution isn't an issue with these.... -- Rusty Open the creaking gate to make a horrid.squeak, then lower the foobar. http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/hi-fi/ |
Garden lighting (cross posted)
The message
from "Neil Jones" contains these words: I live in a rural village so I'm conscious of light pollution and don't really want to brighten the night sky which could affect other locals. I'll discuss my plans with my neighbours before I go ahead but I have a number of questions initially:- What is best practice regarding this kind of lighting? Mains voltage, low voltage or a mixture? Is this a daft idea and I should forget about it? Have you thought about those individual solar-powered units? Most garden centres and many DIY shops stock them. They give enough light to see the paths by, and any hedgehogs, cats or whatnot, waiting to trip you up. Light pollution isn't an issue with these.... -- Rusty Open the creaking gate to make a horrid.squeak, then lower the foobar. http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/hi-fi/ |
Garden lighting (cross posted)
"Jaques d'Alltrades" wrote in message ... The message from "Neil Jones" contains these words: I live in a rural village so I'm conscious of light pollution and don't really want to brighten the night sky which could affect other locals. I'll discuss my plans with my neighbours before I go ahead but I have a number of questions initially:- What is best practice regarding this kind of lighting? Mains voltage, low voltage or a mixture? Is this a daft idea and I should forget about it? Have you thought about those individual solar-powered units? Most garden centres and many DIY shops stock them. They give enough light to see the paths by, and any hedgehogs, cats or whatnot, waiting to trip you up. Light pollution isn't an issue with these.... -- Hmm, yes. I was given some of these a couple of years ago. Very little light output indeed. I could use them to light the path, as you say, but not much else :-) Neil |
Garden lighting (cross posted)
"Jaques d'Alltrades" wrote in message ... The message from "Neil Jones" contains these words: I live in a rural village so I'm conscious of light pollution and don't really want to brighten the night sky which could affect other locals. I'll discuss my plans with my neighbours before I go ahead but I have a number of questions initially:- What is best practice regarding this kind of lighting? Mains voltage, low voltage or a mixture? Is this a daft idea and I should forget about it? Have you thought about those individual solar-powered units? Most garden centres and many DIY shops stock them. They give enough light to see the paths by, and any hedgehogs, cats or whatnot, waiting to trip you up. Light pollution isn't an issue with these.... -- Hmm, yes. I was given some of these a couple of years ago. Very little light output indeed. I could use them to light the path, as you say, but not much else :-) Neil |
Garden lighting (cross posted)
"Edwin Spector" wrote in message ... Good questions. Re light pollution avoidance, don't use up-lights on trees and stuff. Much of the light goes straight into the sky. Lots of resources available at http://www.dark-skies.org/ Specifically, advice from the The Institution of Lighting Engineers, available at http://www.star.le.ac.uk/~dbl/cfds/ile-gd-e.htm Regards Edwin Bath. ------- Thanks, I'll have look at their recommendations. Neil |
Garden lighting (cross posted)
"Edwin Spector" wrote in message ... Good questions. Re light pollution avoidance, don't use up-lights on trees and stuff. Much of the light goes straight into the sky. Lots of resources available at http://www.dark-skies.org/ Specifically, advice from the The Institution of Lighting Engineers, available at http://www.star.le.ac.uk/~dbl/cfds/ile-gd-e.htm Regards Edwin Bath. ------- Thanks, I'll have look at their recommendations. Neil |
Garden lighting (cross posted)
"Bob Hobden" wrote in message ... "Neil wrote in message I'm redesigning my back garden at the moment and my thoughts have turned to lighting. I would like to illuminate the terrace which is just to the rear of the house, but also I'm considering some path lighting and maybe some accent lighting to highlight specimen trees, planting groups etc. This would mainly be for use during the summer but occasionally we would switch the lights on at other times, for effect. I live in a rural village so I'm conscious of light pollution and don't really want to brighten the night sky which could affect other locals. I'll discuss my plans with my neighbours before I go ahead but I have a number of questions initially:- What is best practice regarding this kind of