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Terminology / Definitions
What is a "Bulb"?
Is it a light bulb, or is it a lamp? Both! Many
people use bulb in place of lamp but lamp is the
correct term. Note that most fixtures do not
include the lamp with purchase so you will have to
purchase the lamp (or bulb) separately.
What is a "Fixture"?
A fixture is the functional and decorative housing
that the lamp screws or plugs into that supplies
power. Common fixtures in your house include a
chandelier or a sconce. Landscape lighting fixtures
are the metal (or plastic) fittings that you wire in
place to illuminate your outdoors setting.
What is "Light Spread"?
Light spread is the area of light coverage you will
get from one fixture and lamp. When selecting path
or accent lighting, the light spread you choose can
either highlight the natural night beauty of a tree
or light it up like a Christmas tree. As an
example, a 12-degree spot pointed at an object that
is 4' feet away results in a 1' diameter circle of
light. When selecting fixtures and bulbs, look at
the designated light spread. 40-Degrees is
considered to be a " flood" where 10-Degree is
considered to be a "spot".
What is "Voltage Drop"?
Voltage Drop is the decrease in the voltage along a
12V electrical wire. See our Voltage Drop how-to
page.
What is "Cable Length"?
Cable length is the entire linear dimension (# of
feet) of the cable (wire) used from the transformer
to the fixture experiencing voltage drop.
See our Voltage Drop how-to page
for more information.
What is "Total Watts"?
Total watts are the sum of the wattages of EVERY
lamp along the cable length.
See our Voltage Drop how-to page
for more information.
What is "Cable Constant"?
Cable constant is a numerical value determined by
copper wire size. A thicker wire results in less
voltage drop.
See our Voltage Drop how-to page
for more information.
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How do I....?
How do I select a transformer?
See our Voltage Drop how-to page
for more information. Each transformer has a detailed description of
features to review. If you still want help, please either call or email
us!
How do I test the system once it is installed?
Turn the transformer on to
- make sure system is working properly
- see if you have good connections
- see if all fixtures are illuminated
well
If one fixture is not working
properly, take a voltage meter and test voltage at the connection and socket.
- If lamp is dim and voltage is <10
volts, there is a voltage drop problem. To solve this problem, move the fixture
closer to the transformer or make a separate run. See
our Voltage Drop how-to page
for more information.
- If not all of the fixtures illuminate,
check the voltage at the transformer terminal block. If there is no voltage,
check to see if the transformer is plugged in and turned on. Check the voltage
at the receptacle too.
Why do my lights dim towards the end
of my cable?
- See our Voltage Drop how-to page for
more information.
- Check to make sure the end of your
cable has a clean cut and none of the strands of wire are touching the other
side.
- If you have any spliced cable off your
main run, make sure this splice is soldered and you have a secure connection.
Besides fixtures and lamps, what
else do I need?
Before
beginning installation, gather accessories you may need including:
- Anti-corrosion compound to protect the
socket from corroding.
- Jell-filled wire nuts or quick
connectors to attach fixture to main cable.
- Electrical tape for wire nuts to
prevent movement or loosening of connections (highly recommended).
- Staples for attaching to decking,
patio covers, trees or other type structures.
- 4 x 4 cedar or treated post for
mounting the transformer next to receptacles.
- "in-use" weatherproof receptacle
covers to protect against shock or premature circuit breaker tripping to water
access.
- Ground fault interrupter circuit
(GFIC) for all updating outdoor receptacles.
- Matches or tube of silicon to seal up
exposed connections or wires.
- Extra stakes and lamps.
- Trenching shovel or spade for burying
wires.
- Low-voltage multi-meter for testing.
How do I mount the fixtures?
Mounting is determined by the location and type of the fixture. Metal canopies
allow you to mount fixtures to a deck or soffit, while plastic stakes are for
mounting into the ground.
What do I do with the wire at the end of the cable?
The cable is harmless and there is no threat of electrical shock. However, to
prevent shorting out the system in damp soil conditions, seal the wires with
electrical tape.
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Other Technical Questions
What is a low voltage lighting system?
A low voltage system runs at 12 volts almost 10 times smaller than standard
household voltage (120 volts).
Why should I install a low voltage landscape lighting system?
Low voltage systems (12 V) are becoming more popular for residential landscape
lighting for the following reasons:
- Low voltage lamps (bulbs) have enough
wattage to highlight or accent your landscape features
- Low voltage cable can be buried in a
shallow trench or even laid on top of the ground (no conduit)
- Low voltage design can be added or
changed to accommodate changing plant grown or different outdoor uses.
