So you’ve finally got all your lighting plans in order, installed your landscape lighting transformer, ran the wires, and installed all the light fixtures. Now you’re left with one more, but incredibly important step. How are you going to turn the lights on and off. There’s a three different easy to use options. You can use one, or a combination of them so that you can always have your lights on when you want them without having to fumble around for minutes.
The first, and simplest option for turning on and off your garden lights is to install a switch in a very easy to find location. The best location for these is next to your doors and windows. Install one in the area where you think you’ll be the most when you think about turning your lights on. These are easy to install and don’t require much thought or skill to get done right.
A second option is to install motion detectors so that the lights will come on and off when someone walks infront of them. This is the best option for security lights and path or driveway lights that people will use to come into the home. But it can also be used for some lights out in the garden as well, if you want someone to get close to an area before it lights up. This also makes sure that you lights are only on when you need them, reducing the light pollution your house gives off. Sensors today are even technologically advanced enough that you can set a light level where they will only turn on at night and even set their sensitivity so that they will not turn on when random squirrels or rabbits hop by them.
Finally, the last option for turning your lights on and off is to use a timer. Timers will makes sure that your lights turn on and off at certain times, but it also means that they’ll be on at times where you might not be home or looking at them, increasing your electric bills.
For more information on every step involved in landscape lighting, visit the Garden Lights Guru.