Total Outdoor Lighting Blog

  • Meet the Smartest Landscape Lighting Transformer - Video

    TLS100-UNV Smart Transformer TLS100-UNV Smart Transformer

    It's the smartest because it meets the needs of so many of our customers. It's the smartest because it will work with any home automation system, It's the smartest because it's easy to use. It's the smartest because it tell's you if it's working. It's the smartest because it's simple and easy to use. It's the smartest because . . . well we could go on. Watch the video and see for yourself :)

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    Tags: LED low voltage lighting, Landscape Lighting Transformer, Smart Transformer, Simple Transformer

  • Spotting Magical Landscape Lighting

    As spring draws near, people will be spending more time walking around your neighborhood. I don’t know about you, when I am taking my evening walk, a well-placed spotlight is quite remarkable. Here are some inspirational pictures using directional lighting in your yard.

    uplight hedge

    uplight palm tree

    spot shrub

    uplight plant

    uplight oak

     

    LED Spot Light LED Spot Light
    LED Spot Light Complete Kits LED Spot Light Complete Kits

     

    For more information about landscape lighting, check out our kits and videos.

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    Tags: led landscape lighting, LED spot lighting, LED low voltage lighting, Directional Lighting, uplighting, bullet lighting, tree lighting

  • Two Shipping Myths Big Business Doesn’t Want You to Know

    Two Shipping Myths Big Business Doesn’t Want You to Know

    Who doesn’t like saving money? How many times have you left a website because they didn’t offer free shipping? As a small family-operated online retail company, we get hundreds of questions a day. However, the most popular questions we get are about shipping prices. Almost everyone wants free shipping.  Today we are going to share the top two myths big business doesn’t want you to know.

    Myth 1: Free Shipping Always Saves Me Money!

    The other guy offers free shipping, why don’t you?  We get this question every day, and every day we tell our customers the same thing. “Shipping isn’t Free.” In all our years of business, we haven't found a single carrier who is willing to ship our orders for free. In fact, every week, our shipping carrier sends us that pesky little invoice requesting payment for service. 

    Shipping CostSo how does that other guy get away with calling it free shipping then? Here is what they don’t tell you. Let’s say you order a recessed trim for $21.41 with free shipping, and live in a state with 10% sales tax. The cost of the trim is $2.41 and the shipping cost is $19.00. However, you are getting free shipping so these two costs are combined into 1 line item. The 10% sales tax on the $21.41 trim is $2.14, making your total order $23.55. It is only $2.14.”I can’t get a cup of coffee for that much.” “I am getting free shipping, so I don’t mind giving away my money.”

    What if the other guy decided to charge you shipping?  Let’s find out. Back to our favorite $2.41 recessed trim. Because they charge you shipping, the $19.00 is a separate line item. This means the 10% sales tax is only being applied to the $2.41 trim, making the order total $21.62 instead of $23.55. You just saved $1.93!! Still not a cup of coffee, but savings is savings.

    Now that we know sometimes free shipping isn’t always the best deal. I bet you are wondering “Why does it cost $19.00 to ship that $2.41 trim.” You are not alone. Let’s see why.

    Myth 2: The Cost Of Shipping Depends On The Cost Of The Order.  

    How could something so inexpensive, cost so much to ship? This recessed lighting trim has to go into a box so it gets to you undamaged. No one wants to delay their DIY project due to a cracked or dented trim. To prevent this mishap, the warehouse puts bubble wrap, air cushions, or paper inside the box to prevent movement. Then they tape, and label the box. We want to focus on the shipping cost, not the handling costs, right?  We use UPS to ship this trim; however, all the common carriers are about the same. 

    How are shipping costs determined? All the popular shipping carriers have a shipping calculator on their website. This calculator asks for the delivery location, the dimensions of the box ( Length, Width, and Height), and the weight of the box. With that information, they will tell you how long and how much it cost depending on when you want the package. We use ground service as it is the least expensive. In our $2.41 trim example, we enter the following information: Miami, Florida, 11” x 8” x 8”, and 1 pound. Why Miami? We have been shipping a lot of boxes there right now, but you can go to UPS.com to test this for your location. 

    UPS Billable WeightIf the box weighs 1 lb, why is the billable weight 5 lbs? All shipping carriers combine the weight and the size of the box to determine the actual cost to transport your package from us to you. The industry calls this “dimensional weight.” After plugging all this information in the shipping calculator, the cost to ship this trim ground from New Mexico to Miami, Florida is $19.00.

    What if I put a $5,000 diamond ring into the same box, would it cost more? The delivery location is the same, the box dimensions are the same, and it weighs less than a pound. Using the handy shipping calculator, we find that it still costs $19.00 to ship UPS ground from New Mexico to Miami, Florida. 

