Low Voltage LEDs for Commercial Outdoor Lighting?

Posted on January 25, 2014 by outdoorlightingofcolorado
Ya Yas New LED Outdoor Lighting

Ya Yas New LED Outdoor Lighting

The answer is a resounding YES! Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP) of Colorado recently completed two projects prior to the holidays – one for a restaurant in Greenwood Village (Ya Yas) and the other for a townhome community (Woodbox Condos) in Fort Collins. At YaYas, the line voltage 100W metal halide HID fixtures were replaced with OLP’s low voltage 24W LED box flood lights (an energy savings of 76-percent). At Woodbox Condos, the old line voltage post lights with 120W flood lights were replaced with low voltage 16W LED post lights (an energy savings of 87-percent). In addition, other dark areas of the property were illuminated with low voltage 24W LED box flood lights mounted on the exterior walls of the condo buildings.

New Low Voltage LED Post Lights at Woodbox Condos

New Low Voltage LED Post Lights at Woodbox Condos

Woodbox Condos Low Voltage LED Floodlight

Woodbox Condos Low Voltage LED Floodlight

In a lot of these commercial applications, the previously-installed line voltage wiring to the exterior lighting has become corroded or severed, or may not even meet present-day electrical code. The cost to repair and/or replace this line voltage wiring (at a depth of 18-inches in conduit or 24-inches direct burial) can be prohibitive, and the damage to any mature landscaping can be problematic.

That’s what makes low voltage LED lighting so attractive for commercial applications compared to redoing the line voltage lighting;  the lighting effect is just as bright; the energy-savings is upwards of 75-percent; and the overall project cost is much less. And by the way, a lot of older residential properties and estates still use line voltage lighting for illuminating landscape and architectural features. As this wiring begins to fail after many decades of use, retrofitting to low voltage LEDs becomes a very viable option for them as well.

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Filed under: Architectural Lighting, Commercial Lighting, Landscape Lighting, LEDs, Lighting Retrofits, Residential Lighting | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Celebrate National Outdoor Lighting Month in Colorado

Posted on October 10, 2013 by outdoorlightingofcolorado

national-outdoor-lighting-month-2013-logo@2x-c7e66e50Autumn is a beautiful time of year in Colorado with warm days and pleasant evenings. As the sun begins to set earlier and earlier, there is no reason to stop using  your beautiful outdoor spaces that you’ve enjoyed throughout the rest of the year.

That is why Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado is helping to support and promote National Outdoor Lighting Month throughout the month of October. Coinciding with the end of Daylight Saving Time (that occurs on Sunday, November 3rd), National Outdoor Lighting Month will be an annual consumer awareness effort to educate homeowners about the safety, security and lifestyle/property enhancements that outdoor lighting can add to their homes.

To support the educational aspect of the campaign, a free guide on How to Choose An Outdoor Lighting Professional can be downloaded from the website. The guide provides helpful design tips on pathway lighting, up-lighting and grazing, outdoor living space lighting, deck and step lighting, and festival lighting. The Guide also provides helpful tips on product selection, installation guidelines, and on-going maintenance considerations.

DNV-005

Outdoor lighting can also add to the curb appeal of any house this time of year. Anyone who has ever tried to purchase or sell a house this time of year can also attest to the value that outdoor lighting can bring to the real estate transaction. Which house will get noticed more – the house with only one carriage light or the one that is beautifully illuminated that basically says welcome home?

You can read more about National Outdoor Lighting Month in a recent article in Turf Magazine.  If you have any questions about lighting techniques or how outdoor lighting can add to the beauty and usability of your home, please call us at 303/948-9656.

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Filed under: Choosing the Right Lighting Contractor, Community Events, Deck Lighting, Design, Do-It-Yourself Lighting, Home-Community Security/Safety, Installation Techniques, Landscape Lighting, Park Lighting, Residential Lighting, Security/Safety | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Creative Ways to Conceal Landscape/Architectural Lighting Fixtures and Wiring

Posted on June 28, 2013 by outdoorlightingofcolorado
Column Lighting Dilemma - Shrubbery.jpg

Column Lighting Dilemma – Shrubbery at Columbine Valley Project

It seems like every new lighting design and installation has its own unique challenges, and some jobs have more than one. At this recently completed low voltage LED landscape/architectural lighting project in Columbine Valley, the homeowners of course wanted to uplight each of the four columns for dramatic effect. The inner two columns were easily uplighted with the Outdoor Lighting Perspectives BB-03 6W LED well lights with tempered glass lens covers – and those fixtures were mounted at ground level.

