Intermatic Malibu Low Voltage and Sun-Powered Solar Lights

Outdoor lighting differs from indoor lighting because it is water-resistant and protected from the elements. Intermatic Malibu outdoor lighting is available in two types:

  • Malibu low voltage lighting, which runs directly from a transformer and plugs into a main socket.

  • Malibu sun-powered solar accent lights, which uses a specially designed solar collection panel to convert sunlight into electrical power providing up to 15 hours of light when fully charged.

By using both low voltage and solar accent lighting, people are able to optimize their outdoor lighting system in order to create a beautiful landscape day and night.

Getting Started With garden Lighting

When it comes to mixing and matching lighting, there is no simple formula to create the perfect lightscape. The first step is to understand the different types of lighting techniques and their benefits, including:

Downlighting

Lights are placed above an object or area and aimed downward to imitate natural light. Downlighting is often used to provide security to an area. The best places for downlighting is along walkways and steps, to outline driveways, mark garden paths and flowerbeds and accent patios and decks. Fixtures of this type may include flood or spot lights as well as in-ground fixtures.

Backlighting

Often used for security, backlighting is usually placed to cast a silhouette on a wall for a sticking effect or directed onto a surface behind the object that is to be lighted. Backlighting highlights architectural features behind large bushes around doors and windows. The best places for backlighting is to accent trees and bushes, illuminate walls and fences and to light up a homes exterior.

Uplighting

Lights are placed at ground level with the lights aiming upward to highlight focal points in the landscape. The lights upward positioning allows light source to create dramatic patterns of light and shadows. Uplighting is used to beautify specific areas and best used to create a focal point, highlight small trees and shrubs and to illuminate fountains and garden statuary.

Planning Your Lightscape

The second step in creating a mix and match lighting plan is to create a drawing of your home and layout the general elements you want to light. Include walkways, steps, driveways patios, landscaping, gardens and decks. Assess the property by walking around the yard and deciding on a focal point and other areas that will benefit from outdoor lighting.

The following questions can be helpful:

  • What are the most attractive features of your yard?

  • Which areas need to be lit for security?

  • Which areas need to be lit for safety?

  • What are some areas that would benefit from the presence of a beautiful light fixture even during the day?

  • And, finally, what are some areas that would benefit from nighttime illumination?

Selecting Lighting Fixtures

After drawing up a sketch, the third step is to become familiar with the different types of low voltage and solar lighting available. There are six different types of lighting options, and many of the fixtures within these options are available in a complete light kit or as individual fixtures. In addition, many low voltage and solar lights are available in the same complementary fixture styles.

Floodlights

Floodlights direct light from the ground up, drawing attention to landscape foliage. They are often used to accent shrubbery and large trees so people can enjoy their beauty at night. Floodlights are also useful to illuminate fences and architectural surfaces. Intermatic Malibu metal floodlights offer a 4- watt, 7-watt, 11-watt, 20-watt and 35-watt bulb and come in a variety of finishes, including the popular antique copper finish (CS508K) and the pewter finish (CS508P0). There are also nine different versions available in black. If you are looking for a floodlight to fade nicely into your landscape, try the new solar Polyresin Rock Floodlight with three white LEDs.

Walk Lights

Walk lights are usually taller fixtures that allow light to disperse over a large area to provide more illumination to surrounding surfaces. These versatile and affordable lights are useful to light up pathways, gardens and entryways. They can be as beautiful and natural looking as the landscape itself. Intermatic Malibu walk lights are available in an assortment of eye-catching designs, including the new low voltage sun-powered solar Wooden Pagoda Light. If you are looking for the same type of look in low voltage, try the metal, 18-watt Mission Path Light (CS230) in aged brass.

Surface/Deck Lights

Surface and deck lights are a very nice way to keep your pool and deck area well lit and safe for night use. These lights have an unprecedented measure of quality, strength, and durability for easy installation. The subtle system of lights provides not only the necessary directional lighting, but also enhances the beauty and look wherever they are placed. You can mount these lights directly onto the surfaces of walls, fences, decks and gazebos. They help to direct foot traffic around steps, benches, railing and more. Intermatic Malibu offers a wide selection of low voltage and solar surface and deck lights, including the newly available 4-watt low voltage mounted deck light in a oiled bronze or architectural bronze finish. If you are looking to try solar, check out the solar floating light with white LED and color changing circuitry. It offers a rainbow of fun.

Specialty Lights

These stunning lights add accent to a space, especially in the evening. Their purpose is to set a particular mood or create atmosphere. Intermatic Malibu specialty lights are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and often cast its own unique light pattern to provide lighting to walks and landscapes. Try the new 7-watt low voltage Hanging Flower Basket Light made with an attractive Verde finish, or the metal, 18-watt low voltage Tulip Light in either a Verde or black finish.

Tier Lights

To make the grounds of your home look luxurious and inviting, utilize tiers and shades to direct light downward and minimize the glare. Tier lights are ideal for lighting walks and steps. Intermatic Malibu makes more than a dozen types of low voltage and solar tier lights. For a fashionable look, try the metal and white solar tier light (LZ407) with a pewter finish, or the metal and amber solar tier light (LZ406) with a black finish. For a selection of low voltage lights, try the metal, 7-watt tier light in black (LT13), sand (LT13S) or brushed silver (LT13N) finishes. Theyre the perfect complement to any landscape.

Low Profile Lights

If you want your lighting to blend in with your garden or illuminate light closer to the ground, try low profile lights. These styles of lights are perfect for landscape borders and driveways. Intermatic Malibu makes a line of Bollard Style low voltage outdoor lighting. Each light is made with metal, a 20-watt bulb and features genuine glass. The lights come in four stylish finishes, including black (CL635R), antique copper (CL635RK), sand (CL635RS) and pewter (CL635P).

Power Packs

Before running out to purchase a new low voltage and solar lighting system, take into consideration the size of the power pack needed for the low voltage line. Power Packs range from 44-watt output capacity to 900-watt capacity. To determine the correct size power pack, add up the total bulb wattage of all the lights you plan to operate in your system and match the total bulb wattage to the power pack. It is important that the total bulb wattage must not exceed the power packs wattage output capacity. Once you have chosen the correct power pack, you are ready to shop and install your new lights.

Parting Words

By mixing and matching different lighting products together, consumers are able to create a unique atmosphere around their homes. The 2005 Malibu collection of low voltage and sun-powered solar lights continues to offer consumers the best in design, styling and durability, while providing attractive finishes and colors as well as sec

Press release from Spring Grove, IL (March 1, 2005) With the right mixture of Intermatic Malibu low voltage and sun-powered solar lighting, the fun doesn't have to stop when the sun goes down. No matter your budget or do-it-yourself skills, anyone can create a great atmosphere around their home with simple cost-effective, easy to install and energy efficient outdoor lighting.