Installation of lighting in the courtyard of a country house

Yard lighting is an important task, since not only the appearance of the site depends on it, but also the safety of movement in the dark. In order to do the job right and create a reliable system, you need to choose lighting equipment and place it in suitable places. You also need to understand the features of connecting lamps in order to exclude electric shock to people and pets.

Proper lighting of the yard will not only provide a comfortable stay, but also improve the appearance of the site.

Lighting functions and requirements

Before choosing equipment and planning its location on the site, it is worth considering what functions it should perform. There are options here:

1. technical lighting. It has a utilitarian purpose and should provide good visibility wherever needed.First of all, this concerns the entrance group of the house, the parking lot, the place near the entrance gate. It is also worth well illuminating gazebos, playgrounds, paths near ponds and other dangerous objects.
2. Decorative lighting. With its help, you can create a comfortable atmosphere for relaxation on the site, most often they use soft, diffused light. Both traditional lamps and special lighting are used, which can highlight plants, flower beds, alpine slides, ponds, improvised fountains, etc. LED strip or special garlands for street lighting can also be used here.
3. Protection from thieves. Intruders are unlikely to climb into a well-lit area that is visible far away. And to further increase safety, you can connect motion sensors that will be triggered when someone walks through the yard. They are great at scaring off unwanted guests.

Lighting can simultaneously serve both practical and decorative purposes.

The lighting system can perform both one and several tasks. It all depends on the characteristics of the site and the equipment used.

Before choosing, you need to make sure that it meets the basic requirements:

1. Ergonomics. The light should provide a comfortable environment, not to hit the eyes and not force you to peer. It is important to think in advance how best to zone the space and which areas should be allocated the most. When planning facade lighting, choose models that will not shine inside the windows and interfere with rest.
2. Compliance with the general design of the infield. Choose types of fixtures that will fit into the overall environment and look good.Strict equipment is suitable for fanciful design, and for a minimalist courtyard, it is better to buy unusual models. You can combine lighting with decoration and purchase figurines with built-in lanterns.
3. Economical consumption of electricity. Putting a backlight that is constantly on even if there is no one on the site is not the best solution. In this case, you need to use motion sensors or turn it on manually so that the light only works when required. It is also very important to choose lamps with economical light bulbs, due to this you can reduce the consumption of electricity for lighting the site several times.
4. Ease of maintenance and safety of the system. It is worth using equipment specially designed for open air and having a long service life. If the lamps are replaceable, then they should be easy to change if necessary.

LEDs provide spectacular light, but consume very little electricity.

Models with protection against penetration of dust and moisture are selected. The packaging or instructions should indicate that the lamps can be installed outdoors.

Types of garden lighting

It all depends on the place of use and the requirements that apply to the fixtures. For convenience, it is worth breaking all the options into several groups, depending on where they will be installed.

garden paths

Small lamps are ideal for illuminating garden paths.

The main requirement is to ensure visibility when moving. In this case, the light should not be too bright, so the following models are best suited:

1. Built-in lights that distribute light over the very surface of the paving slabs.A simple solution that looks spectacular and provides good visibility on the track, while not illuminating the surrounding area.
2. Bollards and models in the form of low columns that scatter light around due to the frosted glass insert. They are suitable for paths and for a platform under a car to mark the boundaries of a parking space in the dark.
3. Floor lamps of medium height. Used on large tracks. Usually equipped with a diffuser made of frosted glass or plastic. Or a visor is used that distributes light at a low height.
4. Options in the form of paving slabs or curb elements. An unusual solution that can be laid in some places along the path or along the edge to provide soft lighting to the pedestrian area. The right size options are selected so that the coating looks uniform.

Path lighting can be turned on separately from other options if the recreation area is located behind the house and is used infrequently.

Read also

How to make the highlight of the tracks in a country house

 

Entrance group and porch

The entrance to the house and the entrance to the garage should be well lit.

