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Is Water Feature Lighting Important?

lights in pool

Enhance Visual Appeal

At first, you may think having Water Feature Lighting around your home or business isn’t necessary, only adds to the electric bill. But there are benefits to this addition to your landscaping that you aren’t considering. What is water feature lighting exactly, what are the benefits, and the purpose of water feature lighting

Water feature lighting enhances the visual appeal of the landscaping and outdoor living area around your home or business. Water feature lighting sets a feeling of tranquility with soft flowing water around or into the gardens. It brings a certain aspect to entertaining spaces that give guests a relaxing atmosphere.

Benefits to Water Feature Lighting

There are many benefits of water feature lighting that many people do not realize, some of which are: 

  • Promotes a Healthier Environment: Water feature lighting provides soothing sights and sounds that can help de-stress the day. This de-stressing lowers blood pressure and helps improve your mental and physical health as you enjoy the therapeutic effects that Mother Nature has to offer.
  • Provides Relaxation: The sound of the water running in a water feature lighting setting encourages and promotes relaxation. To sit by a water feature and listen to the water running or see nature swimming around in a pond can ease the mind into a relaxing mode, you can feel the stress leave the body. 
  • First Impression: Water feature lighting creates a tranquil environment that is soothing for you and your guests. They may not realize they are stressed until they sit by your water feature lighting and feel the ease taking over their body and mind. 
  • Define Your Garden: Water feature lighting in and around your garden and landscaping will provide a unique definition to your home. It creates a new focal point and interest. 
  • A Stylish Effect: A water feature lighting in your garden will give it a designer touch to your property with movement, sight, and sound. 
  • Wildlife Attraction: With running water accompanying your water feature lighting, your garden will become a sanctuary that attracts native wildlife. With songbirds adding to the beauty, it becomes even more relaxing and enjoyable. 
  • Increased Value: Real estate experts have found that a home or business with well-maintained landscaping has increased value and when water feature lighting is added, it increases it even more.  A water garden with lighting adds curb appeal and increases your property value. 

Where should lights be placed in a waterfall?

To add enjoyment to your water feature and waterfall, water feature lighting is just what you need after the sun sets. Landscape lighting isn’t just for the deck, patio, or swimming pool. Position path lighting at the top of the waterfall, and water feature lighting behind the waterfall drop to give this beautiful addition to your home a focal point. What is a waterfall if you can’t enjoy the beauty after dark? 

What lights to use on a water feature?

It is a personal taste, but most water feature lighting systems are set up to highlight a pond and waterfalls. If your pond has a fountain or statue in the center where the water comes from, lighting that from the bottom will give the water flow a beautiful glow in the evening hours.

lights emphasizing waterfall features

Should every water feature have lighting?

Only if you want the water feature to have visibility after dark. Underwater feature lighting in a pond gives a magical appearance and feel as you watch the fish swimming at night. Accenting around the pond and through the garden pathways with path lighting will accentuate the architectural elements of your garden and the terrestrial plants you’ve carefully placed and nurtured.

Water feature lighting gives a garden an ethereal glow, giving your guests a memorable moment as they walk around your garden, admiring your landscaping. Your specially designed water feature lighting will give your entire home a whole new appearance in the evening hours.

How do you light water features?

There are two key reasons for adding water feature lighting to your gardens and landscape. The first is a perfect solution for deafening noise pollution from the neighbors and street traffic. The other reason is to give your landscape an added element of tranquility. 

 Water feature lighting should feature the things of beauty and inspiration in your garden and landscaping. This includes your aquatic plants and life, the unique statuary, and the hardscaping you’ve installed. And there are two types of water feature lighting that should be used for the perfect ambiance: 

  • Downlights:  This creates moonlight when installed above the water feature and is installed in the surrounding trees. It creates a diffused, natural look that mimics the moonlight.
  • Underwater: With this submersible water feature lighting facing upward is ideal for your aquatic areas. The waterproof light fixtures should be positioned under the surface, directed upward to create an effect with up lighting that is beautifully backlighting the aquatic life. 

Do you leave water features on all the time?

When you have a water fountain that operates on gravity, simply keeping it clean of any debris is your only concern. Water features today are installed to recycle the water, so it isn’t wasting a natural resource. You can turn it off if you’re going to be away for an extended time. 

Lights, Camera, Action!  When should water feature lights be turned off, or should they? Water feature lighting will be installed with a timer. That time can be set for the lighting to be on from dusk to dawn because there is no reason to have the lights on during the day.

Enhance outdoor appeal with water feature lighting in Fort Worth and Dallas, TX! Majestic Outdoor Lighting is who to call at (817) 345-3696.

What is commercial lighting?

business commercial lighting for texas

Lighting up your business

With daylight savings time change, it gets darker much earlier now. Perhaps is now the time to see how well the commercial outdoor lighting appears. Are the parking lots well-lit and are the entrances well-defined by lights? Is your store’s signage lighting fully lit or are there burned out areas?

These are things that can determine the amount of business you have coming into your store after 5pm. And for a retail store, those after work shopping hours are important during the holiday season. If a consumer can’t tell that your store is open or they don’t feel safe walking through the parking lot, they will most likely go to the next store. Or worse: Shop on-line! Commercial outdoor lighting can affect your business in one of two ways. It lets everyone know you’re open and provide safe parking. Or appear closed or that you’re not concerned with your clientele’s safety. 

Outdoor lighting for commercial buildings can be a real game changer for businesses, especially these days with theft and carjacking on the rise. Perhaps you are a commercial property owner or manager, your tenants depend on the upkeep of your property to attract more business for them. If the turnover in your office complexes or retail store space is high, it may be time to take a look at the commercial outdoor lighting. A tenant that has a drop in business will relocate when their lease is up and may not tell you why. 

As a retail business or restaurant, commercial outdoor lighting for signs speak volumes for advertising your business. If your restaurant is one of several on a block and your signs are partially lit and there is no outdoor parking lighting, chances are, hungry patrons are going next door or down the block. Why? With poorly lit commercial outdoor lighting, including your logo signage, it appears you’re not open. Or worse – your service may be as poor as the lighting! 

