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We have compiled a list of the Best Landscape Spotlights after conducting extensive research on various products. We also created a detailed Buying Guide to assist you in making an informed purchasing decision. Continue reading to make your decision easier and to select the best option for you.
To assist you in selecting the best landscape spotlight, we have listed several spotlights (above) along with their features and details. However, if you want to learn more, you can also read this buying guide to learn how to choose the best option for your lighting needs. Let's get into the specifics of the factors to consider when purchasing a landscape spotlight.
Bulb Type: The most common types of bulbs used for landscaping lights are LEDs, incandescent bulbs, and solar lights. As a buyer and user, you should understand them thoroughly in order to make an informed decision when selecting the best option.
- LED Bulbs - These are the most popular and superior bulbs for low-voltage landscape lighting. These are brighter, more energy-efficient (use 80% less power), emit cool white light, produce more lumens per watt, require less maintenance, and last longer than incandescent bulbs, but are more expensive.
- Incandescent Bulbs - These are traditional bulbs that emit yellowish light and are inexpensive, but they are inefficient and have a short lifespan. As a result of its low cost, some people prefer this type.
- Solar Lighting Bulbs - Using a small solar cell, this type of bulb will charge a battery, allowing the light to be turned on in the evening. Because they do not require any special wiring or electricity, they are inexpensive and energy-efficient, but they may not be as bright as other low-voltage lighting.
Bulb Runtime: The working time of a bulb determines how long it will light up and stay lit before it stops/fails. LED bulbs, on average, have the longest working time of any bulb type. A longer-lasting light bulb will provide better illumination. For example, a spotlight with a 50,000-hour rating is preferable to one with a 30,000-hour rating.
Number of Lights: Landscape spotlights, like other accent lights, should be purchased in a pack of multiple lights. In terms of brightness output and aesthetics, this ensures that you can easily light up a large space. The majority of these spotlight models come in a pack of multiple lights, with pack sizes ranging from 4 to 6 to 8 lights. The larger the light pack size, the better you can illuminate the space. If you cannot find a large enough pack size, simply purchase multiple packs.
Wattage: Even if you buy landscape spotlights in bulk, you might not get enough lighting (output) if they aren't powerful enough. As a result, it is critical to evaluate the performance of these spotlights by examining their wattage rating. The general rule is that the higher the wattage, the better the performance of the lights. A landscape spotlight with a 12-watt rating, for example, will produce more light than a 10-watt or 8-watt light.
Power Source: These landscape spotlights are powered by a standard 12-volt outlet or by solar energy. The power supply for solar lighting is determined by the weather, which determines its performance. While electric-powered 12-volt lighting is easier to install and more reliable. Hide, cover, or protect the cables with PVC pipes or low-profile trunking. Alternatively, simply bury these cables in the lawn or paths.
Lumens (lm) are units of measurement for light brightness. You must select the brightness range based on your intended use of these landscape spotlights (practical or decorative). Dimmable lights (up to 100 lm) are ideal for lighting up narrow driveways or pathways. Brighter lights (500-800 lm) are ideal for illuminating patios and gardens. The higher the lumen count, the brighter the lighting.
Runtime to Charge Time Ratio: The runtime to charge time ratio determines the maximum illuminating period and when to charge these lights. Solar lights typically require 8 - 12 hours of charge to run for 8 - 12 hours, depending on the daily sunlight hours. So, to save the most energy, we recommend that you look into solar lighting models that have an automatic turn on/off feature.
Voltage: It is critical to purchase a low voltage transformer when purchasing any wired device. The reason for this is that standard sockets have a high voltage rating, which could damage the bulbs (especially LEDs). Furthermore, when using these devices, it is critical to set a common rating of 12V.
Beam Angle: Whether it is a spotlight (to illuminate a narrow area) or a floodlight (to illuminate a larger area), the beam angle must be considered and checked. In general, a wider angle of light will cover and illuminate a larger area. Rotatable heads are included in some LED landscaping lighting kits, which increase the light coverage area.
Material: The most commonly used materials in the construction of these lights are stainless steel, brass, and aluminum. All of these fixture materials have an excellent appearance, and you must choose the option that is appropriate for the exterior of your home.
Motion Sensors and Timers: Typically, you cannot connect these light devices (particularly solar lights in the garden) to household switches to turn them on and off as needed. So, to illuminate these devices at a specific time, we rely primarily on light sensors, motion sensors, and timers. When someone moves within the range of a motion sensor light, the light will turn on automatically. While lights with a light sensor and a timer will turn on at night (dark) and turn off in the morning.
