LIGHTING | FIRE | WATER | AUDIO
Lighting Design Tips
WIRING / GAUGE INFO
Wire Gauge / Length / (ft/m) Load Chart
Power (Watts)
10 Gauge
12 Gauge
14 Gauge
16 Gauge
How to Uplight a Tree
0-20 21-40 41-60 61-80 81-100
1860' / 567m 930' / 283m 620' / 189m 470' / 143m 370' / 113m
1150' / 351m 580' / 177m 390' / 119m 290' / 88m 230' / 70m
730' / 223m 370' / 113m 240' / 73m 180' / 55m 140' / 43m
450' / 137m 230' / 70m 150' / 46m 110' / 34m 90' / 27m
No two trees are the same, and how the tree is situated within the landscape design will affect how you illuminate it. To assist you with planning, we have outlined some basic rules you can refer to when uplighting trees.
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Consult Linzel Support Team
Utilize the voltage drop calculation to select the appropriate wire gauge and to determine the voltage that will be delivered to the last fixture on your wire run. This calculation should be done on each wire run to ensure safeand effective operation.
End Fixture Voltage = Transformer Tap Voltage – (Total Watts x Length of Wire / Wire Constant) • Transformer Tap Voltage – Varies by transformer and can be 12V, 13V, 14V or 15V. • Total Watts – The total wattage of each fixture that will be installed on an individual wire run • Length of Wire – The length in feet of an individual wire run. • Wire Constant – Predetermined value, see chart below. We recommend starting with 12 gauge and adjusting if necessary. • End Fixture Voltage – Should be greater that 10V to ensure effective operation. MEDIUM DECIDUOUS
Wire Constants 18 gauge ..........1,380 16 gauge .......... 2,200 12 gauge ..........7,490 10 gauge .......... 11,920 8 gauge ..........18,960
VOLTAGE DROP CALCULATION Calculation Example Transformer Tap Voltage 14V Total Watts On Run 75 Watts Length of Wire (ft) 85 Feet Wire Constant (See Chart) 7,490 End Fixture Voltage 13.15V SMALL DECIDUOUS
• Single accent 35°: Most small, deciduous trees only need one accent light, but it’s important to take the viewing angle into account. If viewed from two angles, the tree may benefit from two accent lights. • Canopy-aimed: The fixture should graze the trunk and point up into the canopy for maximum effect.
• Cross-lighting: While it is possible to use one 60° accent, it is better in most cases to use two 35° lights because they will direct more concentrated light into the canopy. • Position the accent lights so they graze the trunk but are focused on the canopy.
HELP!!?? What if your number is less than 9V? • If possible, select the next highest voltage tap and recalculate. • Decrease the load (eliminate fixtures) on the wire run and recalculate. • Increase the wire gauge and recalculate.
14V
75W
X
85'
7,490
=
13.15V
-
/
Recommended fixtures: One VLO 12V LED Small 60° (16017) or two VLO 12V LED Small 35° (16016).
Recommended fixture: VLO 12V LED Small 35° (16016)
ADDITIONAL UPLIGHTING TIPS
Think About Distance When choosing beam angle, keep in mind that the angle will open up with distance. A 15° beam angle's spread will increase in diameter the further the light travels. On the other hand, a narrow beam width that hits a thick branch close to the ground may get blocked and go no further.
Don't be Afraid to Make Contact Most smaller trees will look best when the beam grazes the trunk on its way up to the canopy. Bring Out the Contrast Narrow beam widths throw more concentrated light on the trunk, creating contrasts and drawing out shadows, variations, bark texture, knots, and other features. By contrast, wide beam spreads soften details. Less is More Don't overpower your landscape features. Instead, aim to create contrast between light and shadows. An overlit tree can distract from an otherwise balanced landscape lighting design. Plan Your Viewing Angles Think about who will be viewing the lighting effects and at what angles. How will the tree appear from the street and from inside the home? More viewing angles may require more accent lights.
15° Beam 35° Beam 60° Beam
Distance (in feet)
Diameter of Beam Spread (in feet)
10'
2.63' 5.27'
6.31'
11.55'
20' 30' 40' 50' 60' 70' 80'
12.61' 18.92' 25.22' 31.53' 37.84' 44.14' 50.45'
23.09' 34.64' 46.19' 57.74' 69.28' 84.02' 100.69'
7.9'
10.53'
13.17'
15.8'
18.43' 21.06'
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4/4/23 11:38 AM
Photo Courtesy of Smart Home Irrigation
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