How much does commercial lighting cost?

Well, that depends on what type of commercial lighting options you choose. Today, while businesses are wanting the commercial outdoor lighting that tells everyone “Hey! We are open! Shop here! Eat Here!”, they know they need to be environmentally conscious. To that end, we recommend going with LED lighting. 

It isn’t cheap to retrofit commercial outdoor lighting but keeping your eye on the prize of increased business, the ROI is on the horizon. An average small business can spend between $10,000 and $20,000 for a led retrofit. A mid-sized business can spend as much as $60,000 with a large business spending up to $500,000. When you consider that if you keep the standard light bulbs replaced as they burn out, you’ll spend as much as $20,000 a year. A LED retrofit for your commercial outdoor lighting will save you up to $5,000 annually just in light bulbs. And let’s not forget the manpower to change out those light bulbs! 

What other reasons are there to switch over to LED commercial outdoor lighting? Commercial LED lighting can reduce your utility costs significantly. There are many different options that will light up your parking lot, store front, and signage without pulling a lot of energy. Even better, they last longer, so you won’t have to be changing out light bulbs every 30 days or so in your commercial outdoor lighting fixtures and signage. 

LEDs are employed for indoors lighting and commercial outdoor lighting, providing safety and security in several styles and types: 

  • LED Shoebox Lighting: LED shoebox lighting is ideal and common in parking lots, typically pole mounted, but a lighting professional can talk to you about alternatives. There are sensors available today to take away the task of remembering to turn the lights off when you close. In addition to timers, there are motion sensors and photosensors for afterhours security purposes too. 
  • LED-wall Pack Lighting: Wall mounted or wall packs are the commercial outdoor lighting that is installed on the exterior sides of a building. They light the exterior of the building and the parking area.
  • LED Outdoor Flood Lighting: LED outdoor flood lighting provides a high-intensity lighting for wide areas that can attract attention to your commercial business’s landscaping and monuments. LED commercial outdoor lighting is excellent for those pathways, sidewalks, and walkways so that your customers can see where they are going. 

Any commercial or public use building that has nighttime activities, like a sports venue, LED commercial outdoor lighting is ideal! With area style or directional style, choose what suits your building and the immediate area best. 

What is the best outdoor commercial lighting to attract business? 

Today, LED light bars are a good choice., They provide accent and task lighting with built in functions that give you multiple flashing  colors and fading effects that grab attention of potential customers passing by. Some great outdoor commercial lighting ideas to consider are: 

  1. LED strip lights provide a thin profile, high output with little energy consumption. Ideal for signage and windows.
  2. LED light bars are excellent for accenting indoor displays or outdoors signage. 
  3. LED commercial outdoor lighting is perfect for outdoor displays and exhibitions at parking lot sales and trade shows.
  4. LED lights are ideal for your display cabinets, providing a natural appearance. Be creative and use multicolored LED kits with multiple colors, dimming, and flashing. 
  5. For bars and restaurants,  LED commercial outdoor lighting is ideal for outdoor dining and patios, creating an ambiance that traditional lighting can’t without increasing the power usage. 
  6. LED commercial outdoor lighting won’t infringe on nearby residents, but still provide a properly illuminated exterior for advertising and safety. 
  7. Commercial electric outdoor recessed lighting will give your business exterior a smooth appearance and keep it lit up for attention and safety. 

Don’t close the door on the holidays with professional commercial outdoor holiday lighting! While commercial outdoor lighting is important all year long, now with Thanksgiving and other holidays, up until after New Year’s Day, is crucial in drawing in more business. A professional commercial holiday lighting installation will give your business that boost you need this year! Get started on your business lighting today when you call (817) 345-3696.

How to Choose Outdoor Security Lighting

building surrounded by security lights

Why Security Lighting is Important

A home should be a place where you feel safe and secure, locked up behind doors and windows when needed, and having a camera doorbell just isn’t enough. That’s especially true if you get home late at night or leave for work in the middle of the night. These are the times where security lighting is not only nice to have but is essential for personal and property safety. 

The key purpose of security lighting is for protection from potential intruders. It is also a safety feature for entering and leaving your home or business in the dark. For dark areas, it eliminates any concern about what or who could be lurking. This makes it safer for you and your customers or visitors, minimizing the chance of falls and injuries. 

For a business, when connected to motion detectors, security lighting is great for after hours, or for your home when you’re If. This means the lighting will illuminate if there is any movement in certain areas. When the exterior of a home or business is suddenly illuminated around the exterior, a potential intruder will likely move on to the next property. 

Security lighting also makes the outdoors around your home more functional. With ambient lighting, your home offers a more welcoming environment. This adds to the aesthetics and property value of your home. Though it may appear to be primarily for security purposes, security lighting adds to the landscape of a property too. 

What are different types of security lighting?

In general, there are four types of security-lighting systems.

Continuous Lighting

This more commonly used security lighting system consists of fixed lights that are arranged to flood a specific area continuously. These systems provide overlapping cone-shaped light during darkness with up to a 50% overlap. With that overlap, when one light goes out, the lights on either side still have that area illuminated. A continuous security lighting system works via two methods:

  • The Controlled Lighting method has a limited width of the strip lit outside the perimeter, like that along a highway. The security lighting is controlling the strip and width of the light, adjusted for a particular need.
  • The Glare Projection security lighting method is used when the lighting glare is directed across a surrounding terrain without annoying neighbors or the operation or neighboring businesses. It is a strong deterrent for potential intruders because seeing inside the lit area is difficult.

Standby Lighting

This type of security lighting type is like continuous lighting in the layout but without continuous lighting. The lights illuminate automatically when movement is detected or with the engagement of an alarm system or it can be turned on manually. Often referred to as crash lighting, standby security lighting can impact an intruder with a devastating psychological effect when their “cover” is suddenly gone. 

