The ability to use your property whenever you want, the assurance of increased security, and the realization of your ideal backyard are all possible thanks to outdoor lighting. There are, however, a number of issues unique to it. Outdoor lighting is susceptible to damage from pests and the elements due to its location outside, which can cause failures. These issues could ruin some of the investments you've made to enhance your property.
It's crucial to understand how to spot problems with your outdoor lighting and avoid these issues in the first place if you want to make sure you get the most out of the benefits and minimize the risks. Continue reading to find out more about how to solve some of the most typical issues.
Managing Failing Connectors
Lighting connectors, as their name suggests, attach your lights to their power source. The connectors in properly constructed outdoor lighting will be positioned to shield them from the elements. By doing this, they are shielded from the effects of weather and water. However, if the connectors are left outside, they can start to tear, posing a fire and electrocution risk.
Sometimes, the issue is with the connectors that are being used. During installation, connectors that poke holes in the protective covering over the wires expose the wiring within to water damage. When it rains or when you water your yard with a sprinkler, these wires may become wet. There is a higher chance of a short circuit, which could cause a fire or electrocution, when wiring is exposed to water.
Given the dangers of electrocution and fire, issues with your lighting connections should only be handled by a qualified expert in outdoor lighting. To prevent future harm to your system, possible fixes include replacing any frayed or broken connectors and adding weatherproofing guards.
Keeping Animals and Bugs Out of Your Outdoor Lighting
Small insects are attracted to electricity and frequently create their mounds near electrical appliances (particularly fire ants). In addition, exposed cables are frequently chewed through by rabbits and squirrels. Even if they are well sealed, these pests can enter outdoor lighting fixtures, especially those that are buried. Transformers for outdoor lighting systems can also become infested by pests, which can be very damaging. There are a few options available to you if you are having a pest issue.
You may start by making an investment in pest control. There are also some DIY solutions to tackle fire ants if you'd want to attempt to solve the issue on your own. For instance, you may saturate the colony with plain white vinegar. The acid in the vinegar will kill the ants and break up their scent trails, preventing other ants from traveling along the same route in search of the same food source.
Another option is to plan a lightning maintenance inspection. Your outdoor lighting professionals can inspect your electrical fittings to make sure the pests haven't done too much harm. Once we have a clear picture of the damage, we may work to repair or replace the affected components so that your lights function like new.
Burnt-Out Bulbs
LEDs have a lengthy lifespan, but regrettably, this is not an indefinite one. It shouldn't be too difficult to replace the broken bulb if you already have the correct size and wattage. However, it's crucial to remember that your other lights might be about to go out soon as well if your bulb went out due to aging rather than damage. In that situation, it might be more time- and money-efficient to replace the lights as a whole as opposed to individual bulbs.
You have a different problem on your hands if burned-out bulbs are a recurring concern for you. If they are put incorrectly, outdoor lighting bulbs might burn out far too frequently. For instance, if the voltage applied to each bulb varies, the result will be bulbs with varied levels of brightness and a propensity to burn out more frequently. Another issue is with outdoor lights that use a multi-tap transformer. If one bulb burns out, the remaining bulbs may be subjected to an extreme power surge. These bulbs also burn out as a result of this.
You can always get in touch with your reliable lighting experts to get the bulbs changed for you if you need to solve these problems or even if you are simply unclear about the wattage of your lights. In order to avoid having to deal with costly repairs over time, we can also help you determine whether the problem is one that can be solved quickly or requires more work.
Solutions for Lighting Socket Corrosion and Worn Fixture Seals
The majority of common outdoor lighting fixtures come with a bulb socket and waterproof sealing. Due to aging, exposure to heat, and water, the rubber seals might deteriorate over time. Your socket will be exposed to the elements after the seal fails, increasing the likelihood that it will corrode. Remember that faulty connectors can expose the wiring within to moisture, which increases the likelihood of corrosion developing. Here are a few potential remedies to stop this harm.
First, you can spend money on lighting fixtures that are set up and designed to reduce moisture that has been trapped. Improved water drainage may lessen the risk of corrosion in sockets. This security can be increased by adding weather guards to further waterproof them.
Regular Upkeep Can Keep Your Outdoor Lighting Safe
Call Lights Over Atlanta if you want trustworthy outside lighting for your house. You may be confident that your outdoor lighting systems will last a long time thanks to our excellent workmanship and high-quality lighting materials. To assist you in maintaining your system's optimal operation, we also provide maintenance contracts. Contact our staff to set up a consultation today rather than attempting to navigate the dark on your own!