Types of Exterior Low-Voltage Lighting

Pathway

• Pathway or walkway lights sit low to the ground and are used to illuminate steps, a driveway or a walkway at night. These low-voltage lights usually have stakes that you push into the ground to hold them in place. Pathway lights generally are available in plastic or in metal such as copper or steel. Metal pathway lights last longer than plastic lights under harsh conditions such as heavy snow or wind. Pathway lights are available in different shapes, colors and sizes. The number of pathway lights that are in a single package varies, but usually 10 or more are packaged together.

Spotlight

• A spotlight illuminates a particular object, including a tree, decoration and garden bed. Generally, low-voltage spotlights are used simply to highlight interesting areas of a landscape, but you also can use them to illuminate dark areas for security purposes. Each spotlight usually has a hood over the top of the light to direct its light beam toward an object that you want to illuminate. Spotlights are brighter than pathway lights and also include a stake to secure them into the ground. Usually, spotlights are sold individually or in packs of two lights.

Deck

• Low-voltage deck lights are usually small, covered lights that direct light toward the floor of the deck. That allows you to see and enjoy your deck at night but not be blinded by bright lights. Deck lights are often placed on the top railing of the deck, on the front side of steps or even under built-in deck seats. Deck lights are often sold individually or in packs of two or three lights.

Post

• A post lamp sits on top of a piece of metal or wood and illuminates a wide area. For example, a street post lamp adds light to several feet of a street. A low-voltage post lamp also can be used to illuminate steps. Purchasers usually have the choice between just the light or the post and light. Post lamps are available in a variety of styles and colors, and they usually are made of metal.