Total Outdoor Lighting Blog

Valuable information from Outdoor Landscape lighting experts.

  • Shedding Light on the Dilemma: LED Landscape Lighting and Electric Gate Opener Woes

    Introduction:

    Picture this: a picturesque evening, your beautifully landscaped garden bathed in the warm glow of LED landscape lighting. However, amidst the serene ambiance, a not-so-welcome issue arises - interference with your electric gate openers. In this blog, we'll delve into the world of LED landscape lighting and its unexpected impact on the smooth operation of your electric gates.

     

    The Beauty of LED Landscape Lighting:

    LED landscape lighting has become a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces. These energy-efficient lights offer a spectrum of colors, are long-lasting, and can transform any yard into a captivating wonderland after dark. However, the very features that make LEDs attractive can sometimes lead to unforeseen challenges.

    The Intricacies of Electric Gate Openers:

    Electric gate openers have simplified our lives, providing convenience and security at the touch of a button. These systems rely on precise communication between the remote control and the gate opener unit. Any interference in this communication can lead to operational glitches, leaving you frustrated and potentially stranded outside your property.

     

    The Unseen Culprit: Electromagnetic Interference (EMI):

    The culprit behind the interference conundrum is often electromagnetic interference (EMI). LED landscape lights emit electromagnetic radiation during operation, which can interfere with the radio frequency signals used by electric gate or garage door openers. This interference can manifest in various ways, from delayed gate response to complete failure.

    Finding a Solution:

    • Distance Matters: Assess the proximity of your LED lights to the gate opener. Increasing the distance between them can mitigate interference.
    • Shielding Options: One of our customers found success using Ferrite Beads and Cores to reduce Electromagnetic or Radio Frequency (RF) interferences

    Types of Ferrite Components:

    • Ferrite Beads: These are typically small cylindrical components with a hole in the center through which a wire or cable can pass. They are often used to filter EMI on signal and power lines.
    • Ferrite Cores: These are usually toroidal or cylindrical and can be used to wind wires through them. They are used as inductors and transformers to suppress EMI.
    • Finding the Product: Our customer remedied the EMI with these Ferrite Ring Core Suppressor Cable Clips* from Amazon.

    Consulting the Experts:

    If DIY solutions prove ineffective, it's advisable to consult with a licensed electrician before starting any installation or if you have any further questions. They can assess the specific characteristics of your setup and provide tailored recommendations to minimize interference.

    Conclusion:

    For more information, check out this YouTube video. When you view the video, note the comments others had. You might find a workable solution in the comments. If this solves the problem, note of thanks in the YouTube comments.

    While our LED landscape lighting can elevate the aesthetics of your outdoor space, it's essential to be mindful of potential interference with electric gate openers. By understanding the dynamics of EMI and implementing strategic solutions, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – a beautifully lit garden and a smoothly operating electric gate. So, shed some light on the issue, and let your outdoor ambiance and security coexist harmoniously.

    Thank you for dropping by our website. We are a small family business. No matter where you shop for your landscape lighting, we encourage you to consider buying from a small business. Have a blessed day!

    *We are affiliated with Amazon and earn a small commission on purchased made through our links to Amazon.

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    Tags: LED Lighting, Troubleshooting, Electrical, Noise

  • The Magic of Christmas

    Ok, yes. I am one of those crazy November first freaks that take down Halloween, and I head straight to Christmas right away. Do not pass go; do not collect two hundred dollars. There is just something about the magic of Christmas that makes me feel lighter and joyful. With all of the different traditions, the lights and glitter, the warmth and coziness, the trees (I have fourteen of them!), even the Scroogiest of Scrooges can't help but find at least one thing that makes them smile. Christmas is that very special time of year carved out to help us focus on what matters most to us.

    There are so many things that make Christmas magical, and one of them is the lights. I am blessed to have a little perch here in Albuquerque that gives me an unobstructed view of the city lights. I can go out in the late evening or early morning and enjoy the calmness and tranquility, knowing each one of those lights is a car, an office building, or a home with someone in them going about their merry Christmas way. I get to watch as the city sparkles more and more during the Christmas season.

    A few years ago, when the pandemic hit and we were looking at shutting down the world, my neighborhood put up their Christmas lights in early summer. When things were solemn, and we did not know what the future would hold, we put up something that brought us hope and did this one special thing that let everyone know we were in this together, this one little thing that brought a little magic to our corner and we kept them up through the holiday season.

    That very next year, I decided to upgrade my K-mart blue light specials to Total Lighting Supply's LED Christmas lights. I was worried about LEDs as I like the warmth of incandescent light. So, I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the warm white C7 and mini lights looked on my home. They are brighter, but I do not lose out on the old-world magic I try to recreate every winter with my décor. It is also wonderful to have a little more stocking stuffer money with the savings of making that upgrade.

    Now, it is almost a contest to see who puts up their lights first, and my lights are going up today! I am so excited to show my joy of the season and just as excited to see everyone else's. I am going on my third year now using these same lights, and they work just as wonderful as they did on the first day.