It is necessary to think carefully about how to illuminate the gate or gate and the area near the porch in order to ensure good visibility. Here you can use different lamps:

1. Suspended models, they can be mounted on walls, specially installed supports and other structures. Use diffused light shades that create a calm atmosphere, do not install cold-colored lamps.
2. Light fixtures of low height, installed along the aisle, along the edges of the porch or on the bases. Choose the location so that the space is illuminated evenly.
3. Built-in models, they can be placed in the steps, along the edges of the tracks and in other suitable places. The design may vary and depends on the installation method.
4. High lanterns of the classical type with a ceiling at a height of 2-3 m. They illuminate a large space well.

In order for the light to light up when the gate or gate is opened, it is better to install a motion sensor.

Rest zone

The recreation area must be illuminated separately.

These can be gazebos, patios, open areas with benches and other objects. In such cases, the most commonly used:

1. Hanging lamps that illuminate a certain space and highlight it from the general background. There are many options, you need to select according to the style of performance and lamp power.
2. LED strips and special garlands for street lighting. With their help, you can not only illuminate the space, but also create a festive atmosphere.
3. Small lamps placed on railings or small elevations. They give a soft diffused light, the amount is selected depending on the illuminated area.
4. Classic lanterns of medium height. They can be both with plafonds and with a directed stream of light.

It is necessary to select lamps for a place of rest, taking into account what they will do there. For conversations, subdued light is enough; for games or needlework, brighter options are needed.

decorative lighting

Original decorative lamps in the form of large flowers.

Decorative lighting is used to highlight plants, alpine slides or flower beds, pergolas, ponds and other objects. Most often it is done using the following fixtures:

1. Floodlights of various sizes and types that pick up a single object and focus attention on it.Convenient in that the luminous flux can be adjusted in different ways.
2. For the pool, it is allowed to use the backlight on the shore or install underwater lights. Another interesting option is a floating backlight mounted on special foam stands.
3. Various figurines or Japanese stone lanterns are also good for decorative lighting. Products serve as decoration during the day and provide illumination at night.
4. Various ribbons and garlands can also be used. They are hung on trees, placed along pergolas, etc.

You can put small directional lights to highlight individual bushes or plants.

facade lighting

Wall options give an interesting effect.

Another important part of site lighting. With the help of facade lighting, it is easy to highlight the building, make it more attractive. At the same time, visibility in the yard is improved. The most commonly used lamps are:

1. Hidden light models in which the flow is directed in one or more directions due to the reflector. Mounted on the wall, highlighting individual parts or creating effects to decorate the facade.
2. Overhead and embedded options. They illuminate a certain area or individual structural elements - a roof slope, window openings, decorative elements.
3. Searchlights. They are used for flood lighting so that the entire facade is visible. They are installed both on the wall and at a distance from the house.
4. Ribbons and garlands. With their help, you can highlight the contours of a private house or make a frame for the entrance structure, windows, etc.

You can install LED strips or lights and set up iridescent facade lighting.

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The device for facade lighting of a country house

 

Yard lighting planning

Without a clear plan, you should not make light in the yard, as you will inevitably have to redo or make changes to something. In addition, without preparation it is impossible to buy everything you need. Therefore, you need to follow a simple instruction:

1. Think about the location and type of fixtures that will be used. At first, just walk around the site and make a list that will indicate all the equipment and the place of its installation.
2. Draw a diagram of the site. You can copy it from the project, or you can simply mark the boundaries of the yard and the location of all buildings, paths and other objects on a piece of paper.
3. Determine where the cable will be connected and how best to get it out of the house. Most often, they are attached to the switchboard, while putting a separate machine on the street light, so that if necessary, turn it off during repair and maintenance.
4. Mark all the fixtures on the plan. Calculate how much cable and other components will be needed, always give a small margin, since the actual consumption is often more than planned.
5. Get everything you need to get the job done. Also, do not forget about the tool that you will need.

An example of a finished plan indicating all the features of the site lighting.

If a cable is to be laid, then all lines must be included in the project.

