Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between low-voltage lighting and high voltage lighting?
A: Here's the difference:

LOW VOLTAGE LIGHTING SYSTEM:

• Extremely safe near pools, ponds and other types of moisture.
• Perfect for coastal properties.
• Can lay unprotected below topsoil or ground cover.
• Easy to move as your garden and/or home grow.
• Bulbs are rather small and allow fixtures to be smaller and less obtrusive in the landscape.
• Creates warm-toned white incandescent light.
• Bulbs are available in low watt type and many beam spreads. More precise lighting effects can be achieved with lower energy costs.
• System can be plugged into an existing outdoor receptacle and there is no need for an electrical contractor in most cases

HIGH VOLTAGE LIGHTING SYSTEM

• All fixtures and connectors must be absolutely waterproof.
• Shock hazard potential when wet.
• Wire must be buried 18 inches and/or placed in a protective conduit
• Difficult to move.
• Lamps are much larger and require larger fixtures to house them.
• Fixtures become a bigger focal point rather than an accent to your home.
• Higher watt bulbs are used and one or two beam spreads produce inappropriate high light levels.
• Lack of beam control creates glare problems for visitors and more expensive to operate.
• Must always be installed by a licensed electrical contractor and local permits may be required.

Q: Why should I not choose solar landscape lighting?
A: Solar fixtures may be cheaper and more energy efficient but in the long run are a waste of time and money.

• Bulbs only go up to 20 watt and may not retain it’s brightness through the night. The fixture will light up but does not illuminate paths, gardens or your home.
• Other lights (street lights or security lights) can affect lights from turning on.
• Fixtures can easily be knocked down by children or pets
• Replacement of batteries as well as bulbs

Q: How does my lighting system work?
A: Coastal Lightscapes offers a low-voltage hands-free system. A stainless steel transformer plugs into a normal outdoor receptacle and light fixtures are wired out from the transformer. Lights can be placed up to 400 feet from your home without any line dimming. The transformer has a photocell and timer. You have the option to run your system dusk till dawn with the photocell or dusk till your specific time off using the photocell and timer. Our system will only add a couple dollars to your electric bill but will add even more value to your home.

Q: What type of bulbs do you use?
A: Coastal Lightscapes uses halogen bulbs, which provide a brilliant white light. Bulbs have a 4,000 - 5,000 hour life and are available from 5 to 75watt and in various degree spreads.

Q: How long will it take to design and install my landscape lighting?
A: After-dark demos should only take an hour of your evening and an average installation usually takes 1 day.

Q: How do I schedule an after-dark demo at my home?
A: If you are located in the Hampton Roads area (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Eastern Shore, Williamsburg or NC border) simply call or email Coastal Lightscapes with your name, number, location and a list of lights you are interested in for your home. Based on your location, there may be a demo fee.

Q: How many lights are included in my system?
A: Systems are custom designed to meet your personal needs. Mix and match spotlights for security, decorative pathway lights, deck lights for ambiance or any other special application that you may need. Systems include transformers with a timer and/or photocell, installation, warranties and options for future maintenance.

Q: What are my payment options?
A: Cash or check only. We require a 20% deposit which is non-refundable but transferable and remaining balance at completion.

Q: What is the warranty on my lighting system?
A: Coastal Lightscapes provides a 6-month full system warranty, which includes free replacement of faulty fixtures, transformers and bulbs. A 10-year warranty is also provided on your fixtures and transformer. This means free replacement of faulty fixtures and/or transformer. Bulbs not included and a service fee applies based on degree of replacement. Both warranties begin after completion of installation.

Troubleshooting Guide

If your system is not working properly, please check the following:

TRANSFORMER

• Make sure white on/off switch(es) are in the "on" position
• Check timer. Arrow should be pointing to the correct time of day. Note: Be sure you are on the right side of the timer AM or PM. Timer turns clockwise.
• Check power at your outlet. If you outlet has a GFI reset button, reset outlet.
• Check circuit breaker box

PHOTOCELL
If you notice that your lights are not coming on at dusk, your photocell may be damaged. Contact us and a new photocell will be installed. This is covered under your warranties.

BULB BURNOUT TIPS
After you have noticed that a bulb is out, check the connection of the bulb within the fixture.

Adjust bulbs during the day and check to see if they come on that night.

SPOTLIGHTS - Open up the fixture by twisting the top off. Hold onto the outer portion of the bulb and press down to make sure there is a proper connection. DO NOT touch the center of the bulb with hands

PATHLIGHTS - Using a tissue or soft cloth, gently push down on bulb to assure proper connection in socket

DECK LIGHTS - Using an Allen Wrench or a Phillips screwdriver (Eyelid Deck Light), open up fixture. Using a tissue or soft cloth, gently push bulb into the socket assuring a proper connection

If the bulb does not come on, bulb needs to be replaced. If you are within your 6-month warranty period, contact us and we will replace your bulbs for free. If your 6-month warranty has expired, you can purchase bulbs in bulk at $7.00/each