Movable Lighting

This type of security lighting is manually operated and can be moved around when and where it is needed. Often used to supplement the continuous or standby security lighting described above, it is typically mounted on telescoping poles and mounted on trailers that are powered by generators, providing maximum flexibility.

Emergency Lighting

This system duplicates any of the first three security lighting systems described but with limitations when there is a power failure or other emergencies that leave normal security lighting systems inoperative. It uses an alternative power source from installed generators, portable generators, or those powered by batteries. 

Which is the most common type of exterior security lighting?

The previously described Continuous Security Lighting is the most common type, offering a series of fixed lights positioned to flood a certain area endlessly with each light overlapping the others in a cone shape. 

Which security lighting is best?

Today, thanks to the doorbell systems that come with a camera and audio built-in, connecting security lighting with doorbell cameras offers the best security lighting you can have for your home. You can also place motion-detecting lights all around the home along with additional cameras. These security lighting and doorbell systems are programmable with cell phone apps that can alert you when you’re not home as well as alert local law enforcement if there is an intruder.

Do motion sensor lights deter burglars?

Yes, a system that includes security lighting with motion sensors will not only startle the suspected criminal, but systems today can alert you by phone as well as alert local law enforcement. Some systems will have an alarm sound when the light is activated, further startling the would-be criminal to make them run, though only after a camera has caught them in action. 

How bright should an outdoor security light be?

While you want your home to be illuminated for safety, you don’t want to create light pollution with lighting that is misdirected or misused.  Nothing makes enemy neighbors cranky faster than floodlights shining into a bedroom window. Fortunately, there are many easy ways to set up security lighting for you that won’t anger the neighbors.

First, accent and pathway lighting shouldn’t be any brighter than 180 lumens.  Select light bulbs with warm light and aim the light fixtures away from neighboring houses. Eliminate anything that can create a glare from the lighting. Security lighting is meant to alert you to a potential intruder while starting the intruder. It isn’t meant to make enemies of your neighbors.

bright light outside a home

Lights. Camera. Safety!

When you’re ready to set up security lighting around your home or business, interview a couple of different companies that specialize in how to install security lights. They should have the experience and knowledge of what type of lighting is best for your situation and make recommendations accordingly. 

How LED Lights save Energy

led light bulbs

What LED lights are the best?

Sometimes, what a home’s exterior is missing that makes it majestic and welcoming. The architecture is perfect, the landscaping is spot on, but what is leaving this house of beauty plain and just another house on the block? Nothing that a few properly placed outdoor led lights can’t fix. 

If you’re looking at what kinds outdoor lighting to install around your home’s exterior, make sure you have an understanding about color temperature and the nature of lighting, how it effects the various types of light, and the light sources used and how they are to be powered, like LED lights with battery or hardwired into the electrical system. 

With the lighting technology available today, a  homeowner can choose the brightness and the color temperature. Color temperature of LED lights is measured in ‘K’ (Kelvin) and a warm amber light will have a lower ‘K’ (temperature) while brighter LED lights are a cooler ‘K’.For outdoor residential LED lights, a primary range of ‘K’ ranges between 2500k and 4000k. The standard range for LED lights is: 

  • For lighting up the architectural features of a home, the warmer temperature colors ranging between 2500k and 2700k.
  • For lighting up plants and trees around the home, the cooler LED lights temperature range is between 3000k and 4000k.

With LED lights, is it safe to leave them on all night, can led lights cause a fire? 

Simply put, well-manufactured LED lights have a longer lifespan, even when left on 24/7/365 than the conventional light bulbs. LED lights produce a minimal amount of heat, so the horror stories you’ve heard about house fires started by a light bulbs, it was probably a conventional, standard lightbulb. 

However, there are various circumstances, that can determine a fire starting from a light bulb, like the type and quality of the light bulb. Another important factor to be considered in a light bulb causing a fire is the ambient temperature. 

So, because LED lights burn cooler, it would only make sense the traditional type of light bulb would be the more hazardous of the two types. The conventional light bulb generates 90% heat and 10% light. Yes, it is that much hotter than LED lights. 

Another factor in the safety of LED lights or traditional lights is if they are in an enclosed fixture and have any air circulation. The traditional light bulb shouldn’t be left on indefinitely when the light fixture itself doesn’t allow air circulation. 

What is the level of LED lights energy consumption? 

LED lights have an annual energy consumption thirty times lower than an incandescent light bulb according to the DOE (U.S. Department of Energy). This accounts for a one-fifth of the American household’s energy consumption! If you’re used to comparing in wattage, LED lights use six watts of electricity and produce the same amount of lighting that a sixty watt incandescent light bulb. 

Can LED lights be replaced?

Not in the same way a traditional light bulb can be replaced. LED lights are typically and integrated lighting that is built into numerous electrical circuit boards. This makes it almost impossible for the everyday homeowner to replace the lighting, so instead, the entire integrated LED lights fixture will need to be replaced.

Are LED lights dimmable? 

Yes, but it isn’t a standard feature, all the different models of LED lights are available in a dimmable version. Simply read the packaging to make sure they state “dimmable” in the specifications.

lighting outside with LED bulbs

What to do when LED lights flicker

Are your new LED lights flickering or do you have led lights are not working at all?  Don’t panic yet and take it back to the store.  LED lights and bulbs are operated by an electronic driver. These are sensitive to noise, especially noise that creates voltage fluctuations. The cheaper the brand, the more sensitive. 

What causing this flickering? As the electrical loads in your home are turned on and off, the voltage level changes. This can cause LED lights to dim or flicker occasionally.  Other reasons that your LED lights may be flickering are: 

  • Appliance Create An Inrush Current

    Certain appliances need more power when turned on and that creates an inrush current that pulls voltage and can dim LED lights are on the same circuit. It is recommended to have the refrigerator, wash/dryer, stove on a different breaker than the LED lights.
  • Loose Bult or Loose Wiring

    LED lights will flicker when the circuit or connection is loose. Easy fix is to simply tighten the bulb. You should also check if there is a build-up of dust in the light socket and blow it out. If these don’t fix the flickering, you should have a certified electrician inspect the issue, it may need rewiring. 
  • Dimmer compatibility

    Not all new dimmer switches are compatible with LED lights, or your may have LED lights that aren’t dimmable in a dimmer light fixture. 

