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Do outdoor lights deter crime?

Outdoor lights may help to deter crime because they make it harder for criminals to hide and they can be seen from further away. This can make it more difficult for criminals to commit crimes without being seen.

There is a fair amount of research exploring the relationship between outdoor lighting and crime deterrence.

Some studies suggest that increasing outdoor lighting can lead to a decrease in crime rates, while other studies are not able to find a clear relationship between the two.

The effects of outdoor lighting on crime deterrence may vary depending on factors such as time of day, location, and type of crime.

More research is needed to better understand the relationship between outdoor lighting and crime deterrence.

Do outdoor lights need a junction box?

Outdoor lights need a junction box if they’re mains-powered. This is because mains-powered outdoor lights need to be plugged into an outlet, and the outlet is in the junction box.

A junction box is a metal or plastic enclosure that houses the electrical connections for a group of light fixtures.

It is usually installed near electric light fixtures, near the point where the electrical wiring leaves the building. The junction box protects the wiring from the weather and makes it easier to install and service mains-powered light fixtures.

How to waterproof outdoor lights?

You can waterproof outdoor lights by using a sealant that is made for waterproofing. First, you will need to clean the light fixture with a mild detergent. Then, you will need to dry it completely. Next, you will apply the sealant to the light fixture and allow it to dry.

There are different methods to waterproof garden lights. One method is to use a sealant that is specifically designed for outdoor use, such as silicone or polyurethane.

Another option is to use a weatherproof coating, such as paint or spray lacquer. It is also possible to use a watertight sealant, such as silicone caulk or butyl tape.

Do outdoor lights need special bulbs?

No, outdoor lights do not need special bulbs. The type of lightbulb used for outdoor lighting is typically an incandescent or halogen bulb.

While these bulbs produce more heat than CFL or LED bulbs, they are less expensive and can last longer.

However, outdoor lighting fixtures should be weatherproof. You need to check the IP rating of your lights to determine whether they’re protected against liquids and solid objects.

Can outdoor lights stay out in winter?

Outdoor lights can stay out in winter if they are weather resistant. This means that the lights have been designed to stay out in the cold and rain.

The lights need to be shielded from the weather, and they must have a rating of IP44 or higher. It is also important that they are properly installed so that they can withstand the cold weather.

Do outdoor lights need to be GFCI protected?

If you are using electric outdoor lights, then you will need to use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to protect them. This is a safety device that can stop an electrical current if it starts flowing in the wrong direction.

Outlet boxes that are used outdoors to power light fixtures should be equipped with GFCIs. This can help prevent shocks if someone touches the wire.

Lighting Design Factors:

• Size and space
• Occupant’s age and preference
• Ceiling height and shape
• Color of walls and furniture
• Existing lights and electrical setups
• Points of interest, art work, and highlight areas
• Traffic patterns
• Shadows and reflections
• Daylight integrations
• Surface characteristics
• Color appearance
• Lighting controls and distribution
• Source, task, and eye geometry
• Economics and energy efficiency
• Spatial perceptions
• Level of illumination (lux)
• Psychological and physiological factors
• Electrical codes, documentation, and specifications

Although we can give you some general guidelines for how to light the different rooms in your home, every home is different and requires specialized attention. Take this guide as a starting point, but remember that you will probably need to consult with a professional in order to get your space exactly how you want it.

Remember, that color is also a huge contributor to your psychological and physiological states. The color of your rooms combined with the color temperature of your lighting can mean the difference between feeling sluggish and depressed or lively and optimistic.

Lighting Design Layers

Most lighting designers think in terms of three main lighting categories:

1. General or Ambient Lighting

These are called “general” or “ambient” because they are simply used to make an interior space visible. They provide general lighting for a space and are sometimes used to refer to natural, or existing light. Think of general/ambient light as natural light combined with light coming from normal room lights.

2. Task Lighting

Task lighting is directed lighting toward a specific area to give more detail to objects and provide safe passage. Any close-range work such as cooking, sewing, drawing, and writing should have task lighting—enough to see a flaws in canvas and clothing.

3. Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is used to “accentuate” features and add visual interest to an object or area. It’s the extra special something that makes people go “oooh” and “aaahh.” Use accent lights to add drama and change the mood of a room.

Lighting Fixture Types

It can be useful to sort lighting fixture types into a couple main categories to make your lighting design a little easier:

1. Surface Lights

Surface-mounted fixtures are visible and are usually flush against the ceiling or wall. They are most commonly used in entryways, hallways, and bedrooms.

2. Pendant Lights

Pendant fixtures hang down from the ceiling by a cord, cable, or chain. They are usually found in dining rooms and kitchens, especially in home with higher ceilings.

3. Recessed Lights

Recessed lighting is hidden away, usually in a ceiling cavity, so you can’t see the light source directly. This type of indirect lighting, usually in the form of downlight/potlights, can be used effectively in any room of the home. Just be careful not to go overboard as you want a variety of light sources and types

4. Track Lights

Track lighting can provide a lot of flexible lighting options. There are multiple bulbs on one track, with multiple circuits and voltages. You can choose to have them suspended from the ceiling like pendant lights or surface-mounted, like surface light. The variety of finished, colors, and styles can be overwhelming, so speak with a lighting professional before making a final decision.

5. Portable Lights

Portable lights are just what you would expect them to be — portable. They are usually plugged into an electrical outlet by their cord, however, battery-operated portable fixtures are becoming more and more popular. Portable lights are typically uses for desks and bedside tables. You can sometimes achieve the look you are looking for by adding some floor lamps to the area. The key to lighting design is to have a variety of fixtures, color temperatures, and styles.

6. Landscape Lighting

We aren’t focusing on landscape (or outdoor) lighting in this article, but you should know that they are a whole other category in itself. Landscape lighting encompasses bullet lights, flood lights, motion sensors, deck lighting, security lighting, and well and wash lights. From landscape lighting to security lighting, Hiller Electrical can handle all aspects of outdoor lighting installation, maintenance, and repair.