    If shipping isn’t free, why do we offer free shipping? First, we know that is what people want. Many times that is the first thing consumers seek out when buying online  Second, we need to stay competitive, and offering “free shipping” on some of our products helps us do that.  We are a small family business and we have to try to compete.  If you run a small business you know how hard this can be.

    Same Box Size

    Why do we still charge shipping on some items, if people want free shipping? Well, we want to give our customers the opportunity to find the best deal for their project. Many times a customer can save money having shipping as a separate line item, especially when buying larger quantities or heavier items.

    We know you have choices out there, and hopefully, after reading this you are a more informed consumer that will choose Total Lighting Supply for your next lighting project.

     

     

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    Tags: Big Business, Dimensional Weight, DIY Projects, Family Operated Business, Free Shipping, Getting a Deal, Myths, Saving Money, Savvy Shopper, Shop Local, Small Business

  • LED 12volt AC Christmas Lights for your existing Outdoor Lighting System & Overview

    LED 12volt Christmas LightsUse your existing 12volt AC low voltage outdoor lighting system to bring Christmas string lights to your yard, business, patio and more. These unobtrusive lights We show you the ins and outs of this unique low voltage Christmas light helping make it easier and faster for you to install and operate :)

     

    Get your LED 12volt Christmas Lights and make your place magical!

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    Tags: led, Low Voltage, Christmas Lights, String Lights

  • Make Magic with our Popular Round Top LED Path Light Video

    A customer favorite for both lighting the way and accenting your garden, our LED-S225 stands out as one of our most popular Landscape LED fixtures. The reflective round top shade gets the light down and out without unsightly glare, the protected bulb housing with glass lens and extra large heavy duty spike helps keep the path light secure in place making this fixture a great addition to your existing low voltage outdoor landscape lighting system or the perfect choice for a band new installation. Included with the LED-S225 is the warm natural LED light bulb that can be easily replaced, so there's no need to trash the fixture if there is a problem with the LED or if you just want to make a change light bulb it's all possible. Can you say sustainable and environmentally friendly? Make your outdoor space magical and special all year long ?

    Shop the LED Round Top Path Light

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    Tags: Path Light, Landscape lighting, Low Voltage, LED Lighting, Walkway Light, Make Magic

  • Pro Series Heavy Duty ESL40W Stainless Steel Analog Transformer Overview

    Outdoor ESL40W Low Voltage LED TransformerRated for outdoor use the stainless steel ESL40W transformer is built to weather the harshest weather while lasting a very long time with its magnetic core. Included in all ESL units is an easy to use mechanical analog timer, manual reset button, enclosed terminal compartment, grounded three-prong power cable and photocell. The ESL40W is fully serviceable and provides 12volt low voltage and a 15volt boost so you can bring power to your LED low voltage outdoor landscape lights at a great distances. See our video link below on when to use this 15volt option. Available in 40 to 300watt configurations.

    Check out the ESL40W

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    Tags: Low Voltage, transformer, Analog Transformer, Stainless Steel, ESL Series

  • 1 Big Reason Why Your Digital Malibu Lighting Transformer is Failing Video

    Malibu Lighting went out of business in 2014 and from our understanding their digital low voltage transformers were made up until that time. You can still find these transformers in the market for sale but there is one issue causing these magnetic transformer to fail. Join us as we unfold the mystery.

     

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    Tags: transformer, Failing, Malibu Lighting, Troubleshooting

  • How Coronavirus COVID-19 is disrupting the Lighting Product Supply Chain

    VirusMany of our customers have asked how the Coronavirus / COVID-19 virus is affecting our lighting supply chain.

    They are concerned about stock running out on many of our lighting products such as track lighting, recessed lighting, LED T8 retrofit conversion lighting, LED low voltage outdoor landscape lighting and lighting parts, accessories and LED light bulbs that are almost all manufactured in China. They have large projects underway and the lighting must be installed at a specific point in time or the project is put on hold as the finish work can not be completed without it in place.

    In November, our primary factory told us to order for the annual Chinese New Year closure and  include one more month after, to ensure that the factory can have time to gear up after the holiday season. We did so and increased our order 30% just to be safe. This all took place before the Coronavirus took center stage in China and world. Then the virus hit and the factory remained closed and did not restart production.

    Container Ship SunsetWe purchased enough product to cover us until the end of March. 

    We expected that the factory would be back to work on a limited basis by the first week of February and we would have new product on the water (i.e. in a container ship heading our way to the United States) by the middle of the month. Unfortunately, this did not happen. We are now at the second week of March and there is very limited product in production and the shipping and delivery dates are still not guaranteed. We have some products expected by the end of March and the rest will arrive sometime later. You will see on our website that some items that are out of stock do not have an expected delivery date as they are not in production yet.

    We have had large delays before, the last big delay was back during the last dock worker union port strike in Los Angeles. It was very disruptive and it went on much longer than expected.