Interested in installing LED lights for your outdoor lighting needs in Fort Worth and Dallas, TX? Call Majestic Outdoor Lighting at (817) 345-3696 today!

How Does Pool Lighting Work?

purple pool lighting

Can you get electrocuted from a pool light?

Here in Texas ,there is nothing better than having a swimming pool in your backyard on a hot summer day. Except maybe having a swimming pool in your backyard on a hot Texas summer evening. With night swimming though, you need pool lighting, and fortunately, there are pool lighting contractors to help you get ample lighting that will give your pool the safety you need and the ambiance you want. 

There are pool lighting basics, which typically come with the installation of the swimming pool. While that pool lighting provides the safety features needed, with this investment, it is nice to have additional lighting near pool and in the pool too. Today, we’ll discuss pool lighting options available and how they can add to or change your basic swimming pool in a backyard to an oasis. 

Absolutely, yes! Pool lighting, anything electrical, near water is dangerous. Simply because it is in your backyard doesn’t negate the dangerousness of pool lighting.  From 2002 to 2018, there were thirty-three people injured by electrocution from swimming pool lighting, and thirty-three people died from swimming pool lighting electrocution. 

How does that happen if the pool lighting is installed by a professional lighting contractor? There are three common possibilities that could cause pool lighting electrocution:

  • Faulty electrical wiring to filters, pumps, vacuums, and underwater lights
  • No Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI), electrical circuit and outlet protection
  • Electrical appliances and electric extension cords getting in the pool

Are pool lights dangerous?

As the homeowner, you want your family and guest to have fun in your swimming pool, but you also want to them to be safe. This can be done by making sure that you have the swimming pool lighting and all things electrical related to the pool  checked annually by a professional. This includes the pool lighting and all the equipment associated with the swimming pool. 

Interior swimming pool lighting, the filter, and the pump are an invisible danger. The electrical voltage from these invisible dangers can severely injure, paralyze, even kill a person in manner of seconds. Faulty wiring in a swimming pool is a hazard that can be avoided by having your pool maintenance contractor check and test annually. 

You should also establish rules and maintain monitoring of those rules that there is no electrical appliances near or in the swimming pool. However, just in case the one second you turn your back, and somebody brings a radio into the pool, make sure you all the electrical outlets around and hear your pool are GFCI.

These are basic common sense policies for in-ground pools or above ground pools. Electricity and water do not mix and can be deadly. There are ways to enjoy having music and pool lighting, safely. 

How to add pool lighting to an existing swimming pool?

Swimming pool lighting is attractive and beautiful, creating an appeal for a summer night of relaxation. While it is ideal to have poo lighting installed when the swimming pool is being installed, they may not be enough or what you want if you’re a successive homeowner. 

With an inground pool, lighting provides more than just aesthetics and gentle sophistication. Even if you’re not swimming, lights glistening from under the water is relaxing and soothing. It is the next best thing to being on the beach in the moonlight. 

So, if you purchase a home that has the basic pool lighting, the safety feature is there, but maybe not the ambience you want. You can have pool lighting added after the fact, but it will require a level of construction. This would be the time to evaluate your swimming pool and determine if there are changes you’d like to see overall. 

Perhaps the pool is the older style with a deep end and a shallow end. Swimming pools installed in homes today typically do not have the 20 foot deep end. They have gradual slope from the center to both ends, one a bit deeper than the other, especially if there a diving board. 

So, while you’re having swimming pool lighting added and upgraded by professionals that know how to design pool lighting in today’ style, get the deep end filled some, maybe new tile or replace missing tile. You may consider having the pool bottom changed with a design in tile embedded.  The possibilities are endless. 

White pool lighting

What is the best pool lighting system?

Swimming pool lighting today have endless ways to light up your pool. They come with convenient features, in fun colors and designs, and can make your pool lighting for parties something that nobody will forget! Even better, you can control all of it from your smart phone!  

There are three key types of pool lighting to choose. Each of the three has benefits unique to them that may be just what you need and want. 

  • LED Pool Lighting: These energy-efficiency and long lasting type of pool lighting is a combination that you won’t regret the higher upfront cost. Why? Because you won’t be replacing bulbs for years and the overall cost of operating is lower than other pool lighting options. The wide selection of colors and color-changing pool lighting will give your backyard an ambience that makes everyone envious. There is a less expensive way to go with battery-operated and floating LED lights instead of hardwired.
  • Halogen Pool Lighting: For brightest pool lighting that will give you the most bang for buck, halogen pool lighting is the better choice. Halogen swimming pool lighting is brighter than the above mentioned LED lights. They are less expensive and has been the main pool lighting option for years.
  • Fiberoptic Pool Lighting: If changing light bulbs is your biggest pet peeve, then fiberoptic pool lighting offers you a solution. The power source and light bulbs are housed in a dry power box away from the pool. The lighting travels from that box to the pool by flexible fiberoptic cable that connects to fittings in the pool wall. When a bulb needs to be changes or there is maintenance issue, just open the dry power box and handle it. 

Closing out this piece on pool lighting with one more suggestion: Solar Pool Lighting. These will a colorful splash of fun to your nighttime pool parties. They aren’t a full pool lighting system but can work with the halogen or fiberoptic pool lighting. No matter which type of pool lighting you choose, have an authorized pool lighting contractor install them. This will give you a guarantee that they are installed correctly and safely. Need pool lighting installation in Fort Worth and Dallas, TX? Call (817) 345-3696 today!

