electricians,Landscape Lighting, Annapolis MD
Written by Larry Cook

Three Landscape Lighting Basics

You own your home and you’ve finally come around to thinking about landscape lighting. To make planning easier, we will discuss three basic lighting concepts. Planning your landscape lighting design can be made much simpler by applying the ideas below with the help of experienced and expert electricians.

Less Is More

Our eyes are attracted to areas with great visual contrasts. This is where the concept of “less is more” applies when it comes to landscape lighting. The approach should not be that of lighting a Ferris wheel. You need to be selective, specifically choosing areas and plants that you would especially like to feature.

To drive home the principle of “Less Is More”, remember that our eyesight will adjust itself to the darkness of night. Maintaining decreased levels of light will make it easier to bring about the contrasts you desire. Dramatic lighting themes using shadow and light will be attained by applying these concepts.

Light Quality

The quality of light is equal in importance to quantity. The Kelvin scale is used to measure a light’s color temperature, and it is listed on the packaging of each bulb. 3500K and above are bluer in tone, comparable to noon sunlight. 3000K and below are considered warmer, becoming more amber as the “K” value decreases.

Exteriors appear unhealthy when lit with bluer tones, evoking a horror-film look. A better option is choosing warmer color temperatures of 2700K to 3000K. This will achieve a natural and healthy appearance, similar to light provided by fireplaces. As a result, landscape lighting employing 2700K promotes a friendlier environment.

Conservation and Safety

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), “Today’s LED bulbs can be six-seven times more energy efficient than conventional incandescent lights and cut energy use by more than 80 percent.”

Unlike halogen lights, LED bulbs are available at a low color temperature of 2700K.

In addition to providing soothing, comfortable lighting, LED lights are safer. DOE: “LEDs emit very little heat. In comparison, incandescent bulbs release 90 percent of their energy as heat and CFLs release about 80 percent of their energy as heat.”

Electrical Peace of Mind

Providing professional electricians since 1988 in Maryland, Cook Electric is the company you can rely on for all your electrical service needs, including:

  • Commercial and Residential Electrical Installations
  • Marina and Residential Pier Wiring
  • Electrical Service and Repair
  • Specialty Electrical Services

For knowledgeable, fair, honest, reliable, and conscientious service, call Cook Electric today at 410-266-9040. They will be very glad to help you.