Electricity has opened up a new field of garden lighting. It may not
have the charm of gas lighting or oil lighting but, once installed,
electric lighting is a reat deal more convenient. Installation of
mains-supply outdoor lighting requires professional skills. High voltage
electric cables must be protected from water and from mechanical damage.
This is done using protective ducts or armoured cable. Low voltage
electricl lighting operates from a transformer, best located within
a building or protective housing. Low voltage wires can then trail
on the ground.
A wide range of electric fittings is available in a wide range of
materials: uplighters, downlighters, luminous fittings, lamps, lantern,
lanterns, fiber optics, floodlights, spotlights etc. The design of
light fittings has attracted modern designers to work in modern materials:
aluminium, stainless steel, fiber glass. Traditional materials are
also used. Electric lights can be made of copper and glazed. Acrylic
sheeting can replace glass for safety reasons.
Modern and traditional lamp posts are also available. Posts and brackets
are generally painted black. Black paint was the traditional finish
and remains handsome. Clear lacquer is a modern finish, which preserves
the appearance of polished metal. If the metal is un-lacquered, it
develops a soft brown or green patina, which is most affractive in
gardens. Lamp posts are available in cast aluminium but must be fixed
to a concrete base. Aluminium is very strong and yet surprisingly
easy to handle.
