Energy efficiency is a key issue in today’s economy.Federal data places New Jersey’s residential rates at the 9th highest in the nation. In addition to utility shut offs rising 15% in the last year alone, studies have shown electric rates have doubled since 2004.
A key benefit to Low Voltage systems is its energy efficacy and safety.LV operating expenses are approximately 1/3 less than line voltage.With LV systems there are an array of lamps, in different low wattage and beam spreads which allow for more precise and interesting lighting effects while consuming much less energy than line voltage systems.It is safer to operate, cable lines are easy to reposition, the fixtures are unobtrusive, and systems are designed for wet locations.
While a LV system might be a safer choice for a homeowner, it is still recommended to have it professionally installed.Key issues such as voltage drop, photometrics, and a landscape’s growth pattern are all aspects that should be considered when planning and executing a system’s layout.Working with a lighting designer will help organize and prioritize all the current and future plans of a home’s expansion.
A new device called Zone Control, from Advanced Bridging Technologies, allows you the freedom to wirelessly control multiple zones of your low voltage landscape lighting from up to 500 feet away.Unlike the old methods that forced you to install a second transformer, the Zone Control converts a single or multi-tap transformer into a multi-zone control center.It allows the consumer to control all the zones at the same time or up to 3 individual zones separately. This way lighting can remain on in certain areas while being turned off in adjoining zones.
Zone Control is compatible with all major landscape lighting transformers; it comes equipped with a 10 year backup battery and built-in real-time clock that adjusts for daylight savings.It is easy to install and also offers additional energy savings to the consumer by further reducing light hours of operation.This product is a wonderful addition to low voltage landscape lighting systems worth checking out!
