Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting: The Ultimate Guide To Color Temperature Part 2

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Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting: A Color, Light, And Temperature Guide Part 2

Choosing Your Measured CCT

When choosing your desired CCT, it is best to keep in mind that all the objects, as well as the colors within a designated space, are brought out with that of warmer CCTs. As a result, designers suggest temperatures of 2700K and 3000K to highlight the reds and yellows of wood grain flooring. From a commercial or industrial standpoint, they generally tend to lean to those sources which can provide 4000K to 5000K since it readily matches that of outdoor lighting and creates a productive feeling. As far as cooler light is concerned, an advantage is that it has always been seen as being brighter than those of warm sources. As such, numerous businesses are bending toward cooler temperatures which can, in turn, save them some money. This is achieved as a result of saving energy since less light would be used when compared to warmer sources.

The Pros And Cons Of Residential Outdoor Lighting In Houston

There are several pros and cons with respect to the warmer temperatures of outdoor lighting for residential use. This is as a result of the environment that the lights are being placed into, as such, warm colors are generally thought of as being not bright enough when they are placed into areas where people want to work with white light that is crisp. Some areas present cool colors which occur naturally and when they enter, they can be seen as being more yellow or even pink, this then causes individuals to think that the lights are not working properly. Cool colors are typically viewed as being institutional or even sterile and this is a huge downside.

Warm Color Temperatures

With all said, numerous individuals wouldn’t prefer the change from a warm color since they may feel that it is too bright for their liking. In order to choose the proper outdoor lighting, it is best to assess your environmental needs beforehand and inform your supplier of the type of environment as well as the ambiance that you intend to create. It should also be noted that if you’re interested in changing your initial light sources, such as in the case of fluorescent to LED or even CCT, you should definitely ensure that your entire room has been completed since come differences are not distinguishable to others.

If you are looking to further learn about the temperatures of colors and how they can affect the colors within your backyard outdoor lighting projects, be sure to contact Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting or call us at 713.861.2000. Or simply visit our blog.

Houston Residential Outdoor Lighting: Top 3 Landscape Lighting Design Trends for 2018 

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Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting: 3 Trends For Residential Landscape Lighting Designs in Houston

1. Fixtures

Earth Tone Coated Fixtures Going Out. Earth tone coated fixtures are losing their popularity. In the past, it was recommended that path lights in earth tones that matched the landscape be used to keep them from seeming intrusive; however, the latest attitudes towards this theory are changing. Designers are now realizing that the beauty of the lighting fixtures can enhance your landscape and add beauty. Brass and copper lighting fixtures continually prove to be a timeless choice for properties during the day and at night. As the metal ages, a beautiful patina develops that enhances the beauty throughout your landscape. The patina’s colors and hues will change from year to year. Much like nature changes through the seasons, metal lighting fixtures will also change over the years to add interest to the landscape. Check out some outdoor lighting tips by clicking here.

2. Lamps

Halogen lighting is not as popular as it once was due to continual lamp burnouts and the energy these lamps consume. Additionally, because of the maintenance required for halogen lighting fixtures, the demand for halogen lights continues to decline. Instead, LED lights are becoming the preferred choice. The technology used in LED lights have changed the lighting industry. While LED lights have been around for awhile, they are just now being embraced by the landscape lighting industry. Houston residential outdoor lighting understands that LED lamps can mimic halogen lighting, making it difficult to spot the difference between the two. In the past, LED lighting was only available in cold blue; however, this is a thing of the past. LED lamps are available in a range of lighting colors and are incredibly energy efficient. These tips are great to consider to avoid landscaping failures for at your residence.

3. Timers

Old school analog timers that use a wheel in a mechanical timer are a thing of the past. Although this type of timer is dependable, newer control systems are making a strong play for the preferred choice of landscape timers. An astronomical timer offers so much more sophisticated control over the timing system than an analog timer. astrometrical timers are effective and are easy to use. All you need to do is enter your property’s GPS location or your zip code for them to work properly. The timers use this information to know when sunrise and sunset is every day of the year. You can also program an astrometrical timer to account for daylight savings. Additionally, these timers allow you to control the days that you want your outdoor lighting to come on and more. Contact your Houston residential outdoor lighting provider for more information on the benefits of an astrometrical timer. The lighting specialist can also help with the installation of your astrometrical timer. Make your home more aesthetically pleasing with these tips.