Stick-Light Solution for Lighting Column That Is Blocked by Shrubbery

Stick-Light Solution for Lighting Column That Is Blocked by Shrubbery

However, it was not possible to use our standard ground-mounted well lights for the two outer columns since the shrubbery in those locations occupied the entire space in the planting bed. Fortunately, our company’s manufacturing facility recently released the newest fixture in our product line, the BB-02 6W LED, also known affectionately as the stick light. This barely visible fixture can be installed where no fixture has gone before, it can be custom manufactured to any height, and it is available with several beam spreads. The best news of all is that the lighting effect from this fixture looks identical to our BB-03  6W PAR36 LED bulb/well light.    

 

 

 

Column Lighting Dilemma - Hardscape

Column Lighting Dilemma at Columbine Valley Lighting Project – Hardscape

In the back yard, we also encountered another dilemma for uplighting the four primary columns. The area next to the columns was surrounded by hardscape and there was no pre-wiring of any kind. In new construction, we can coordinate the installation of lighting with the concrete/hardscape contractor so that the lighting fixtures can be flush-mounted and all of  the wiring routed through pre-installed conduits. Fortunately, our experienced installers can typically find a way to install and conceal both the lighting fixtures and the wiring on a project where the hardscape has already been installed.

Well Lights Concealed in Flower Pots to Uplight Columns

Well Lights Concealed in Flower Pots to Uplight Columns

The easiest way to hide well lights if they cannot be flush-mounted into hardscape is to plant them like a plant in a flower pot.  And yes, you can water and fertilize the actual plants in the flower pot without damaging the lighting fixture. That’s the easiest way to conceal the lights but how do you hide the wiring? The good news is that most extensive hardscaped areas have drains to channel the water out into the yard from the upper story of the house – and that’s how we were able to get the wiring to within 6-feet of where the lighting fixtures were installed. To run the wiring from the drains to the pots required grinding out grooves in the mortared joints and running the 18-gauge wiring to the lighting fixtures up through the bottoms of the flower pots. The wiring in the grooves was then held in place and sealed by using a high-quality caulk.

At Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado we’ve started our 15th year in business, and we can almost always find solutions to the most difficult lighting design and installation problems. Many of our customers ask us after an installation has been completed:

How did you do that? We don’t see any wiring or anything disturbed on our property. All we see is the beautiful lighting effect.

As the owner of a lighting company, that is one of the highest compliments that a customer can pay to our company and our installers.

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Filed under: Architectural Lighting, Bulb Technology, Choosing the Right Lighting Contractor, Design, Green Energy, Home-Community Security/Safety, Installation Techniques, LEDs, Residential Lighting | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado Finds Local LED Lighting Solution for Problematic Step Lights

Posted on May 24, 2013 by outdoorlightingofcolorado
TerraLUX LIne Voltage Linear LED Engine

TerraLUX LIne Voltage Linear LED Engine

Sometimes when you are looking for a particular lighting solution, you need not look any further than your own back yard. We had met some homeowners at a recent show who said that they had problems with their line voltage step lights (21 total) that had been installed throughout their brick outdoor living area (steps, patios, and retaining walls). The Progress step lights used 20W bulbs that are typically used in exit signs, and the way the lights were designed made it virtually impossible to keep water and moisture from entering the lights. That’s not a good thing when water comes into contact with a line voltage incandescent bulb – and the homeowner practically had a full-time job replacing bulbs.

After doing a quick Google search, I was pleased to learn about TerraLUX – a leading edge manufacturer of retrofit LED products that is located a few miles up the road from us in Longmont, Colorado. TerraLUX has developed a line of linear line voltage LED engines that can be used for retrofitting recessed step and wall lights, and for other lighting applications as well. The linear light engines are available in 4-, 6-, and 8-inch lengths and they are fully-integrated, self-contained and plug and play. Best of all they are IP-65 rated which means they can tolerate water sprays in somewhat leaky step lights. We chose the 3000K LEDs and they have an L70 of 60,000 hours, and a five-year warranty.  By the way, L70 = 60,000 hours is a shorthand way of saying in lighting nomenclature that at an operational elapsed time of 60,000 hours, the LEDs will still be generating 70-percent of their maximum lumen output.

In the photos below, you can see what the step lights looked like (with the louvered faceplates removed) when we started the work.

