Landscape Lighting Training

0 January 29, 2025

Design Training

Table of Contents

Section 1 | LED Styles + Specs

  • Omni Directional Lamps
  • Projection Lamps
  • Kelvin Scale
  • Photometrics
  • Beam Angles

Section 2 | Transformers + Controls

  • Brilliance Dimmer
  • Wi-Fi Smart Socket 3.0
  • Sector Selector
  • Transformers
  • Installing Cable Into a Transformer
  • Electrical Overstress (EOS)

Section 3 | Design

  • Principles of Light
  • Human Emotions & Light
  • Fighting Glare
  • Indoor Lighting vs Outdoor Lighting
  • Shadows
  • Lighting Techniques
  • Lighting Scenarios
  • Mixing Kelvin Temperatures
  • Designing with Color!
  • Designing a Lighting System: Step by Step

Section 4 | Engineering/Math

  • Voltage
  • Volt-Amps
  • Sizing the Transformer Using Volt Amps
  • Wattage Calculation
  • Wiring Methods
  • Voltage Drop
  • Voltage Drop Calculations
  • Completed Case Study

Section 1 | LED Styles + Specs

Omni Directional Lamps

Omni-directional LED lamps provide uniform light output in all directions. They are commonly used for general lighting applications and come in various types, including:

  • Beacon G4
  • Beacon DCB
  • S14 Edge Filament
  • Micro T5
  • Micro G4

Projection Lamps

Projection lamps focus light into a specific direction, offering targeted illumination. Examples include:

  • PAR36
  • AR11
  • G4 Wafer
  • MR16

Kelvin Scale

Kelvin temperature determines the warmth or coolness of light. Common values include:

  • 2200K – Very warm
  • 2700K – Warm white
  • 3000K – Bright white
  • 5700K – Cool white

Thermal Management or Heatsink

LED lamps require effective heat dissipation to ensure longevity. Brilliance LED uses:

  • Ceramic Housing for smaller omni-directional lamps to wick away heat.
  • Aluminum Fins for projection lamps to allow airflow cooling.

Photometrics and Beam Angles

Photometrics help determine the beam angles and light distribution for various applications. Beam angles impact how light spreads, measured in degrees (15°, 30°, 60°, etc.).

Section 2 | Transformers + Controls

Brilliance Dimmer

Specs:

  • Wattage: 120W
  • Operating Range: 12VAC
  • Capacity: 10 Amps
  • Minimum Load: None
  • IP Rating: 63
  • Warranty: 3 Years

Wi-Fi Smart Socket 3.0

Features:

  • Controls landscape lighting via the Brilliance Smart App
  • Works with Alexa & Google Assistant
  • Requires a stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection

Sector Selector

  • Allows creation of up to four zones per transformer
  • Supports up to 800W capacity
  • Requires a stable Wi-Fi signal for remote control

Transformers

  • Available in 75W, 150W, 300W, and 600W
  • UL 1838 Certified
  • Secondary circuit breaker for safety
  • Compatible with dimmable controls

Installing Cable Into a Transformer

Proper cable installation prevents overheating and electrical issues. Steps include:

  1. Strip the cable properly without damaging strands.
  2. Twist the conductors securely.
  3. Insert and tighten in the terminal block.

Electrical Overstress (EOS)

Hot-plugging LED lamps can cause failures. To prevent EOS:

  • Unplug the transformer before replacing lamps.
  • Ensure all socket connections are secure.
  • Replace worn-out fixtures.

Section 3 | Design

Principles of Light

Light is the absence of darkness and can be absorbed or reflected. It always travels in a straight line.

Human Emotions & Light

Lighting influences emotions, affecting feelings such as:

  • Fear
  • Excitement
  • Romance
  • Joy
  • Relaxation

Fighting Glare

Glare occurs when light sources are too bright or direct. Shielding and diffusers help reduce glare and improve comfort.

Indoor vs Outdoor Lighting

  • Indoor lighting requires higher illumination levels for tasks like cooking or reading.
  • Outdoor lighting serves both functional (pathway lighting) and aesthetic (architectural lighting) purposes.

Shadows

Shadows add depth and dimension to a scene. Proper placement of lights helps create visual interest while avoiding unwanted dark spots.

Lighting Techniques

  • Up Lighting – Illuminating from below
  • Down Lighting – Mimicking natural sunlight
  • Back Lighting – Creating silhouettes
  • Cross Lighting – Using multiple sources for even illumination
  • Grazing – Highlighting textures
  • Mirror Lighting – Reflecting lights off surfaces

Lighting Scenarios

Different environments require tailored lighting:

  • Dense Foliage: Requires pruning or additional light sources.
  • Darker Architecture: May need brighter bulbs.
  • Private Spaces: More personal and relaxing lighting setups.

Mixing Kelvin Temperatures

Combining warm and cool lighting enhances contrast and highlights specific landscape elements.

Designing a Lighting System: Step by Step

  1. Identify the purpose of lighting.
  2. Understand the client’s needs and preferences.
  3. Determine power sources and fixture placements.
  4. Test the setup with a night demonstration.

Section 4 | Engineering & Math

Voltage & Volt-Amps

  • Voltage (V): Electrical pressure in a circuit.
  • Volt-Amps (VA): Determines transformer size.
  • Formula: Watts x 1.67 = Actual Draw (VA)

Sizing the Transformer

Example Calculation:

  • (7) 4W MR16 Lamps = 47W
  • (9) 3W G4 Lamps = 46W
  • Total System Usage: ~93W
  • Recommended Transformer: 150W – 300W

Wiring Methods

  • Daisy Chain: Best for short runs.
  • Central Point (Hub): Equal voltage distribution.
  • Center Feed (Split-T): Similar to irrigation layout.

Voltage Drop & Calculations

Voltage drop occurs over long runs. Formula: (Total Watts x Cable Length x 2) / Cable Constant

Completed Case Study

A case study of the Thompson residence demonstrates proper lighting design, transformer selection, and installation techniques.

Contact Information

Brilliance LED
Website: brillianceled.com
Phone: 800.867.2108
Address: 7202 E Cave Creek Rd, Suite 3A, PO Box 2281, Carefree, AZ 85377
Published: June 2024