Low voltage post cap lighting

Small fixtures that screw directly into the top of a wooden post. You can easily install these lights yourself with minimal cost and effort. To help you get started, here are some useful tips on choosing low voltage post cap lighting.

Decide Where You Want to Install the Lights

The first step in choosing low voltage post cap lighting is deciding where you want to install the lights. Post cap lights are best for illuminating outdoor areas where there’s already a structure for the lights to screw into. Common places to install post cap lights include: Front porches Back porches Stairways Decks Balconies Planters Benches Other outdoor structures where you can affix a light to the top of a wooden post In many cases, you can attach post cap lights to wooden posts that are already on your property. If you have new wooden posts you’re installing as part of a new structure, you can choose to have your electrician include low voltage post cap lights. In some cases, you might also be able to attach post cap lights to metal posts.

Check the Voltage of Your Posts

The next step in choosing low voltage post cap lighting is checking the voltage of your posts. Most post cap lights operate at low voltage (usually between 6 and 12 volts). If you’re installing the lights yourself, you’ll want to make sure your posts are low voltage. If you’re purchasing new posts, you can ask your contractor to install low voltage posts for you. Checking the voltage on existing posts is a two-step process: First, you need to identify the material the post is made of. Next, you need to recognize the voltage rating of that material. Here are some common types of posts and the voltage they operate at: Wood posts : These posts operate at low voltage. Metal posts : These posts operate at high voltage. Concrete posts : These posts operate at low voltage.

LED or Incandescent?

Next, you need to decide whether you want to get an LED post cap lights or incandescent post cap lights. Both types of light are available in a wide variety of colors, so it’s easy to find one that matches the look you’re going for. LEDs are much more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs. They also last longer and are easier to replace. On the other hand, incandescent bulbs create a warmer, homey glow. They’re also less expensive than LEDs. Most low voltage post cap lights are designed for outdoor use. As a result, they’re rated for rain and moisture. That said, you can still get indoor versions of post cap lights.

Pick the Right Color for Light Kit and Housing

Next, you need to pick the right color for light kit and housing for your post cap lights. As you’re browsing through options, keep in mind that the color on the box isn’t always the color you’ll get. Many manufacturers use a standard light color palette to display the lights on their boxes. That said, the color of the light you get might be slightly different than the one on the box.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Post cap lights are low voltage and easy to install. That said, they have some limitations that you need to keep in mind: You’re limited to illuminating one structure at a time. That means you can’t install multiple post cap lights on one post. You can, however, install multiple posts to illuminate a larger area. You can’t wire multiple posts together. If you want to illuminate a larger area, you’ll need to install multiple posts. You can’t use post cap lights to replace a pathway light. Pathway lights are brighter and are installed in the ground near the walkway. Post cap lights are designed to illuminate a post rather than the ground around it.

Conclusion

Choosing low voltage post cap lighting is a great way to add lighting to your front porch or other outdoor space without needing a permit or hiring an electrician. These lights are easy to install and can be used with existing posts on your property. Before you buy, make sure you check the voltage of your posts and pick the right color for light kit and housing. Keep in mind that you’re limited to illuminating one structure at a time and can’t wire multiple posts together.