Outdoor Lighting Maintenance: Keeping your outdoor lighting at its best

How to keep your outdoor lights shining

Here in Texas, we are known for doing things big and that includes outdoor lighting to light up the house in the evening, all year long. From showcasing our home’s architect with outdoor lighting fixtures in the front yard or enjoying our backyard. The outside area of our homes is an extension of the inside.  These are reasons why our outdoor lighting is important and why outdoor light maintenance is just as important. 

So, when things go dark, we start asking questions and looking for answers that get the outdoor area of our home glowing with outdoor lights again. Why do outdoor lights stop working? There could be several causes for your outdoor lighting to not be working, here we offer 6 typical reasons: 

1. Breaker Box

Check the outdoor light transformer and see if it is flipped OFF. Flip it back to ON and try the lights. If that doesn’t get them back on, check the breaker box and see if any breakers have flipped OFF. If any are off, flip them to ON and see if your outdoor lights turn back on. If not, take the next step. 

2. Electrical Short

Check the wiring to your outdoor lighting for broken, cut, frayed or unconnected wires. Check the light sockets that are bad, corroded, damaged, or wet.  This should be a routine outdoor light maintenance routine to check the bulbs, sockets, and wires and replace them as needed. If you find anything questionable or you can’t find any problem, call your professional landscape lighting specialist. 

3. Timer Not Working

If the landscape lighting timer has quit working, press the reset button on the transformer. If that doesn’t get your outdoor lights back on, you may need to replace the transformer.  This may be an area you’re not comfortable with, call your professional landscape lighting professional. 

4. Some Lights Aren’t Working

If there are just some of the outdoor landscape lights not working, try these steps: 

  • Incandescent bulbs – check the wire filament inside the bulb for breaks.
  • Proper Fit to Socket – make sure the bulb is in the socket firmly. 
  • Cable connector – check the pins went through the insulation and connected to the copper strand.

5. Lights Won’t Turn On

If the total outdoor landscape lighting system won’t turn on at all, try these step: 

  • Inspect the power outlet to make sure it has power. 
  • Check that the transformer is ON.
  • Check the circuit breakers is ON. If it flips back to OFF, call your outdoor lighting specialist.
  • Make sure the wires at the transformer are tight and secure in the terminal lugs.
  • Check the transformer amperage & voltage are getting power, if not, replace the unit.
  • If your outdoor lighting is on a photocell or timer, reset the clock. If that doesn’t get your lights back on, replace the photocell or timer.
  • Check the GFCI and press the reset button.

6. Outdoor Lights Are Dull

Check all the light bulbs are in their sockets firmly. You may need a professional landscape lighting specialist increase the voltage to your outdoor lighting system. This is a step that should be a part of your regular outdoor light maintenance routine. 

How do you maintain an outdoor light fixture?

 When it comes to your outdoor lighting, what is best way, or the right way to maintain them? For outdoor activity and safety, the recommended level of lighting is forty-five lumens per yard. For a home’s entry way, the light should show the address but not be blinding.  

Outdoor lighting is reduced by bugs, and dirt build up. Part of an outdoor light maintenance should include cleaning to maintain the brightness. Special care is needed for some lights with special lenses, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Your routine outdoor lighting maintenance should take place twice a year to maintain their appearance and prolong the lifespan of the lights. These few steps can walk you through the process.

  1. Turn off the light switch and breakers.
  2. Safely position a ladder for high placed lighting.
  3. Choose a bucket that is large enough to submerge the light globe with warm soapy water, adding a bit of white vinegar.
  4. Remove light globes, guards, or grills, and the light bulbs, working on one light fixture at a time.
  5. Set the bulbs aside bulbs.
  6. Use a clean soft rag, dip in the bucket of water, wring the water out and wipe down the parts that can’t be placed in the bucket. Keep water out of the electrical sockets, then rinse with clear water.
  7. Wipe the screws and bulbs with a clean, damp, soft rag
  8. Spray the screws with a silicone lubricant.
  9. Rinse and dry each globe as finished and re-assemble the light.

How often must the exterior light fixtures be cleaned?

Outdoor lightning specialist recommend outdoor light maintenance to be performed twice a year. Once in the spring and again in the fall. This will keep the bugs, dirt, and dust off so that your outdoor lighting is as bright as always. 

lit pergola

How do I clean oxidized outdoor lights?

After applying a heavy-duty multipurpose remover available at any home improvement store precisely to a painted exterior light fixture. Then with a nylon scrub brush, scrub the surface. Rinse and allow to dry before putting the bulb in and turning the fixture on.  

Your outdoor light maintenance routine will reward you with lights that shine as brightly, or softly, as you desire. They will make your outdoor activities safe and showcase the architectural style of your home. When your outdoor lighting bulbs are burned out, replace them so that the look you desire isn’t missed. Call (817) 345-3696 today for all your lighting needs in Fort Worth and Dallas, TX.

Why do outdoor lights stop working?

security lighting

How do you maintain an outdoor light fixture?

After you have had outdoor lighting to light up house installed around your beautiful home, you want it to keep shining brightly. These lights accent the beauty of your home while keeping lit for safety and security, which is shy outdoor light maintenance is important. One burned out light can take away from the aesthetics, safety, and security. 

Today, the outdoor lighting bulbs are more durable, and weather resistant and the outdoor lighting fixtures are stronger and sturdier too. Yet, the bulbs aren’t resistant to getting dirty, becoming oxidize. The soil burying the outdoor light fixtures wiring gets washed off, exposing the wiring over time. It is those things that create the need for outdoor light maintenance.   

So, what all does outdoor light maintenance consist of, how hard can it be? We’re going to answer some questions on the subject for you: 

Outdoor light fixtures provide decorative ways to make your home safe and secure, and too often, they are forgotten, taken for granted. Like anything around and inside your outdoor lighting will need attention, care, and upkeep from time to time. This means you should establish an outdoor light maintenance routine or hire a professional lighting contractor. 

When your outdoor light fixtures are clean and in working order, they are more attractive. They are providing that safety and security lighting you desired. To get the best performance your outdoor fixtures can provide, bi-annual outdoor light maintenance that includes adjusting, bulb replacement, and cleaning is recommended. 

