What You Need for Porch Lighting

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What You Need for Porch Lighting

• For those with porches, you know how important it
  is that you keep them lit. There are many reasons
  behind this. A darkened porch can be an invite to
  a burglar or other criminal who prefers to hide
  his activities under the cover of darkness.

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• Porch lighting is also a boon for your safety by
  providing enough brightness to prevent tripping
  on steps or stairs. You do not have to only have
  your porch illuminated for safety and security,
  though, there are other applications for lighting
  which add a bit more fun to your yard. Depending
  upon how you use your porch and your own personal
  tastes, your choices for  porch lighting will be
  different from anyone else's. This is why it is
  important that you consult with an expert about
  your specific project.

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• There are many choices for porch lighting
  available to you. Almost all of these fixtures
  have low voltage options. These will save you
  money due to their lower energy requirements for
  operation. For the layperson, you should choose
  low voltage lights, especially if you intend to
  install these lights yourself. This is because
  high voltage electricity is too dangerous and
  complex for anyone besides a professional to
  install. Low voltage lights are simple in their
  wiring, but you will have to remember that you
  will need a transformer for them.

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• Transformers convert the 120 volts coming from
  your home outlets to the lower volts needed by
  the low voltage lights. There is a simple formula
  to determine the number of transformers you will
  need. First, count the number of lights you have.
  Then look at the wattage of all of these lights
  in your fixture. Then multiply the watts of all
  the lights by their number. For instance, if you
  have 5 10 watt bulbs in porch lighting fixture,
  then the total wattage is 50. If you have three
  of these fixtures then your total system wattage
  will be 150. You would need a transformer that is
  capable of supporting at least 150 watts.

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• The amount of volts getting to the lights will
  depend upon many things. Distance is one of the
  most important factors as is the number of  porch
  lighting fixtures wired into the one transformer.
  The farther away from the transformer the lights
  are, the fewer volts they will get. This will
  result in dimmer lights due to the voltage drop.
  There are a couple of methods to prevent this.
  You could follow the rule of not having more than
  100 watts on more than 100 feet of wire. You can
  also tie all of the lights in on a continuous
  loop. If you still have any questions about what
  you will need for your  porch lighting
  installation, just ask an expert's advice. He
  will be happy to assist you in finding the best
  products you need and walking you through the
  steps you need to take.

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• Choosing and installing these lights is not
  difficult to do if you have a basic knowledge of
  electricity, but if you need assistance in
  finding the best porch lighting for your outdoor
  project, it would be best to ask an expert who
  will help to guide you through the steps for the
  selection and installation of these dramatic
  lights.