Design Training

0 January 29, 2025

Landscape Lighting 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. Common types include:

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

Projection Lamps

Projection lamps focus light in 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:

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

Photometrics and Beam Angles

Photometrics help determine the beam angles and light distribution. Beam angles impact light spread, measured in degrees (15°, 30°, 60°, etc.).

Section 2 | Transformers + Controls

Brilliance Dimmer

Specifications:

  • 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 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:

  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