Fortunately, there isn’t special equipment or skills needed for outdoor light maintenance.  An extending ladder, clean rags, bucket of clear water, and replacement bulbs. Along with being alert and cautious with electrical sockets and wiring, it isn’t hard, but it can be time consuming, so plan a full day on a Saturday for your outdoor light maintenance project.

 Keep your eye on the prize that you’ll have clean, properly adjusted light fixtures when you’re done to enhance the beauty of your home with improve outdoor light quality. The following are basic steps that will guide you through your outdoor light maintenance: 

  • Make sure all of the outdoor lights are turned off.
  • Position and secure a ladder for the outdoor lighting that is out-of-reach.
  • Remove any light globes, grills, or shields, some of these may require a screwdriver. 
  • Remove the light bulbs from each fixture as you clean them and set it aside.
  • Have two buckets filled with hot water and sudsy dish soap and one bucket of clean, clear water.
  • Place the removed light globes, grills, or shields in one bucket.
  • Wet a clean rag or  sponge  in the second bucket, wring it out and wash off, wipe down the light fixture part that couldn’t be removed, keeping the water out of the open socket. 
  • Rinse the fixed lighting pieces and the removed pieces with the clean, clear water.
  • Wipe down everything with clean, clear water and sit aside to finish air drying. 
  • Apply the correct type of polish or wax to any metal parts if needed. 
  • Replace burnt out light bulbs and gently wipe off with a damp rage all working light bulbs.  
  • Reassemble the lighting fixtures, turn them on for testing,  and sit back to enjoy your outdoor light maintenance job. 

A Few Additional Tips for Outdoor Light Maintenance

  • Check the lighting fixture manufacturer’s website for advice, hints, tips, and cleaning product specifications for outdoor light maintenance. 
  • Any copper outdoor light maintenance should be one using a lemon cut in half and dipped in salt to scrub the copper lighting fixture. The acid will loosen the tarnish and the salt scrubs off the tarnish. Use a clean damp rag to remove the lemon and salt, the cover the fixture with copper polish. Let that sit for a minute or two, then wipe the polish off. 
  • Remember, detergents can discolor bronze and copper lighting fixtures. They should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions or with a clean, damp cloth. Never submerge bronze or copper lighting fixtures in water. 

How often must the exterior light fixtures be cleaned?

Review the manufacturer’s suggestions in the manual with each lighting fixture is always best. An annual outdoor light maintenance routine is sufficient, but lighting experts recommend a bi-annual outdoor light maintenance routine, following the tips we listed above. 

Depending on the number and placement of your outdoor lighting, it may be easier to have the lighting contractor that installs the lights do the bi-annual outdoor light maintenance. Most lighting contractors will have maintenance programs that include burnt bulb replacement in between the maintenance appointments. 

How do I clean oxidized outdoor lights?

Outdoor lighting oxidization can be cleaned by mixing two teaspoons of baking soda with a squeeze of lemon juice, creating a paste. With a clean, soft cloth, spread the paste over the light fixture. If tough stains are on the fixture, sprinkle backing soda over the fixture and rub with clean, damp, soft cloth. Then wipe the paste and baking soda off with a clean, dry, soft rag.

garden lights

Why do outdoor lights stop working?

When they aren’t working, the outdoor lighting, what is the problem?  The three most common problems that cause outdoor lighting not to work are: 

  • A Power Outage: As many of us have recently experienced here in Texas, power outages happen. Outdoor lighting on a timer that switches to battery backup mode will only last for a short time. If the power has been out for hours, even days, the batteries are probably drained. Check the automatic timer and reset if necessary, then replace the batteries. 
  • A GGCI Tripped: Another recent experience for us here in Texas, when we do things here, we do them big and that includes multiple types of weather within a week!  Strong storms with heavy rains can flood outdoor electrical outlets, and we know electricity and water do not go together! The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, aka GFCI, is a fail-safe electrical outlet that turns off the power to that outlet when water has reached it. You probably have this in your bathroom and kitchen too. Each GFCI outlet has a reset button, simply push that button and your outdoor lighting should be bright again. 
  • A Tripped Breaker: If the timer is still set, backup batteries are replaced, and the GFCI outlet is rest, but the outdoor lighting still isn’t working, check the breaker. After a stormy weather event, if the power went out at any time, it could trip the breaker. Simply flip that switch back and your outdoor lighting should come back on with the timer. 

If you have checked all of these and still can’t get your outdoor lighting on, time to call a professional lighting contractor.  There could be something in the wiring and that isn’t something you want to handle yourself unless you’re experienced with electricity. 

Your Outdoor Lighting Maintenance

Just like your HVAC system and the appliances in your home, you have made an investment. Keep that outdoor lighting investment in proper working order with a outdoor light maintenance agreement with the contractor that installed your lighting system. Getting the most you can from your investment for the beauty of your home and your own enjoyment. Call (817) 345-3696 today for outdoor lighting maintenance for your home.

Benefits of Professional Lighting Installation

Outdoor lighting on exterior of home

 Why is outdoor lighting important?

Nothing can make a home more warm and welcoming than having the landscape lit up in the evening. However, there is more than just the soft glow of stylish outdoor lighting, benefits are plentiful. Outdoor lighting importance is many and important not only for your home’s appearance but safety issues too.

 There are many reasons for a homeowner to utilize Outdoor lighting, purpose is many from an aesthetic view to a safety feature. The primary pros and cons of outdoor lighting are:

  • The Attraction – with proper installation and placement, outdoor lighting benefits include creating that pleasing ambiance on a deck, a front porch, and patios. The exterior of your home becomes appealing, adding to the curb appeal that can make the entire neighborhood envious. One of the biggest outdoor lighting benefits is the added touch of elegance.
  • Safety and Security – One of the best outdoor lighting benefits you can expect is the safety and security it offers your home. Properly placed at each doorway and gateway, illuminate the darker pathways and walkways, making your trip from the garage to the house safer. A guard from abnormalities and potential intruders. One of the most important outdoor lighting benefits is making your guest’s arrivals and departures safer in evening hours.

