With a great deal of impetus placed on new, or “from scratch” outdoor lighting installations from other outdoor lighting providers it is refreshing to know that we are different. Not only do we cater to new installations, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Clearwater & Tampa Bay also specializes in bringing your existing lighting system up to code and operating properly.
Recently, we visited a property here in Clearwater, FL, where the existing outdoor lighting system is in need of abundant repairs and recommendations to bring it to safely operable standards. I took many photos while visiting the property during our first service call so I may show homeowners the pitfalls of poorly maintained outdoor lighting systems, abandoned properties and systems not installed by a professional.
- Here is just a peek into some of the elements in need of attention or repair:
Problem – Exposed Wires: Exposed wires present a safety problem. Not only are the visible wires an eyesore from an aesthetic perspectives, they can also become a hazard prone to cause trips and falls. In addition, wire exposures can easily cause damage to your system during routine lawn and garden maintenance. Weed eaters, trimmers and lawn mowers can easily splice or damage the wiring. All cables and wires leading to the fixtures from the transformer should also be put in conduit to prevent any possible damage by landscape maintenance.
Recommended resolution: We recommend inspecting the existing wiring for nicks or tears that may influence proper operation. In addition we advise burying the wire at the appropriate depth to ensure no exposure and ensure safety.
Dilemma – Corroded fixtures: Fixture corrosion is an issue for many Floridians. The heavy content of salt present in the air, combined with humid and moist conditions make the perfect catalyst for corrosion on exterior surfaces. Outdoor lighting fixtures can take a beating if not constructed from the right materials. Many inferior fixtures are made from PVC, composites and spun aluminum. These materials cannot stand up to living in a coastal climate, and over time, will begin to degrade. In some cases degradation can begin very quickly.
Recommended resolution: Fixture replacement/upgrade: Here at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Clearwater & Tampa Bay our fixtures are made exclusively for us and are made of only the highest quality materials, including solid copper and solid brass. Our fixtures stand up well to salt-corrosive environments. Our copper fixtures even patina beautifully blending seamlessly into the landscape.
Dilemma – Rusty and overloaded transformer: This one is important as the transformer serves as the “brains” behind the operation of your entire system. Rust and corrosion can cause transformers to fail. As you can also see from the picture to the left, haphazard wiring is present as well which can also become a safety concern.
Recommended resolution: The only way to rectify this element is replacement of the existing transformer with a new transformer which is appropriate for the voltage being carried for this particular system.
Exploring each of these elements individually gives you the best perspective of how each of these implements impact the entire outdoor lighting system as a whole. Like pieces of a pie, professional outdoor lighting is cohesive as each piece of that pie unify to create a safe, functional and beautiful system. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of using a professional, experienced outdoor lighting design and install company for your outdoor lighting needs.
If you have an aged, abandoned or failing outdoor lighting system or even a system that has not been properly maintained during its lifetime, we can help. Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Clearwater & Tampa Bay can inspect your existing system and recommend repairs and upgrades to get your existing system running like new! Contact us today to learn more at (727) 785-6000 or (813) 237-0340