Lighting your backyard information

About
Disclaimer
All pages

Selecting the Appropriate Bulbs for your outdoor light fixtures

The wide variety of available bulbs (also referred to as "lamps" in the lighting industry) means that you can tailor your choice to your needs. We will give you some ideas about the many light bulbs you can put in outdoor light fixtures.

Bulb type and light output

You might prefer soft illumination in some areas, bright in others. Watts are a measure of electricity consumed, but some bulbs yield more light than others of equal wattage. Remember the longer the distance of light throw, or the greater the intensity desired, the more light output required.

Efficiency and energy savings
Some types are more efficient than others. Low voltage for example, can save energy by concentrating light beams, but it generally lacks the equivalent beam throw of line voltage. Newer 65-and 120-watt incandescent bulbs yield up to 25% more light. New compact fluorescent bulbs provide soft lighting and the highest energy savings. Mercury vapor bulbs offer strong illumination with energy savings, but project a cool color suitable only for greenery.

Cost and durability
It may seem obvious that bulbs which deliver more light and are more efficient generally cost more. Some cost considerably more. But you must also compare the rated lamp life, since some lamps costing several times more usually last several times longer.
Incandescent

Incandescent A -Standard type commonly used around the home. Inexpensive, but yields less light than other incandescent.

Incandescent R -Reflector type, either flood or concentrated spotlight. About twice the light output of A bulbs.

Incandescent PAR -Projector type for maximum output about four times that of A bulbs. Best for floodlighting and long light throws.

Quartz/Incand.Tungsten-Halogen -Compact light source which provides a consistently bright light. Also available as a reflector (MR) and as a projector (PAR) type. These fit into smaller and less obtrusive fixtures.

Fluorescent -While long tubes are primarily used for walls, banisters and signs, compact f luorescent bulbs provide a soft light quality and the highest energy savings. (Some temperature restrictions apply.)

Mercury Vapor/High Pressure Sodium -This family, known as high-intensity discharge, provide intense light at low energy cost. Their color renditions limit use, and they do not go on immediately-they must warm up.
Note: Most of the above types are available for either 120-volt or 12-volt systems, but you must specify the system. Fluorescent, Mercury Vapor and High Pressure Sodium are for 120-volt only.