    As we move into the season of remembering that very special gift bestowed on us a little more than two thousand years ago, ponder what it is that makes your Christmas magical. Is it the lights, the trees, the family, the Christmas movies, or the simple peace of the winter? Whatever it is, I invite you to take the time to curl up with a cozy blanket and a cup of hot cocoa and give thanks for the beauty of it.

    Check out this short video of how I transformed my house into the magic of Christmas!

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  • Using a Wall Switch with the Smartest LED Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Transformer

    TLS100-UNV Smart Transformer TLS100-UNV Smart Transformer

    In this final video of our series on the smartest led low voltage landscape lighting transformer, we discuss using a Wall Switch to control turning low voltage outdoor landscape lighting on or off by a simply flip of a switch. It's flipping simple!

    TLS100-UNV Information Page

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  • Using WiFi with the Smartest LED Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Transformer!

    TLS100-UNV Smart Transformer TLS100-UNV Smart Transformer

    We continue our video series on our TLS100-UNV LED low voltage landscape lighting transformer and its amazing flexibility and ease of use. In this video, we demonstrate how simple it is to use WiFi or use your existing home automation system with our WiFi Compatible outdoor lighting transformer. There's no downloading and installing of any an app. Use the one you already have. You won't believe it until you see it. Yet another reason the is the smartest outdoor low voltage lighting transformer.

    TLS100-UNV Information Page

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    Tags: LED low voltage lighting, Smart Transformer, WiFi Transformer, Home Automation, Wireless, Smart Lighting

  • Using a Photocell & Timer with the Smartest LED Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Transformer Video

    TLS100-UNV Smart Transformer TLS100-UNV Smart Transformer

    We go into great details to show you how to use a heavy duty photocell and mechanical timer with the smartest LED low voltage landscape lighting transformer ever made ? Complete with voltage diagrams outlining the flow of electricity and how to quickly and easily troubleshoot issues if they should arise.

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    Tags: LED transformer, Smart Transformer, WiFi Transformer, Photocell, Timer

  • LED Low Voltage Christmas Lights not just for Christmas

    LED low voltage Christmas Lights aren't just for Christmas . . .

    You can use them year round. Hang 'em around your yard wrapping it around a tree trunk, a walk way bush, in a garden, around a pond, by a pool . . . the sky is the limit!

    Also, if you already have low voltage landscape lighting installed these LED Christmas lights will work with your existing outdoor lighting system. It simply wires right in! Turn your outdoor living space magical ?

    Let us know where you would hang your LED low voltage Christmas lights in the comments below ?

    Shop our affordable LED low voltage Christmas Lights

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    Tags: Landscape lighting, LED Christmas Lights, Low Votlage, Yard Lights, Pond Lights, Security Lights, Path Lights, Walkway Lights

  • Using a Timer with the Smartest LED Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Transformer Video

    TLS100-UNV Smart Transformer TLS100-UNV Smart Transformer

    We go into great depths to show you how to use a simple mechanical timer in the smartest LED low voltage landscape lighting transformer ever made ? Complete with a voltage diagram outlining the flow of electricity and how to quickly and easily troubleshoot issues if they should arise.

    TLS100-UNV Information Page

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    Tags: Landscape lighting, LED Lighting, Smartest Transformer

  • Testing the Smartest LED Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Transformer Video

    TLS100-UNV Smart Transformer TLS100-UNV Smart Transformer

    So you have your TLS100-UNV, the smartest low voltage landscape lighting transformer ever made, in our opinion, already to go but your lights are not coming on? In this video we walk you through how to test your transformer to easily and quickly get your yard magical :)

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    Tags: Landscape lighting, LED Lighting, Smartest Transformer

  • Unboxing the Smartest Landscape Lighting Transformer Video

    TLS100-UNV Smart Transformer TLS100-UNV Smart Transformer

    In our unboxing of the smartest LED low voltage landscape lighting transformer ever made video, in our opinion, we go over all the features our customers wanted in an outdoor landscape lighting transformer. Plus we include some helpful tips for getting the most out of the transformer and using it out in the field :)

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    Tags: LED low voltage lighting, Smart Transformer, WiFi Transformer

  • Beautiful Hawaiian Outdoor LED Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Project Revealed Video

    Looking for some ideas on how to bring LED low voltage landscape lighting to your yard and not sure where to start? Our video can help you visualize what using our LED-S215 path light, LED-FG1021 spot light and LED-B7011 step lights can quickly achieve. You will find links to our products conveniently placed below for easy access to these products.

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    LED Hawaii Lighting making the magic happen in this video

    OUR MOST POPULAR LED black landscape lighting non-corrosive composite hooded spot light low voltage warm white LED-S215-BK
    OUR MOST POPULAR LED black landscape lighting non-corrosive composite hooded spot light low voltage warm white LED-FG1021-BK
    LED Outdoor low voltage landscape lighting solid cast brass round hood surface step light architectural bronze LED-B7011-ARB

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    Tags: Landscape lighting, LED Lighting, Hawaii Lights, Lighting Hawaii

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