Landscape lighting systems can look great if you take the time to maintain them. Most common problems with lighting fixtures are caused by poorly designed/engineered fixtures or incorrect bulbs.
Changing your bulbs and doing a ‘walkabout’ of your landscape lights to ensure they are still in place and adequately adjusted are simple maintenance tasks. However, some other things that go wrong with lighting can be more complicated to fix. Visit https://orlandolandscapelighting.net/ to learn more.
Landscape lighting fixtures are exposed to sun, wind, and moisture on a daily basis. This exposure can cause them to need a little TLC. This can be as simple as cleaning the glass and metal components with a rag and soapy water. However, some fixture issues can be more serious than others.
Corrosion can occur in the wire connections and bulb sockets, causing your lights to not work. This can be a result of the constant exposure to the elements, especially when it comes to metals like copper. It can also be a result of improper wire length or incorrect wire size being used. If this is the case, a professional will need to come out and check your wiring.
The bulbs in your fixtures will also need to be replaced over time. Most homeowners think their bulbs are burned out when they notice their lights aren’t working. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes it’s a sign that the fixture isn’t getting enough voltage from the transformer or breaker. To check this, you can use a voltage meter to see if there is any voltage present in the socket.
Another common fixture issue is when the fixture itself becomes damaged or rusted. If this is the case, it’s usually best to replace the fixture, rather than simply replacing the bulb. A professional can help you choose new fixtures that will be more resistant to damage and have a design that will be better suited to your space.
Lastly, it is important to regularly trim and prune your trees and shrubs so they don’t overgrow and block your lights. This is a crucial maintenance task for any landscape lighting system. If you neglect this, your lights may become overgrown and the entire system will look dated.
During these routine checks, it is important to make sure your low voltage wires are not cut. This can happen by accident, or it may be the result of vandalism or excessive wear and tear on your wires from regular use. If this is the case, a landscape lighting repair expert will need to check your wires for any signs of wear and tear or cut lines, then rewire them as needed.
Wiring
When landscape lighting fixtures are installed properly, they usually have an aesthetically pleasing design. However, over time these lights can get knocked or jarred out of place due to children or pets playing with them or from wind or rain. In these cases, it may be necessary to reposition the fixture in order to maintain an aesthetically pleasing look and ensure the proper functioning of the landscape lighting system.
When it comes to landscape lighting repair, it’s important to examine all components of the lighting system. It’s possible that the problem could be caused by a bad connection, a burnt out bulb or even the lighting system’s transformer. A professional electrician can help you find and resolve these issues.
It’s also important to keep in mind that your landscape lighting wires need to be properly buried. If they are exposed it can be dangerous, especially for children or pets who like to dig in the yard. This can cause the wires to become damaged or shorted out. It’s also recommended to rebury the wires after they are installed, as this can help protect them from damage and ensure that the total wattage of all the lights is less than the transformer’s capacity.
Lastly, it’s important to note that landscape lighting systems require a bit of regular maintenance in order to work properly. It’s important to regularly clean the fixtures and to re-position them if needed in order to prevent overheating. It’s also recommended to remove any debris such as dirt, mud or leaves from the fixtures on a regular basis. This can improve illumination, prolong the life of the fixtures and, in some particular cases with older fixtures that give off heat, it can help avoid fire hazards.
It’s important to remember that even if your lighting system is only 15 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. Technology has come a long way in recent years and the quality of lighting fixtures and lamps has improved significantly. Trying to fix a lighting system that is of an older generation can be a waste of time and money.
Sockets
In a landscape lighting setting, a well-designed, well-installed system can transform an otherwise dull home into a shining beacon in the neighborhood. However, landscape lighting systems require routine maintenance and occasional repair to function correctly.
One of the most common landscape lighting repairs that a professional installer will encounter is a short circuit. This occurs when the two prongs of a socket come into contact, which can lead to damage to the fixture or the wiring. When a fixture is experiencing a short, you may notice that it is producing heat or a smell of smoke. If you see either of these, it is likely time to replace the socket.
The most common socket used in a landscape lighting setup is a Europlug socket. Also known as a Schuko socket (Schuko is an abbreviation of Schutzkontakt, or Protective contact to earth), the socket has a circular recess that accepts 4.8 by 19 mm (0.189 by 0.748 in) pins, and it can accept both CEE 7/16 plugs and Europlugs.
It is important to have the right replacement parts for your landscape lighting fixtures, and Reinders carries an extensive selection of quality products to help you keep your outdoor lighting projects running smoothly. We offer the same top brands you trust when you purchase new lights, and our replacement lighting parts are designed to fit perfectly for a long-lasting, seamless installation.
For example, if you are using a branded LED board from Luxor, such as the FX LED board, we have a full line of replacement boards and accessories for your existing landscape lighting fixtures. The FX LED board can be replaced with a standard lamp, or you can upgrade to the new ZDC color for even more zoning and dimming control options.
Another great landscape lighting repair product that we carry is the Quick-Change Kit. This simple kit contains everything you need to change your fixtures’ bulbs. It includes a tool for removing the fixture from its base, a replacement bulb and socket, and a wire cutter. This will save you a lot of time and hassle when changing out your bulbs.
Bulbs
The bulbs in your landscape lighting are vulnerable to lots of environmental factors. If your system is old and worn, it might be time to reoutfit it with more durable fixtures. A professional will be able to help you find new fixtures that are more resistant to damage and that can also better match your style and needs.
When one of your light bulbs goes out, you may think that the issue is with the socket. However, if other bulbs are working and the fixture is still not turning on, you could have a wiring problem. This can be caused by a short in the wire, or it could be caused by poor installation, use of substandard materials for the wire connection, or water damage within the cable or wiring. It is important to have a professional do an inspection and determine what the issue is before attempting any repair work.
Another common issue with landscape lights is that they are rusted or broken, which can be due to age or a bad design. High quality, professional grade lights made of copper or brass are meant to withstand the elements and will develop a natural patina, but they should not be frayed or broken.
If the landscape lights are not turning on at the scheduled time, you might have a timer problem. Some older systems may have a battery backup that can drain over time, or they might simply lose track of time after a power outage. A professional can test your timer and replace the battery backup if necessary.
Many of the issues listed above can be prevented with a regular maintenance schedule. This includes regularly wiping down the fixtures to remove dirt and debris, ensuring that trees are not obstructing the lights, repairing or replacing any burned out bulbs, and resetting the timers when needed. A landscape lighting service can provide this maintenance for you and ensure that your outdoor lights are always on and looking their best. They can even update your system with new possibilities that weren’t available when it was originally installed, like WiFi control or color-changing options.