- Low voltage cable has virtually no
risk of electrical shock for children, pets and wet areas.
- Low voltage lamps (bulbs) are small
allowing fixtures to be smaller and less obtrusive in the landscape
- Low voltage systems can be plugged
into existing outdoor receptacles without hiring an electrical contractor (in
most cases).
- Low voltage systems are less expensive
to install, maintain and operate
Can I use solar-powered landscape
lighting?
Providing
that the initial charge was good, the batteries that store the energy in solar
fixtures can give a respectable life each night but most people find that they
are not strong enough for path lighting, accent or security purposes. However,
consider solar lights as a possible solution for an otherwise inaccessible
location.
Can I mix
different wattage fixtures on the same cable run / same transformer?
Yes. Just add up the total wattage of the lamps on the run. Their total wattage
cannot exceed the output of the transformer.
Can I use any 12-volt lamp with my fixtures?
For best results, use the lamp recommended by the manufacturer. Do not exceed
fixture lamp wattage rating.
Can you show me some common Landscape Lighting Techniques?
See our Landscape Tips Page
for more information.
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Returns / Exchanges / Warranty
How can I replace damaged and/or missing parts?
Some of our products are fragile and shippers may hit a bump during transit. If
you receive a damaged fixture please send us an email or call
within 48 hours. Please
save the packaging from the damaged fixture and please return all damaged
fixtures in the original packaging with all included paperwork!
See
our Returns Policy for the
most up-to-date information.
Do I need my sales receipt for warranty coverage?
Yes. A copy of the sales receipt is required on all warranty issues. Retain your
receipt for the duration of the warranty period. Call or email us for specific
product warranty information.
Does landscapelights.com have a Return Policy?
Yes.
See our Returns Policy for
the most up-to-date information.
How long is my product warranty?
Manufacturers' warranties vary from one year to lifetime and many warranties
include options to replace damaged parts or products. Call or email us for
specific product warranty information.
See our Returns Policy for
more up-to-date information.
Do you sell replacement parts?
Yes. In-warranty and out-of-warranty replacement parts are available from
landscapelights.com! Please call or email us with the following information (if
you have it):
- 1)
brand
- 2)
original part #
- 3)
finish
- 4)
original order #
- 5)
any other descriptors
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Miscellaneous
Do you have a catalog of your products that you can send me?
Our web site is our catalog. We also sell manufacturer catalogs - call or email
us for a catalog if you do not see it posted on the
website. And, we have an extensive showroom located in northern New
Jersey.
See About Us / Contact Us
for more information.
Where is landscapelights.com located?
See About Us / Contact Us
for more information.
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Accounts / Ordering
How do I get a copy of my invoice?
Once your order is complete, we will automatically e-mail a copy of the invoice
to the e-mail address listed in the account information. For another copy of
your invoice, please login into My Account at the top of any
www.landscapelights.com page.
Each order will be listed in chronological order. Or, send an email to
brian.bertsch@cooper-electric.com.
Do you offer resale/trade pricing?
Yes. See
Payment Information for the
most up-to-date information.
What methods of payment can I use?
See Payment Information for
the most up-to-date information.
What are your customer service business hours?
See About Us / Contact Us
for the most up-to-date information.
Do you charge sales tax?
See our Payment Information Page
for the most up-to-date information about taxes and resale accounts.
How do your prices compare to retail?
We offer competitive pricing without resorting to gimmicks such as low pricing
and high shipping or high pricing and free shipping! Landscapelights.com
guarantees great pricing and great customer service.
How are the fixtures delivered?
See our Shipping & Handling Policy
for the most up-to-date information.
Does landscapelights.com ship to International destinations?
See our Shipping & Handling Policy
for the most up-to-date information.
Is my credit-card information secure?
Our payment system is a multi-layered firewall system that offers encryption
techniques to insure the safety of your credit card information.
How will I know you have received my order?
Once you place an order, we will send a detailed confirmation to the email
listed on your account. Be sure to check both Bulk and Inbox folders for
communication from landscapelights.com.
What types of accounts does landscapelights.com offer?
Landscapelights.com offers retail and resale accounts.
See our Payment Information Page
for the most up-to-date information about taxes and resale accounts.
Is quantity pricing available?
Yes. Please email
brian.bertsch@cooper-electric.com
or call 1-800-339-7196 x220 for a custom quote based on quantity.
Do you do custom quotes?
Yes. Please email
brian.bertsch@cooper-electric.com
or call us at 1-800-339-7196 x220 for a custom quote based on your criteria.
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