What type of lamps is better to choose

To provide good light and reduce electricity consumption to a minimum, you need to choose the optimal type of lamps. There are several main options:

1. Incandescent lamps should not be placed in street lamps. Although they are cheap, they do not last long, get very hot during operation and do not give light of the desired intensity.
2. Halogen lamps the quality of light is much better, but they also do not differ in durability.They get hot and use a lot of electricity.
3. Fluorescent options for energy consumption are much better than the first two types. They give good light, but they do not tolerate changes in temperature and humidity, so you need to install them in sealed shades.
4. LED lamp most economical to date. The service life is 50,000 hours, which is much more than any other analogue. You can choose the color temperature and adjust the brightness.

LED lamps give an even light without flickering and last a very long time.

LED systems can be set to dim lighting during periods when everyone is sleeping to further save electricity.

Tips for choosing street lighting from the portal

Ways to control street lighting

The motion sensor must cover exactly the part of the area that is needed to trigger the flashlight.

There are several options for turning on and off the backlight on the site. Each of them has its pros and cons, so it is better to choose according to the situation. Combined solutions can also be used to change the on and off mode if necessary. Main types:

1. Manual control. Most often, they make a separate machine for each type of backlight, in order to turn on what is needed if necessary. A simple system that is suitable for those who visit the suburban area infrequently and turn on the backlight only occasionally.
2. photosensitive element. Usually this is a transistor that fires when the light level drops below normal. At this moment, the light turns on. And the lights turn off at dawn. The system is autonomous, you can use either one common photocell to turn on, or several separate ones.
3. Astronomical relay. An interesting solution, in which you first need to enter the coordinates of the location of the site, and the device will independently calculate the on and off periods for each day based on the time of dawn and sunset. In addition, you can set this option to a mode in which the light does not turn on if no one is at home.
4. Time relays - Another convenient solution, they can adjust the on and off time. There is also a comfort light mode, in which, after manually turning on the lights, they will automatically turn off after 5 or 10 minutes, which is very convenient for the entrance system or car entry.
5. Motion sensors allow you to turn on the light only if there is someone on the site. This option is especially convenient where constant light is not needed. It is easy to connect it - you need to choose a place and install the sensor so that its working part is directed to the desired segment of the yard. It is better not to connect the entire system to the sensor, but 1-2 lamps. After installation, adjust the sensitivity so that it does not work on small animals and birds.

It is better to combine different options in order to achieve a suitable on and off mode for each type of luminaire.

Video: Lighting control from a smartphone

Stages of installing lighting in the courtyard of the house

To carry out the work on your own, you must follow the instructions, since if the recommendations are violated, there is a danger of electric shock to people and animals. Remember the following:

1. Before starting work, turn off the power supply to prevent damage. Install a separate machine in the instrument panel, select the power for the equipment. Bring the cable out of the house in any convenient way, preferably underground.
2. It is best to use the underground method of laying the cable, it is safer and the view of the site does not deteriorate. It is necessary to dig a trench 90 cm deep to all the lamps. A crushed stone pillow 20 cm thick is poured at the bottom, a cable is laid on top, which is placed in a corrugated sleeve and a HDPE pipe to protect against any impact.
3. Cable connections are best soldered to improve contact and protect against oxidation. Then put on a heat shrink tube to seal the joint tightly. On each output, leave a margin of length in order to conveniently connect.
4. When filling a trench, it is better to put a signal tape at a depth of half a meter. If earthworks are carried out later, you won’t have to guess where the cable lies - if a tape comes across, then it is under it.
5. The installation of luminaires depends on their design and the method of installation provided by the manufacturer. Most often, holes are drilled for anchors in a tile or other base. Or you need to pour concrete pads for installation. There are options that you just need to stick into the ground, which is convenient and does not require preparation. Suspended models must be fixed in such a way as to prevent falling.
6. Use sealed connectors to connect wiring. Or solder the twists, isolate them and close them with heat shrink tubing.

If a platform for lamps is being concreted, it is best to pass a corrugated sleeve with a wire through it.

If you use standalone solar powered lamps, you do not have to lay the cable and prepare the project. They just stick into the ground in the right places and start working right away.. To extend the service life, you should clean the equipment for the winter in the room.

It is not difficult to install lighting in the courtyard of a private house, if you understand the main varieties, choose lamps and make a detailed project. It is necessary to think in advance which method of switching on is suitable, and when carrying out work, focus on safety and reliable protection of connections.