Landscape Lighting Design Flashcards

Which IP (Ingress Protection) rating is the minimum recommended for fully buried landscape lighting fixtures?

Answer: IP68

IP68 is the highest waterproofing rating (protected against continuous immersion), recommended for fixtures that may be fully submerged or buried in wet soil.

What is 'zoning' in a landscape lighting control system?

Answer: Dividing a lighting system into independently controlled circuits or zones to allow different scenes and schedules for different areas

Zoning divides a landscape lighting system into independently controlled circuits, allowing different areas (front entry, patio, garden beds) to be controlled separately with different scenes, schedules, and dimming levels.

What is the primary advantage of LED fixtures over traditional halogen in landscape lighting?

Answer: LED is significantly more energy-efficient, has a longer lifespan, and produces less heat

LED landscape fixtures consume 75–80% less energy than halogen equivalents, last 25–50 times longer, and generate far less heat, making them the dominant choice in modern landscape lighting.

What does 'layered lighting' mean in a comprehensive landscape lighting design?

Answer: Combining different lighting techniques (accent, ambient, task, safety) to create a balanced, multidimensional nighttime landscape

Layered lighting combines multiple techniques — accent, ambient, task, and safety lighting — to create depth, interest, and functional illumination throughout the landscape rather than relying on a single type of fixture.

What NEC (National Electrical Code) requirement applies to all outdoor landscape lighting low-voltage transformers?

Answer: They must be GFCI protected and listed for outdoor use when connected to 120V household current

The NEC requires that the 120V outlet supplying a low-voltage landscape lighting transformer be GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected and the transformer must be listed for outdoor installation.

What is 'path lighting' primarily designed to achieve in a landscape lighting plan?

Answer: To provide safe, visible illumination of walkways, steps, and transitions for navigation and safety

Path lighting's primary purpose is to safely illuminate walkways, steps, and grade changes so people can navigate the landscape safely at night, with aesthetics as a secondary consideration.