    Warehouse Full ShelvesIf you have a project that has a construction time-line, please contact us so we can ensure you have product in hand or on the move to avoid costly delays and pricey air shipping expenses.

    We do our best to help you from going over budget and get your project delivered on or before it is needed.  All of our orders ship complete unless you tell us to do otherwise. Incomplete shipping can create greater confusion, frustration and disruption that you simply don’t need added to your project. We want to avoid this at all costs.

    Communication is the most important factor in guaranteeing success.  Feel free to contact us. We are here to help.

    Shipping ContainersFor now, check your project schedule, wash your hands with soap and shut off CNN. We like websites like John Hopkins University, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) website for real facts on the virus, not “news” reporters running around like chicken little.

    Thank you for reading our update and feel free to contact us with questions and project schedules. Again, we are here to help :)

     

     

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  • LED Low Voltage Outdoor Landscape Lighting - Magical in Summer & Winter Video

    No matter the season, summer, winter, fall or spring LED low voltage outdoor landscape lighting can make your yard magical. Thanks to our good friend HandyDADTV who braved the cold to get some amazing video and pictures of the LED low voltage outdoor landscape lights covered in snow that he installed in the summer and made a superb video. Come watch the magic!

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    LED Low Voltage Outdoor Landscape Lighting used in the video

    RUST LED outdoor landscape lighting hat path light warm white Most Popular LED-S215-RU
    LED LED-S220-BR bronze outdoor landscape lighting flower path light low voltage warm white LED-S220-BR
    OUR MOST POPULAR LED black landscape lighting non-corrosive composite hooded spot light low voltage warm white LED-FG1021-BK
    OUR MOST POPULAR LED black outdoor landscape lighting hooded flood light low voltage warm white LED-6011-BK

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  • Landscape Lighting Tips from Industry Pros

    Photo of relaxing area outside of mansion at night - photo by Vision Green Landscape Photo of relaxing area outside of mansion at night - photo by Vision Green Landscape

    Without proper landscape lighting, an otherwise stunning home can be rendered dull once the sun goes down. An awe-inspiring landscape has properly positioned, precisely illuminated, strategically selected landscape lighting in all the right spaces to enhance aesthetic, mood, and safety. Thankfully, an experienced landscape lighting technician can make bring any landscape to life. We’re here to share some of their best tips with you.

    1. Choose the Right Light

    Every different mood, location, and object has a type of light that will work best. For instance, if you’re looking to highlight large bushes or trees, floodlights are an excellent choice. Low lights at the end of a pool, pointing away, can cast a warming glow across its surface when viewed from a window or back deck. For illuminating structures or walls, well lighting is an excellent choice.

    If you’re looking to have guests over on a warm night on a deck, patio, or porch, the optimal mood and guest experience come down to lighting. Accent lighting is an excellent choice for highlighting a patio’s features, while recessed deck lights can create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

    Picture of beautiful residence with garden at night photo by Vision Green Landscape Picture of beautiful residence with garden at night - photo by Vision Green Landscape
    1. Direction Makes a Difference

    Should your lighting come from above or below? The two effects can create vastly different landscapes. Downlighting can be used to illuminate strategically selected trees throughout the yard. The light shines down like moonlight, dipping through the leaves, skirting the branches, and creating beautifully patterned shadows below. It can also be used to highlight walkways.

    Uplighting comes from the ground up to highlight a wall, garden feature, tree, or other large structure that you want to stick out from the rest of the landscape. This type of highlighting creates a powerful aesthetics for guests and neighbors.

    1. Placement Can Make or Break a Landscape

    If you place landscape lighting in the proper areas, you can significantly increase the property value of your home. In most cases, there are a few objects and spots of focus that require landscape lighting. If you frequently have guests, patios and decks should be well-lit. Gazebos, unique garden features like a fountain or magnificently-tall trees, should be highlighted.

    Illuminated garden by led lighting. backyard garden at night closeup photo - photo by Vision Green Landscape Illuminated garden by led lighting. backyard garden at night closeup photo - photo by Vision Green Landscape

    The location of your lighting also plays a role in crime deterrent and general safety. Burglars thrive on the dark corners of your property. Well-designed landscape lighting can keep your home from becoming a target. Pathways, doors, and porches should all be well-lit to protect yourself when coming home and to deter intruders.

    In addition to deterring intruders and increasing your property value, landscape lighting can prevent injury. Cast light on outdoor stairs, paths, and your driveway. You’ll keep both your family and guests safe throughout the night, and you’ll decrease the likelihood that a passerby injures themselves near your property.

    For outdoor landscape lighting experts in the North Carolina Charlotte area contact Vision Green Landscape.

    Vision Green Landscape
    1530 Queens Rd #503
    Charlotte, NC 28207
    704.309.4424

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    Tags: accent lighting, Path Lighting, Walkway Lighting, Industry Pros, Flood Lighting

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