Simply because winter has arrived doesn’t mean your home won’t have outdoor lighting benefits as it did during the summer. Yes, the spring and summer months are wonderful times to be outdoor. Lighting benefits keep the deck and pool area well-lit and safe, a party atmosphere, and ease for cooking and enjoying guests.

The biggest outdoor lighting benefits may be in the fall and winter months.  The days are shorter, meaning we not only need lighting in the evening when we get home, but we also leave our homes in the dark each morning. With proper outdoor lighting at each door, at the deck, or front porch, the trek to your vehicle is safer and adds great value to your home.

Where should outdoor lights be placed?

The light needed during the day is different than the light needed at night. The most important focus of course is proper lighting in the evening hours. Outdoor lighting benefit  principles to keep in mind as choosing what outdoor lighting benefits you want and needed so that you can choose the proper  brightness and size would be the emitted quantity, color, and intensity, and should include three layers:

  • In Whole: The illumination provided for an entire room and space.
  • The Mission: To light up a pathway.
  • A Pronunciation: Drawing attention to a specific area or a particular object using floodlights or spotlights.

Within these layers, there are a  variety of bulbs that can provide several outdoor lighting benefits that are appropriate for outdoor lighting fixtures:

  • Incandescent light bulbs to emit a pleasing light but are known for a short lifespan, yet use more electricity
  • Halogen bulbs are like incandescent bulbs, making them more efficient and have a longer lifespan while consuming less energy
  • Fluorescent lighting is available in a variety of colors and offers a longer lifespan while consuming less energy
  • LED bulbs are the more expensive lighting but with the longer lifespan and using less energy, the ROI is higher.

What type of outdoor lighting is best?

It all depends on what your intended goal and desired outdoor lighting benefits you desire. Outdoor landscape lighting will transform a home by brightening the garden paths, the walkway through the yard and create a beautiful, warm, and welcoming oasis of light.

Seven types of outdoor lighting benefits with these fixtures:

  1. Spotlights – set a focus on a specific area of your home’s exterior décor.
  2. Flood Lights – set your beautiful garden and trees to stand out.
  3. Up/Downlights – give your home’s exterior look with lights alternating up and down.
  4. Step Lights – making your guest safer as they walk up and down the steps to the spa and swimming pool.
  5. Garden Lights – give your handy gardening a glow
  6. Bollard Lights – add a touch of elegance to the front of your home.
  7. String Lights – across the outdoor kitchen and around the gazebo for a look of elegance.

How bright should outdoor lights be?

Again, this is a personal choice. Are you looking for a bright area in the backyard around the grill and swimming pool? Or are you looking for ambient and soft that makes your home safe?

Garden lighting

Are LED lights good for outdoor use?

Absolutely, LED lighting is one of the best choices for all commercial, residential, and industrial outdoor lighting benefits. They are ideal for outdoor use because of the many outdoor lighting benefits offered while giving you minimal Outdoor lighting maintenance required and a long lifespan, so they don’t need replacing too soon.

Outdoor lighting benefits are plentiful and once you have professional outdoor lighting installed, you’ll realize these are benefits you don’t want to do without. From the aesthetics to the safety features, outdoor lighting is something every home should have installed. Need outdoor lighting for your home in Fort Worth and Dallas, TX? Call (817) 345-3696 today.

How To Do Holiday Lighting

Beautiful decorated street during the winter holiday

Learn More About Holiday Lighting

With the holiday season drawing near, holiday lighting is showing up more and more in neighborhoods and businesses to add a bit of vibrancy to the area. They are a great way to bring in the festive atmosphere and can be designed to fit with your preferences and property. In order to have a smooth set up, it’s important to familiarize yourself with different types of holiday lighting. You may be able to get into contact with a professional outdoor lighting company to see what may work for you. Here is some general background information regarding holiday lighting that may prove of use to you in the meantime.

How do you hang outdoor string lights?

You may be able to attach cup hooks every yard or so along a porch, pergola, or covered patio when you’re trying to set up outdoor string lights or holiday lighting. You can follow the line of roofs and porch beams or you and crisscross the lights.  

How many Christmas lights should be on the front of the house?

How many lights you’ll need for holiday lighting will depend on the area and dimensions of what or where you’re trying to light. There are many lights out there that are sold by length so keep that in mind when you wish to decorate your home. 

What is the brightest LED Christmas lights?

The brightest and durable holiday lighting is Conical 5mm Wide-Angled LEDs, even professional holiday light installers use them for their displays. They are advantageous since they are snowproof and waterproof due to the LED being injected molded into the plastic cordage.  

Is it dangerous to leave Christmas lights on?

Holiday lighting can be left on overnight as they are designed to withstand outdoor weather and other outdoor conditions. The only danger you may see is having overheated lights with a dry Christmas tree which can run the risk of a fire. Stay alert with your lighting with a clear schedule of use.

What lights are safe to leave on all night?

LED holiday lighting is ideal to leave on for long periods of time due to their low power use and very low heat output. They are great to use as a background accent light or night light.

How can I turn on Christmas lights without electricity?

You may be able to plug holiday lighting into an AC to DC inverter, a simple way to convert your lights into running on battery power. The holiday lighting is plugged into the inverter which is powered by a 12-volt battery. 

What Christmas lights do professionals use?

The holiday lighting that professionals use is commercial LED light strings with co-axial connectors due to their exceptional durability. 

How can I put Christmas lights up without an outlet?

If you don’t have an outlet nearby for your holiday lighting you may simply get a lawn stake with an extension cord and run it from any outlet inside the house or from your porch lights. There are also options nowadays that runs on battery or USB lights where you can recharge them or detach them at the end so that you may be able to charge them inside. 

How long do battery operated LED Christmas lights last?

