Landscape lighting is available in a number of varieties, including path lights, deck lights, floodlights, and patio lanterns, and it is an essential feature of any home. Low voltage landscape lighting, though, is often a more practical choice than high voltage lighting. Low voltage lights make use of a transformer which reduces the 120 volt house or business current to 12 volts. A few of the many benefits of low voltage landscape lights are as follows:

• Security and Better Visibility: Low voltage lights installed strategically provide even illumination rather than dark shadows that are created by high voltage lights. Although light does not prevent crime, it has been proven to help deter and reduce the number of incidences.

• Safety: Residents and visitors can navigate around your property more safely when sidewalks and entrances are illuminated by landscape lights and drivers are not blinded by the glare of high voltage lighting.

• Recreational Usage: You can enjoy your deck or other recreational area at night when you illuminate these private areas.

• Property Value: Landscape lights help to improve the appearance of your property at night by accentuating shapes and textures of your landscape and structure. This serves to raise the property's value and improve the community.

• Economy: Low voltage lighting uses about a third of the power required for high voltage lighting, and when your property is properly lit, you achieve an energy efficient design. Properly installed lighting, in time, will actually decrease your operating expenses.

Low voltage landscape lights are usually installed along walkways, pathways, driveways, entrances, and steps. Low voltage lights can also be placed inside wells and ponds, and pointed up at trees, fences, and walls. The typical low voltage lighting system is comprised of primarily three parts: a transformer, a low voltage electrical cable, and lighting fixtures. Each transformer should be plugged into a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet with a "while-in-use" cover that closes over and around the power cord.

Installing low voltage landscape lighting is much simpler than it may seem, and many home owners find that they can exercise their creativity when planning where to install the light fixtures. No matter where the lights are placed, though, you can feel confident that the choice of low voltage lighting offers the best opportunities in landscape lighting options.