LED Deck and Step Lights

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The Best Voltage for LED Deck Lighting and Step Lights

The standard voltage of a North American electrical outlet is 110-120 volts. Most residential applications use low-voltage lighting, such as 12V landscape lighting, instead of 120V.

Note: For those planning to redo or install outdoor electrical wiring in systems exceeding 120V, it is crucial to adhere to NEC guidelines to ensure a safe and compliant electrical installation.

Low-voltage deck lighting systems are designed to be energy-efficient, using less power than traditional high-voltage alternatives. These systems employ a transformer to lower the voltage from your household supply, making it safer to use than 120 volts.

Low-voltage lighting systems use transformers to convert 120 volts down to between 12 and 24 VAC. Deck and step light fixtures can range from 12 to 240 volts. However, the 120, 208, and 240 VAC deck and step lights available are typically only used for commercial applications, not residential.

Finding the Right Transformer for Low Voltage Deck Lighting

You can determine what type of transformer you need using a simple calculation. First, calculate your system's total wattage by summing up the wattages of all the bulbs or integrated fixtures. This sum represents your consumed wattage.

Next, choose a low-voltage transformer with a wattage rating that exceeds your consumed wattage. Multiply the wattage rating of your selected transformer by 80 percent to account for a 20 percent buffer, which manufacturers commonly advise.

If your consumed wattage falls within this adjusted capacity, the transformer suits your system. If not, opt for a transformer with a higher wattage rating.

Best Wattage for Outdoor Deck and Step Lights

Generally, the best wattage for LED outdoor lighting is 40 watts and lower. Under 40 watts is ideal for lighting decks, steps, garden beds, hardscapes, and pathways. Outdoor LED lights above 40 watts illuminate larger areas like driveways or small yards.

Step lights range around 20-40 lumens and only consume about 1 watt per light. So, you don’t need high-wattage lighting to have effective lighting. You don’t want to glare or blind anyone as they walk upstairs. But you also don’t want too many shadows hiding the steps or walkway.

The Best Color Temperature for Deck and Step Lighting

The best color temperature of LED deck lighting can vary depending on the area's purpose.

For a cozy entertainment area, warm white lights between 2700K and 3500K create a welcoming atmosphere.

The natural white CCTs 4000K-4500K emit a clear and crisp glow, making them ideal for illuminating gardens, architectural features, and dining areas.

Cool white, 5000K-6500K LEDs are ideal for security lights or where visibility is necessary for safety purposes. This is because cool white lights appear brighter.

Click here for more information on the best color temperatures for outdoor lighting.

Deck and Step Light Types of Mounts

Flush Mount Deck Lights

Flush-mount LED lights are installed into a hole in the deck and sit even with the surface. They are best suited for high-traffic areas such as deck entries, exits, and dining and gathering areas.

Recessed Mount Deck Lights

Recessed mount LEDs are installed directly into the deck. These are available with various trims, hoods, and faceplaces. Recessed mounts are ideal for deck steps, posts, and edges.

Surface Mount Deck Lights

Surface-mount LEDs are installed on top of the surface, allowing easier installation. They often have a hooded design to direct light downwards, which makes them great for pathways and deck posts.

How Far Apart to Space Deck Lights

When installing deck lights, proper spacing is important. The deck and step lights should be placed thoughtfully for even illumination and visibility to ensure that the light is distributed evenly without areas of excessive light or shadow.

Place one light on each step or every other step, centered horizontally. Aim for spacing around 3-4 feet apart. If used on the deck surface, place lights 4-6 feet apart to provide even illumination without overwhelming brightness. This will ensure your space is well-lit with an even glow without overwhelming brightness or dark spots.

Considerations for Deck Light and Step Light Installation

Before installation of LED deck lighting, consider the following factors:

Lighting Design and Light Distribution: Create a functional lighting design and aim for even distribution to avoid dark spots and overly bright areas. Larger decks may require closer spacing to ensure adequate lighting, while smaller decks might need fewer lights. Closer spacing is necessary for functional lighting, such as safety along pathways and stairs. Lights can be spaced farther apart if the primary purpose is ambient or decorative lighting.
Power Source Capacity: Ensure the spacing and placement align with the availability and capacity of your residential power sources and transformers so the fixtures are supplied properly. This helps to avoid voltage drops and electrical malfunctions due to underpowered or overpowered light fixtures.
Light Output & Personal Preference: The intensity and beam angle of the lights chosen can affect how you space your deck lights. Lights with a higher lumen value may be spaced farther apart, while lights with a lower lumen value must be closer together. Ultimately, your personal preference, desired atmosphere, highlighted features, and the structural design of your deck will influence the final spacing. You can choose your desired CCT, light color, beam angles, spreads, etc.