To learn more about outdoor home lighting Houston TX Services,  check out our website and our blog. For questions or concerns, please Call us now.

 

How To Weatherproof Outdoor Electrical Plugs And Outlets

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Don’t Let Poor Installation Rain On Your Parade

Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting | Houston Outdoor Lighting ExpertsThe dangers associated with mixing electricity and water are well-known. Despite that, many people install outdoor electrical outlets and plugs without really thinking about the dangers that could occur during periods of rain.

Most outdoor outlets are designed with covers that flip down over the top of the outlet when they are not being used. Unfortunately, however, these covers do little to protect the outlet when cords are plugged into them. If you really want your outdoor electrical outlets to be protected, you need to find a way to keep rain away even when they are being used. In fact, this safety issue is so important that the National Electrical Code now mandates that outlet covers that are designed to provide protection while the outlet is in use are mandatory for outlets that are exposed to the weather.

Weatherproofing Electrical Plugs And Outlets

The way that the covers for most outdoor electrical outlets are designed, they don’t provide proper protection when an electrical cord is plugged in. Because the cover can’t close the entire way when there is a cord in the outlet, water can get inside. This can cause all kinds of problems ranging from blowing a fuse to triggering a short circuit in the electrical system.

The good news is, there are steps that you can take to safeguard your home against problems with your outdoor electrical outlets.

Invest In ‘While-In-Use’ Covers For Electrical Outlets

These days, many manufacturers make outlet covers that are designed to provide complete protection from the rain and other types of moisture even when the outlet is being used. These large covers are designed to fit around the entire outlet. They have a door on the front that seals off the outlet. A special opening in the bottom of the door allows the cord to run through without compromising the protection that the cover provides.

When choosing a cover for your outlet, you should look for one that is designed for the type of outlet where it will be placed. It should also clearly be labeled as a ‘while-in-use’ cover. Double check to make sure that the outlet cover is in compliance with the requirements of the National Electrical Code. The cover should be designed in such a way that all potential contaminants including water are kept away from the outlet when it is being used.

Installation Tips

Before you even think about installing one of these covers on an electrical outlet, be sure to shut off the power at the breaker box. Hang a note on the breaker box letting people know not to turn the breaker back on so that you can work safely on the outlet without having to worry about the risk of electrocution.

The installation process itself is relatively simple. All that you have to do is remove the existing outlet cover and install the new one in its place. Most of these covers come with detailed instructions on how they should be installed. You should always follow these instructions to make sure that the cover is installed correctly. After all, the success of the cover depends on it being properly installed.

If you aren’t completely certain that you can install the cover safely, you should hire an electrician to do it instead. There is no point in taking a risk with your health and safety.

In most cases, the cover will be designed to fit around the outlet receptacle. The gasket of the cover should fit snugly around the receptacle, preventing water from getting inside. Remember, you will need to install covers on all of your outdoor outlets if you really want your home to be protected.

One of the most popular uses for outdoor outlets is to power string lights during the holiday season. All of these lights should be plugged into outlets that are covered with weatherproof covers. This will help prevent any electrical problems from occurring.

Make Safety A Priority

Anytime you work with electricity, safety needs to be your top priority. Only install the outlet covers if you are completely confident in your abilities. Make sure that the power is shut off before you begin work. Don’t turn the breaker back on until all of the outlet covers are in place.

Finally, make sure that all of the outlets themselves are designed for outdoor use. Because outdoor electrical outlets are exposed to moisture, they need to be GFCI outlets. They should also be regularly tested to make sure that they are working the way that they should.

For more information on outdoor lighting maintenance in Houston, please contact Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting today or call us now for immediate assistance!