Q: The shorter days of winter are upon us, what is the best way to light up the night and get more useable light outdoors?
We have just rolled back the clocks are are all adjusting to the shorter days and less hours of daylight. We often get asked about the best gain in useable lights outside without being a nuisance or adding light pollution to the neighborhood.
Dark Sky/ Responsible Lighting Considerations:
You may hear the term “Dark Sky” friendly or compatible when looking at outdoor lighting. This is in its simplest terms a consideration of the amount of excess light pollution created by random exterior lighting that impacts communities and especially semi-rural areas.
Be sure to consider the following five principles for any outdoor lighting at you home:
Useful: Outdoor lights should have a clear purpose or intent.
Targeted: Lights should be directed/focused only where needed.
Controlled: Lights should only be active when being utilized, this cuts down on both unnecessary light pollution as well as saving energy.
Low Levels when Possible: Consider multiple smaller well placed pathway lights vs. a bright flood light, using the lowest light level to be effective for your goal will have a huge impact on your overall light pollution.
Use Warmer Colors: Lights with warmer or “softer” color range reduces the amount of shorter wave “blue-violet” lights and are less impactful on the night sky.
Make a plan:
There are a lot of newer technologies available for adding lights to create great outdoor spaces as well as simply chasing away the dark in your yard. Some time spent researching and planning for what your really want is the first step in adding new lights or replacing older systems.
Pathway Lights:
These can be easy to install low voltage systems or even solar powered and offer the ability to add many smaller lights with a very direct purpose. Creating light along a driveway or walkway is a natural invitation to follow along a given path or add a highlight to an outdoor feature like a patio or garden area.
Motion Detectors:
Motion detectors are nothing new but the technology behind them has improved immensely. Modern motion detectors are often heat sensitive so have less false alarms (for small creatures like the neighbor’s cat etc.). They also have a better range of sensitivity so can be better directed to activate when needed.
Dimmable or Dual Level Flood/Spot Lights:
Many newer systems offer the ability to have dual levels or dimmable lights for traditional flood or spot light fixtures. These are great for providing a low level of light (for maybe walking the trash out) or an on demand brighter option (for working in the yard after dark) with the same fixture. Depending on the fixture these can tie in nicely with lights that have a dusk to dawn feature using the lower light setting for dusk to dawn and an option for brighter lights when needed.
Remotes & Timers:
Depending on your existing fixture, you may be able to simply update an existing fixture with a remote control or a timer. When coupled with new LED bulb technology this is an easy way to “upgrade” existing fixtures for better usability and control.
Buying fixtures:
There are endless lighting options available both at specialty lighting stores, big box stores and of course online. Do a bit of research to make sure you are spending your money well. Like anything, cheapest isn’t always the best option.
UL Listed: make sure anything you purchase is UL certified to meet the minimum safety standards. This is especially important when buying online.
Be aware or wet/outdoor certifications for any lights that are outside or in potentially damp locations, even garages can be considered “damp” locations due to the changing humidity levels. These fixtures should normally be GFCI protected as well.
Ask questions and be ready to describe your goals for new lighting systems, as electricians we may be able to make suggestions or offer alternatives you haven’t considered.
Almost all of our homes have some sort of outdoor lighting but frequently we simply accept what we already have. Upgrades to exterior lights can make a huge difference, especially in the darker months of the year. Ask if it is time to make some upgrades or add some value to your home to chase away the winter blues!
Ask the Electrician is a column we publish with our advertising partner WCHL/Chapelboro. In “Ask The Electrician,” Scott answers common questions about electrical work, from switches and outlets to safety issues and preventative maintenance. If you have a suggested question for us to answer – or need an electrician – please reach out to our office.