The Kelvin (K) scale is used to determine the color temperature of any light. It generates the feel and look of the lighting and ranges from warm white (2000K) to daylight (6500K or more). Lights with a higher Kelvin rating (5000K) are generally cooler and the same as daylight, producing brighter illumination for proper working. Lights with a lower Kelvin rating (2500K) are warmer and produce white light, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Landscape lighting used at night produces a color temperature of 2000 - 3500K, which provides some visibility but does not provide the lighting effect of a football stadium. Landscape spotlights are typically used for decorative purposes, so they come in a variety of colors. The majority of models are available in either warm white or cool white. Choose landscape spotlights with multiple colors to change the light to the desired color and thus improve your aesthetics.
Weather Resistance: As an outdoor lighting source, the landscape spotlight must withstand the elements and function properly. Aluminum is a tough material with natural rust and corrosion resistance that can withstand sporadic impacts from lawnmowers, feet, or trimmer lines. As a result, it is the most commonly used material in the construction of landscape lighting. Tempered glass is used in some well-light models (a type of landscape spotlight).
Because these landscape spotlights have electrical wiring, it is critical to check the weather resistance feature in your model before purchasing them to determine whether they are resistant to water and impact. The IP code is used to rate how well an outdoor electrical device protects its components from water or dust. In general, all solar and wired landscape lighting has an IP65 or higher rating. Simply put, the light is resistant to dust particles and spouting water (like from rain or sprinkler). Well lights, for example, must have an IP 67 rating because they are buried in the ground and must withstand temporary underwater submersion.
Installation: Even a novice or do-it-yourselfer can easily place, set, and install these lights. All you have to do is stick these light fixtures in the ground or tie them to trees. Now connect the wires from one light to the next until you reach the transformer. Because these are low-voltage lighting systems, they may be susceptible to electric shock. As a result, you must exercise caution when installing it.
Solar spotlights do not require any electrical wiring or a transformer, making them much easier to install than their counterparts. These lights must be installed by staking them into the ground in a location that receives direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day.
Placement: These landscape spotlights can be used anywhere in the garden, patio, pathway, backyard, or driveway. However, here are some suggestions to assist you in making proper use of these lights in order to make them more sophisticated. They can be used as lawn ornaments, façade, trees, backyard patios, gardens, and beds.
Additional Features: Some extra features found in some landscape lighting models will make it easier to use. Some models come with a remote control, allowing the user to control the device from anywhere in the house. A few models have interchangeable colors for outdoor parties and come in a variety of colors. While some models include adjustable solar panels to improve solar energy collection. As a result, a light with extra features is quite useful, and we recommend that you choose one for enhanced functionality.
Cost: These landscape spotlights will cost between $2 and $50. We also recommend that you invest in a high-quality, long-lasting product, even if it is a little more expensive, rather than cheap models.
Warranty: Considering the included warranty is a good idea if you want to ensure that your landscape spotlight remains functional for a longer period of time. Almost all of these landscape spotlight models include a 1-year or 2-year warranty. There are some more dependable landscape spotlights on the market that come with a 3-year warranty.
Is this low voltage lighting safe to use?
In low voltage lighting, a step-down transformer is used to reduce the household's 120V electrical supply to 12V. As a result, the electrical charge is reduced by approximately 90%, making these lights safe and simple to install and use.
How many lumens are required for proper landscape spotlights?
It is determined by the area to be illuminated and the brightness output. Typically, lights with 50-300 lumens are sufficient for general lighting. Other landscaping lights, such as floodlights, require up to 700 lumens, whereas wall lights require 50 to 185 lumens.
What is the maximum distance these landscape lights can be run?
The distance you can use these landscape lighting will be determined by the wattage of the light and the gauge of the wiring. The majority of the lighting uses 12-gauge wire, and a total load of 100 watts (or less) will allow you to run the lights for up to 100 feet with no voltage drop.
How long will these solar landscape lighting fixtures last?
It all depends on how much solar energy/sunlight the light absorbs during the day. It illuminates for 8 hours at night if it is sunny. Because few models have different light modes, you can increase its runtime by lowering its brightness.
In conclusion,the best landscape spotlights are the ones that fit the needs of the specific area being lit. There are many different types and styles of spotlights available, so it is important to do some research before making a purchase. With a little bit of planning, anyone can find the perfect spotlight for their landscape.