Pre-Retrofit Step Light in Bad Condition

Pre-Retrofit Step Light in Bad Condition

Pre-Retrofit Step Light In Good Condition

Pre-Retrofit Step Light In Good Condition

 

 

 

 

 

 

The linear LED engine mounts to the same reflector that the original incandescent bulb socket was mounted to, and this assists with heat dissipation away from the LED module itself. TerraLUX has patented the LEDSense® thermal management circuitry that optimizes the lumen output in conjunction with the LED’s operating temperature. In the photo below, you can see the results of the completed LED retrofit:

Step Light Retrofitted with TerraLUX Linear LED Engine in Denver Country Club

Step Light Retrofitted with TerraLUX Linear LED Engine in Denver Country Club

These linear LED engines are dimmable and can be used to retrofit a wide variety of lighting applications including wall sconces, ceiling fixtures, and recessed step and wall lighting fixtures in both residential and commercial settings.

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Filed under: Commercial Lighting, Green Energy, Home-Community Security/Safety, LEDs, Residential Lighting, Security/Safety | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Outdoor Lighting Still Rated Highly in 2013 ASLA Top Outdoor Living Trends Survey

Posted on May 13, 2013 by outdoorlightingofcolorado
Enjoy Your Landscaping in the Evening with Outdoor Lighting

Enjoy Your Landscaping in the Evening with Outdoor Lighting

In the 2013 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), 95.1-percent of the respondents across all categories rated lighting (#3 in the rankings) as one of the most in-demand items for the coming year.  

Ranked ahead of lighting were fire pits/fireplaces  (97.0-percent), and grills (96.3-percent).  The most popular outdoor design elements were outdoor living spaces (94.5-percent), gardens/landscaped spaces (94.4-percent), and outdoor recreation amenities (76.3-percent).  

As we tell all of our customers, it is important to have the design elements in place first before completing a lighting design. That way we can conduct an evening lighting design demonstration to actually show you how your property will look after dark. That’s the best way to ensure that you’ll be receiving maximum enjoyment of your property during the evening hours.  

Now that it’s finally Spring in Colorado (I think we just jumped directly to Summer), Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado has begun scheduling evening lighting design demonstrations. So give us a call 303/948-9656 if you would like to see how beautiful your landscaping can look after dark! 

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Filed under: Deck Lighting, Design, Free outdoor lighting demonstration, Garden Lighting, Landscape Lighting, Lighting for Recreation, Residential Lighting | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

See the Latest LED Landscape and Architectural Lighting Products at the 2013 Denver Home Show

Posted on March 13, 2013 by outdoorlightingofcolorado

DHS_150NEWCome visit Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado at the Denver Home Show. We’ll have the latest LED landscape lighting, LED architectural lighting, and Lighting Control Automation(TM) products on display. Also stop by to sign up and take advantage of our exciting show specials that will be in effect through April 30th of this year.

 

  • March 15 – 17, 2013
  • National Western Complex (Denver)
  • Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado (Booth #2117)
  • Hours
  • Friday (10am – 9pm); Saturday (10am – 9pm); Sunday (10am – 5pm)

Click Here to Obtain $2.00 Off Tickets for the Show

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado is a full-service outdoor lighting design, installation and maintenance company for residential, municipal, and commercial projects – and we design and install lighting automation controls as well. Of course we still design and sell low voltage quartz halogen systems, and the great thing about our lighting products is that we can retrofit any of the fixtures we have already installed to LED whenever the homeowner is ready. We are also happy to provide lighting energy audits to show the homeowner how much they could save in electrical costs by converting to LEDs. We are glad to do this for any OLP or non-OLP systems. We also provide turnkey holiday lighting products/services and special event lighting throughout the year.

We look forward to seeing you at the show!

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Filed under: Architectural Lighting, Christmas Lighting, Commercial Lighting, Community Events, Garden Lighting, Green Energy, Holiday Lighting, Landscape Lighting, LEDs, Lighting Control Automation, Residential Lighting | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

4 Days Remaining to See the LED Makeover at the 2013 Colorado Garden & Home Show

Posted on February 14, 2013 by outdoorlightingofcolorado

]There are only four days remaining to see the 2013 Colorado Garden and Home Show – and to see the Outdoor Lighting Perspectives exhibit (#1442) where we are showcasing the latest LED products that are truly transforming the landscape and architectural lighting world.

Please enjoy the videos below that will provide you with a short tour of our exhibit.

We hope to see you at the show!

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Filed under: Architectural Lighting, Ceramic Metal Halide, Community Events, Green Energy, Landscape Lighting, LEDs, Lighting Control Automation, Lighting Retrofits, Residential Lighting | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

See the Latest LED Landscape Lighting Products at the 2013 Colorado Garden and Home Show

Posted on January 26, 2013 by outdoorlightingofcolorado

CGHSLOGO-4cThe 2013 Colorado Garden and Home Show starts two weeks from today – so plan to visit our Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado exhibit (Booth #1442) to see the latest in LED landscape and architectural lighting products and services for your home and property.