lighting? Mains voltage, low voltage or a mixture? Is this a daft idea and I should forget about it? We have had low voltage garden lighting on automatic control for years. You can install a low voltage system yourself easily but to use mains voltage you would need the expertise of an experienced and qualified electrician. Disadvantages with low voltage (24v) are that you can only put so many lights on each transformer so for a lot of lights you would need more than one system or obtain a more power transformer. Try talking to your local proper electrical supplies co. the sort of place electricians go to get their stuff. Don't bother with Garden Centres or Sheds. OK, low voltage in the garden makes sense. Presumably I can use mains voltage fittings attached to the house to iluminate the terrace. I had a look at TLC but very little on there, really. Is this a niche market (ie expensive)? Thanks Neil |
Garden lighting (cross posted)
"Bob Hobden" wrote in message ... "Neil wrote in message I'm redesigning my back garden at the moment and my thoughts have turned to lighting. I would like to illuminate the terrace which is just to the rear of the house, but also I'm considering some path lighting and maybe some accent lighting to highlight specimen trees, planting groups etc. This would mainly be for use during the summer but occasionally we would switch the lights on at other times, for effect. I live in a rural village so I'm conscious of light pollution and don't really want to brighten the night sky which could affect other locals. I'll discuss my plans with my neighbours before I go ahead but I have a number of questions initially:- What is best practice regarding this kind of lighting? Mains voltage, low voltage or a mixture? Is this a daft idea and I should forget about it? We have had low voltage garden lighting on automatic control for years. You can install a low voltage system yourself easily but to use mains voltage you would need the expertise of an experienced and qualified electrician. Disadvantages with low voltage (24v) are that you can only put so many lights on each transformer so for a lot of lights you would need more than one system or obtain a more power transformer. Try talking to your local proper electrical supplies co. the sort of place electricians go to get their stuff. Don't bother with Garden Centres or Sheds. OK, low voltage in the garden makes sense. Presumably I can use mains voltage fittings attached to the house to iluminate the terrace. I had a look at TLC but very little on there, really. Is this a niche market (ie expensive)? Thanks Neil |
Garden lighting (cross posted)
On Fri, 5 Mar 2004 16:36:46 -0000, "Neil Jones"
wrote: "Jaques d'Alltrades" wrote in message ... The message from "Neil Jones" contains these words: I live in a rural village so I'm conscious of light pollution and don't really want to brighten the night sky which could affect other locals. I'll discuss my plans with my neighbours before I go ahead but I have a number of questions initially:- What is best practice regarding this kind of lighting? Mains voltage, low voltage or a mixture? Is this a daft idea and I should forget about it? Have you thought about those individual solar-powered units? Most garden centres and many DIY shops stock them. They give enough light to see the paths by, and any hedgehogs, cats or whatnot, waiting to trip you up. Light pollution isn't an issue with these.... -- Hmm, yes. I was given some of these a couple of years ago. Very little light output indeed. I could use them to light the path, as you say, but not much else :-) The rechargeable batteries in them soon died too. -- Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad |
Garden lighting (cross posted)
On Fri, 5 Mar 2004 16:36:46 -0000, "Neil Jones"
wrote: "Jaques d'Alltrades" wrote in message ... The message from "Neil Jones" contains these words: I live in a rural village so I'm conscious of light pollution and don't really want to brighten the night sky which could affect other locals. I'll discuss my plans with my neighbours before I go ahead but I have a number of questions initially:- What is best practice regarding this kind of lighting? Mains voltage, low voltage or a mixture? Is this a daft idea and I should forget about it? Have you thought about those individual solar-powered units? Most garden centres and many DIY shops stock them. They give enough light to see the paths by, and any hedgehogs, cats or whatnot, waiting to trip you up. Light pollution isn't an issue with these.... -- Hmm, yes. I was given some of these a couple of years ago. Very little light output indeed. I could use them to light the path, as you say, but not much else :-) The rechargeable batteries in them soon died too. -- Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad |
Garden lighting (cross posted)
"Neil Jones" wrote in message ... I've cross posted this to uk.rec.gardening and uk.d-i-y because I believe it's on topic for both groups. I'm redesigning my back garden at the moment and my thoughts have turned to lighting. I would like to illuminate the terrace which is just to the rear of the house, but also I'm considering some path lighting and maybe some accent lighting to highlight specimen trees, planting groups etc. This would mainly be for use during the summer but occasionally we would switch the lights on at other times, for effect. I live in a rural village so I'm conscious of light pollution and don't really want to brighten the night sky which could affect other locals. I'll discuss my plans with my neighbours before I go ahead but I have a number of questions initially:- What is best practice regarding this kind of lighting? Mains voltage, low voltage or a mixture? I favour mains voltage, which is perfectly safe if you follow the correct wiring practices and protect the circuit with a 30mA RCD or RCBO (dearer but only one circuit trips at a time). I find that low voltage lamps don't seem to have much of a life expectancy. However, I would consider some of the solar powered LED lamps for path edge markers. They don't give much light, but do show you where the path is. My favourite light for something like your terrace is a low energy floodlamp, made for commercial sign illumination, which I buy from Newey & Eyre. They use 2 x 9W (or 4 x 9W, also 4 x 9W with an integral photocell) lamps in a floodlight format, with very good cut-off characteristics, so you don't get light spill where you don't want it. Mounted below eye level, one of those washes the ground with light, which allows you to see to walk over quite a large area. Mounted high, you get can a good area illumination from one. For accent lighting, I suggest low energy bulkhead lights. I use those quite a lot outside and, if I don't want the light going in a particular direction from one, I coat the relevant bit of the inside of the cover with a metallic spray paint. The main thing to remember is that outside, you need very little light to be able to see quite well, so don't overdo the amount of lighting. Colin Bignell |
Garden lighting (cross posted)
"Neil Jones" wrote in message ... I've cross posted this to uk.rec.gardening and uk.d-i-y because I believe it's on topic for both groups. I'm redesigning my back garden at the moment and my thoughts have turned to lighting. I would like to illuminate the terrace which is just to the rear of the house, but also I'm considering some path lighting and maybe some accent lighting to highlight specimen trees, planting groups etc. This would mainly be for use during the summer but occasionally we would switch the lights on at other times, for effect. I live in a rural village so I'm conscious of light pollution and don't really want to brighten the night sky which could affect other locals. I'll discuss my plans with my neighbours before I go ahead but I have a number of questions initially:- What is best practice regarding this kind of lighting? Mains voltage, low voltage or a mixture? I favour mains voltage, which is perfectly safe if you follow the correct wiring practices and protect the circuit with a 30mA RCD or RCBO (dearer but only one circuit trips at a time). I find that low voltage lamps don't seem to have much of a life expectancy. However, I would consider some of the solar powered LED lamps for path edge markers. They don't give much light, but do show you where the path is. My favourite light for something like your terrace is a low energy floodlamp, made for commercial sign illumination, which I buy from Newey & Eyre. They use 2 x 9W (or 4 x 9W, also 4 x 9W with an integral photocell) lamps in a floodlight format, with very good cut-off characteristics, so you don't get light spill where you don't want it. Mounted below eye level, one of those washes the ground with light, which allows you to see to walk over quite a large area. Mounted high, you get can a good area illumination from one. For accent lighting, I suggest low energy bulkhead lights. I use those quite a lot outside and, if I don't want the light going in a particular direction from one, I coat the relevant bit of the inside of the cover with a metallic spray paint. The main thing to remember is that outside, you need very little light to be able to see quite well, so don't overdo the amount of lighting. Colin Bignell |
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