5 Non-Negotiable Tips for Picking the Best Outdoor Lighting Partner
Published by
Michelle Schwindler
on
Choosing the perfect outdoor lighting partner can be a daunting task. With so many companies and options available, it's crucial to know what to look for to ensure a successful and visually stunning project. At The Sandy Beach Lighting & Design Company, we're passionate about helping our clients create the outdoor space of their dreams. But we also understand that we may not always be the right fit for everyone.
That's why we've put together this guide, "Setting the Bar High: 5 Non-Negotiable Tips for Picking the Best Outdoor Lighting Partner, Even If It's Not Us." Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to make an informed decision when selecting an outdoor lighting company, regardless of whether you ultimately choose our services.
We believe that everyone deserves to have access to exceptional outdoor lighting solutions, and by sharing our expertise, we aim to make the selection process easier and more enjoyable for all. So, let's dive into these five essential tips that should never be compromised, no matter which outdoor lighting company you choose.
- Choose a Dedicated Lighting Company with Certified Expertise
Entrusting your outdoor space transformation to a company that specializes in outdoor lighting design and installation ensures that you're investing in the highest level of industry expertise. A dedicated lighting company that invests in specialized industry training, such as the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP), demonstrates their commitment to maintaining the highest standards and staying up-to-date with the latest best practices.
By choosing a company with Certified Lighting Designers and installation technicians, you can expect:
- Mastery of the nuances and challenges specific to outdoor lighting projects
- Access to cutting-edge solutions tailored to your individual needs
- Confidence in knowing that your project is being handled by certified professionals
Working with a dedicated lighting company that values industry certifications and ongoing education guarantees a professionally managed experience, culminating in an outdoor space that will dazzle and delight for years to come.
- Demand High-Quality Fixtures
Selecting top-notch fixtures is crucial for the success of your outdoor lighting project. When evaluating an outdoor lighting partner, ensure they prioritize high-quality materials and design features in their fixtures. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Materials: Marine-grade virgin brass and CNC-machined, aircraft-grade aluminum offer exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.
- Single Source LEDs: This feature ensures consistent light output and color temperature across your entire lighting system.
- Proper Heat Sink: Effective heat sinks are vital for keeping LEDs cool, extending their lifespan, and maintaining optimal performance.
- High CRI: A Color Rendering Index (CRI) above 90 ensures that the colors in your outdoor space are accurately represented and vibrant.
- Field Serviceable: Fixtures that are easily serviceable on-site make maintenance and repairs more efficient, minimizing downtime.
By insisting on these high-quality features in your outdoor lighting fixtures, you're investing in a solution that delivers superior performance, aesthetics, and longevity.
- Insist on Fail-Proof Connections
Ensuring reliable and safe electrical connections in your outdoor lighting system is vital for its performance, safety, and longevity. That's why it's essential to work with an outdoor lighting partner that uses specialized products like LightingShrink to create fail-proof connections.
LightingShrink addresses common issues with low voltage lighting connections, such as melting and burning over time due to tree roots, plant growth, or thermal cycling. This innovative solution provides a fast and consistent way to make permanent direct burial connections.
Key features of LightingShrink include:
- Patented non-releasing, ratcheting crimping tool that ensures tight connections
- Tin coated, copper barrel stranded wire splice connectors for optimal conductivity and durability
- Heat shrink protection that ensures waterproof and reliably tight connections every time
By insisting on fail-proof connections using LightingShrink for your outdoor lighting project, you'll be investing in a safe, reliable, and long-lasting solution that delivers exceptional performance and peace of mind.
- Prioritize Maintenance and Service for Extended Warranty Benefits
A well-maintained outdoor lighting system not only looks great but also ensures optimal performance and longevity. When choosing an outdoor lighting partner, make sure they offer comprehensive maintenance and service support, regardless of the company you select.
Many manufacturers offer extended warranty benefits for lighting systems that undergo regular maintenance. However, most companies don't emphasize that proper maintenance is necessary to claim warranty coverage.
A reliable maintenance and service program should include:
- Regular inspections: Routine checks to identify any issues or potential problems, such as damaged fixtures or exposed wires.
- Cleaning and adjustments: Periodic cleaning of fixtures, lenses, and bulbs, as well as adjustments to ensure proper lighting angles and coverage.
- System upgrades: Recommendations and implementation of any necessary upgrades to keep your system performing at its best and in line with the latest technologies.
- Responsive repairs: Prompt attention to any issues or malfunctions, ensuring your lighting system is always functioning safely and efficiently.
By prioritizing maintenance and service in your outdoor lighting project, you're not only investing in a hassle-free experience and a lighting system that will continue to enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space but also potentially extending warranty coverage for years to come.
- Insist on Post-Installation Nighttime Walk-Throughs
After your outdoor lighting system is installed, it's essential to evaluate its performance and visual impact during nighttime hours. When selecting an outdoor lighting partner, ensure they offer post-installation nighttime walk-throughs as part of their service, regardless of the company you choose.
A post-installation nighttime walk-through offers several benefits:
- Optimization: Identify any areas that require adjustments or improvements to achieve optimal lighting coverage, intensity, and ambiance.
- Fine-tuning: Make any necessary adjustments to fixture positions, angles, or brightness to ensure your lighting system is tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
- Satisfaction: A walk-through allows you to experience the full impact of your new lighting system and provide feedback, ensuring you're completely satisfied with the final result.
- Troubleshooting: Identify and address any potential issues or concerns immediately, ensuring your lighting system is safe, efficient, and effective from day one.
By insisting on a post-installation nighttime walk-through, you're ensuring that your outdoor lighting project is fine-tuned to meet your unique requirements and expectations, providing you with a beautifully illuminated outdoor space that you can enjoy for years to come.
Conclusion: Invest in Your Outdoor Lighting System
Your outdoor lighting system is a significant investment that can enhance the beauty, safety, and functionality of your outdoor space. Whether you choose our company or another outdoor lighting partner, we want to ensure that you make an informed decision and invest in the right solutions that meet your needs and preferences.
Remember to prioritize the following non-negotiable elements when selecting an outdoor lighting partner:
- Choose a dedicated lighting company
- Insist on high-quality fixtures
- Prioritize fail-proof connections with innovative solutions like LightingShrink
- Prioritize maintenance and service for extended warranty benefits
- Insist on post-installation nighttime walk-throughs
By prioritizing these elements, you'll be investing in a lighting system that delivers exceptional performance, safety, and longevity. We hope that you found this write-up informative and helpful, and we wish you the best of luck in your outdoor lighting project.