The show details are:

  • Colorado Garden and Home Show
  • Colorado Convention Center – Downtown Denver
  • February 9 – 17, 2013
  • Hours:
  • Saturdays 10:00 am – 8:00pm
  • Sundays 10:00 am – 6:00pm
  • Monday – Friday 12:00 Noon – 8:00 pm

The 9-day long Colorado Garden and Home Show is the oldest, largest, and most prestiguous garden and home show in the Rocky Mountain West – with over 600 exhibitors, 14 landscaped gardens, and educational seminars. The show is run by a non-profit organization that provides horticultural scholarships to students as well as grants for landscaping projects throughout Colorado.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado is a full-service outdoor lighting design, installation and maintenance company for residential, municipal, and commercial projects – and we design and install lighting automation controls as well. Of course we still design and sell low voltage quartz halogen systems, and the great thing about our lighting products is that we can retrofit any of the fixtures we have already installed to LED whenever the homeowner is ready. We are also happy to provide lighting energy audits to show the homeowner how much they could save in electrical costs by converting to LEDs. We are glad to do this for any OLP or non-OLP systems.

We are proud to be exhibiting for the fourteenth time at this wonderful show – and we hope to see you there.

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Filed under: Architectural Lighting, Commercial Lighting, Community entrance lighting, Community Events, Design, Garden Lighting, Green Energy, Landscape Lighting, LEDs, Lighting Control Automation, Maintenance and Service, Residential Lighting | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Can Decorative Holiday Lights Be Used in Outdoor Trees Year Round?

Posted on December 21, 2012 by outdoorlightingofcolorado

Today is Friday, December 21st – the winter solstice – on which day we will experience the shortest number of daylight hours and the longest number of nighttime hours. It is not surprising that many homeowners and businesses like to keep their decorative holiday lights installed for a longer period of time, especially in trees. Today you will see trees (primarily deciduous) illuminated throughout the year along city streets in shopping and arts districts, at restaurants, and at private residences.

Permanent Tree Lighting

Permanent Tree Lighting

Many people ask whether you can use the same type of lights used at Christmas – and just leave them installed in the trees after the holidays. Many people do use these regular lights, but these lights are not certified for year-round use and are not very well-protected from long-term damage caused by moisture or the sun’s UV rays. Invariably, these lights will begin to fail in six or nine month’s time, and the lights will need to be removed and replaced with new ones.

A much better option is to use professional-grade line or low voltage incandescent or LED mini lights that are permanently sealed and watertight, have IP44-rated coaxial connectors, and are UL and CSA approved.  IP44 is the Ingress Protection rating for a connector that is protected from water spray from all directions; i.e., it is a very good choice for an outdoor installation to be used long term.

One of our first installations using these year-round lights was back in 2001. Our customer’s kitchen window looked out into a dark void between her house and the adjacent property. But in this dark void were two beautiful ornamental trees that were invisible for most of the year in the evenings. We could have uplighted them with our standard low voltage well lights (uplights), but the homeowner decided that she wanted something more decorative and whimsical. So we decided that low voltage incandescent clip lights would create the ambience that she was seeking. Except for minor annual adjustments as the trees have grown over the years, these lights have worked well during the last eleven years until recently. In fact, our one crew is back there today to remove the old lights and install the new. So eleven years has been a pretty good run for this type of decorative lighting.

So here’s to enjoying all of the beautiful lighting – and Happy Holidays from everyone here at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado.

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Filed under: Christmas Lighting, Commercial Lighting, Garden Lighting, Green Energy, Holiday Lighting, LEDs, Party/Speciality Lighting, Residential Lighting | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a comment »

New Outdoor Lighting LED Fixtures on Display at the 2012 Colorado Fall Home Show

Posted on September 9, 2012 by outdoorlightingofcolorado

There is still one day remaining to attend the 2012 Colorado Fall Home Show – and to see all of the new LED lighting products in the Outdoor Lighting Perspectives exhibit.

To take a tour of our exhibit and learn more about our company’s products and services, please take a minute to watch the video below:

 

 

 

Filed under: Architectural Lighting, Community Events, Garden Lighting, Green Energy, Holiday Lighting, Landscape Lighting, LEDs, Lighting Control Automation, Lighting Retrofits, Residential Lighting | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a comment »

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