General Questions

1. Why use a contractor?

   There are many elements to consider when purchasing a landscape lighting system.  Design layout, voltage drop, safety, maintenance contracts - just to name a few.  These are all important factors that can make a difference in your installation and the life of your system. Because of this, Kichler Landscape Lighting does recommend the use of a certified contractor. Remember, this is an investment in your home and you will want it done in the best, most professional manner possible.

2. What materials are your Landscape lights made from?

   The outdoor environment requires robust construction, so we use architectural grade materials. Kichler uses marine grade aluminum and premium copper content brass and bronzed materials. Fasteners and hardware feature stainless steel durability. transformer housings are made of steel with powder coat or stainless steel options.

3. What about the finish? Will it last?
   Outdoor reliability requires outdoor coatings. Kichler uses baked thermal set powder coatings over both aluminum and brass fixtures. Kichler tests for UV, heat, salt and scoring. Natural brass is processed from premium grade materials of copper, zinc and tin. Bronzed Brass is chemically treated to appear in earth tone colors at installation, while our composite products are constructed of heavy-duty polymers that are resistant to moisture absorption, corrosion and the effects of ultaviolet (UV).
4. Will the finish change color?
   Copper, brass and bronzed brass will patina over time (a natural verdigris aging process popular in the outdoors).  Finishes for fixtures installed outdoors are subject to change due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, airborne pollutants and other forms of weathering.
5. What should I use in a salty air area?
   Brass and copper fixtures are often superior in salt air conditions.

Basic Lighting Tips

1. How should I prepare when shopping for lighting?
   First, know your budget.  Second, if possible, look for pictures from magazines that reflect your taste. 
2. Steel vs. Solid Brass or Copper – How do you tell the difference?
   Simply place a magnet on the metal portion of a lighting fixture.  If it sticks, it’s steel.  If it doesn’t, it’s solid brass or copper, which is generally more costly.
3. Casting or Stamping – How are they different?
   Casting is generally heavier with more detail and durability.  Whereas stamping is lighter, less detail and durable.  Generally, cast fixtures are slightly more expensive than stamped products.
   

Maintaining Landscape Lighting Fixtures

1. How do I clean a Landscape Lighting fixture?

   Clean the fixture to remove all debris - use soap and water if necessary. Calcium Lime Remover (CLR) can be used to remove lime deposits from lenses.

2. How can I protect the finish of the Landscape Lighting fixtures?

   A silicone spray can be used to help protect the finish on all fixtures.

   In coastal areas, some contractors use Plasti-Dip, a clear flexible coating which can be used to protect the fixtures from the affects of the salt air.

3. How often should I change the lamps?

   Change the lamps at least once a year - twice a year may be required depending on homeowner's usage. When changing lamps, use a corrosion preventative compound on the base of the bayonet - based sockets as well as the pins on the MR 16's.

4. What’s the best way to protect sockets and components?

   Where you have metal sockets or components, use a corrosion preventative compound to help prevent corrosion.

5. What are some practical tips to make my job maintaining the Landscape Lighting fixtures easier?

   1) Straighten fixtures and remove or cut back excess plant growth.

   2) Leave behind a diagram and list of equipment for your landscape design and tape it to the back of the transformer panel.

Trouble Shooting

1. The lights are dim?
   - Check for loose connections.
   - Check loading on transformer – do not load over “VA” rating.
   - Check run length.  Runs over published length may be too dim.
2. One light is out?
   - Try light bulb first – use one from fixture that does light first.
   - Check Quic Disc or splice for firm connection.
3. The system doesn't work?
   - Check on/off switch.  If timer is being used, make sure it is on.
   - Check power source.  Is it a live outlet?  Is it on?
   - Put tape over photo eye and wait 2 minutes.  (Do you know there is a delay built in to avoid nuisance turning on and off?)
4. The system turns on and off?
   - System may be overloaded.  Check total wattage.
5. The Quic connect is not connecting?
   - Check 12/2 cable.  If it is not Kichler cable, dimensions of outer jacket may be wrong for our connector.