Microdrop LED holiday lighting that’s constructed on a thin uncoated wire can last over 100 hours with a new set of 2 AA batteries. They may also run on 2 round C-style batterie. Standard LED battery light sets with thicker insulation and LED lenses will be able to last around 18-24 hours with a set of 3 AA batteries. 

residential Christmas lights


What are the best Christmas lights for outside?

  • Best Overall: Prextex 100-Count Christmas Light Set 
  • Best Splurge: Frontgate 3-Pack Controllable RGB LED Kit 
  • Best LED: YULETIME Warm White LED Christmas String Lights 
  • Best with Timer: ASENEK 100 LED Outdoor String Light 
  • Best Large Bulb: Home Accents Holiday 25 Multi-Colored C9 Lights 
  • Best Color: Home Accents Clear Light Set at Home Depot
  • Best White: AmazonBasics 100 LED Outdoor String Lights
  • Best Solar: The Holiday Aisle Fairy 100-Light Solar String Lights
  • Best Shape: Home Accents Holiday 300 Clear Icicle Lights 

Get Set Up Professionally With Your Holiday Lighting 

If you’d like professional assistance with setting up your holiday lighting get in touch with your local outdoor lighting company. Holiday lighting can come in many different options with different displays that will best fit with your property’s specifications. What’s more, there will be different types of accommodations you can choose from when it comes to how you’d like your lighting displayed or powered. End the year with a vibrant display of holiday lighting and stand out in your neighborhood, commercial district, or other location. Install your holiday lighting today.

If you’re interested in holiday lighting in Fort Worth and Dallas, TX rely on Majestic Outdoor Lighting for a great display, call us at (817) 345-3696 today!

What Is Underwater Lighting?

An Illuminated Waterfall

What is underwater lighting?

When you have a pool, fountain, or other water feature, for safety as well as for aesthetic effect you need underwater lighting. Any water feature lighting that goes under the water is underwater lighting. It’s uses vary. With a swimming pool, for instance, the lighting is a safety feature that also allows people to swim or use the pool at night. This type of lighting, as well as lighting around the pool also serves as security lighting. But, lighting also serves an aesthetic purpose. It’s used to enhance and accentuate particular design features or illuminate the water itself. Placing a light under a fountain’s spray, for instance, can create a miniature light show, as water is refracted off water droplets.

Adding a water feature to your garden landscaping can greatly enhance it. Putting in lighting can change from an ordinary garden to extraordinary. If you are looking to make your garden extraordinary with arbor and water feature lighting in Fort Worth and Dallas, TX, reach out to the experts at Majestic Outdoor Lighting. You can find out more about what we can do for you by calling (817) 345-3696.

What do I need for a water feature?

From fountains to streams to pools or ponds, water features can greatly enhance almost any type of landscaping. Before you get started adding a water feature, however, you’re going to have to put a great deal of thought and planning into it. You’re going to have to consider such things as your water supply, as well as where to place water feature lighting to get the best aesthetic effect and what type of lighting you’re going to use. As far as water supply goes, unless you are building from scratch, many off-the-shelf water features are self-contained, so you won’t need a separate water source. 

You will, however, need an electrical source for the lighting as well as to power pumps and other mechanisms if your water feature moves water in any way. You’re also going to have to consider maintenance and cleaning. The water and containers will get slimy and the sump will have to be cleaned. If the feature is under or near plants you’ll also have to clear out leaves. And, of course, you’ll have to keep in mind safety, especially when children are around.

Water feature lighting ideas

When adding a water feature, lighting will greatly enhance it. While some off-the-shelf water features will have built-in lighting, anything custom-made will require lighting to be added. If you want to light up a water feature, here are some ideas and tips about how to do so:

  • Keep your purpose in mind. What’s the light being used for? Go out in your garden at night with a flashlight and experiment with the lighting, casting the flashlight at various angles and from various areas in the garden.
  • Consider all the angles. Set up lighting in areas where the garden is most viewed.
  • Determine whether the lighting should be in or out of the water.
  • Carefully place your fixtures so they will best highlight your features. Use lighting above and below features for the best illumination.
  • Keep the lights maintained. Both underwater and above ground lighting need to be well maintained. Inspect and clean the lighting twice yearly, preferably in the spring and fall.

Do LED lights penetrate water?

Some of the best lights for water feature lighting are LED lights. LED lighting penetrates water very well—it’s why people prefer LED spotlights when fishing at night. These lights are also some of the most energy-efficient available, and when placed in a water feature, they will not change the water temperature. You’ll also get about 100,000 hours of use as compared to standard lighting like halogen lamps that will give you 10,000 to 20,000 of use.

LED water feature bubble lighting

One water feature that’s growing in popularity is LED bubble lighting. This is primarily an indoor feature, however, that usually consists of water-filled panels that bubble and are lit with various colored LED lights.

How do you light a waterfall?

Waterfalls can be very aesthetically attractive water features. They are visually pleasing and the sound of falling water can be soothing and block outside noises. When lighting a waterfall, you’ll want to use at least one light per waterfall or stream. For best effect, place the lights behind the waterfall or just underneath it. A wider waterfall might require two or more lights. You want to capture the whole waterfall in light. Use both puck lights and spotlights for lighting. The puck lights fit flat on the ground and are best for illuminating water from underneath the falls. Spotlights are good for highlighting rippling water or lighting up boulders or aquatic plants.

How do you illuminate a fountain?

When you are illuminating a fountain, for water feature lighting, you want to use submersible uplights. These types of lights will highlight the feature as well as diffuse the light. You’ll want to use bright lighting, and you can also use colored lighting. The positioning of the lights is key for the best effects. Test different angles using a flashlight to find the best positions for your lights.

Pool Lighting.

Call Us Today

If you are planning to add garden water feature lighting or pool water feature lighting in Fort Worth and Dallas, TX, you’ll want help from experienced professionals. You’ll find those professionals at Majestic Outdoor Lighting. We’ll get your lighting positioned for the best effect so you’ll better enjoy the lighting. You can learn more about us by calling (817) 345-3696.