Thursday, June 30, 2005

Electronic Wall timers with memory settings.

Is there a light switch with a memory of day's usage, that can be turned on, off or set to duplicate memory?

We do have some SPRING WOUND WALL TIMERS that might help you. INTERMATIC makes some electronic wall timers as well.

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Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Old fashoned C9 Christmas lights look great on houses.

I was thinking about decorating my new home for Christmas with old fashioned Christmas lights. The previous owner did not install plugs under the soffit, making it difficult to get things hooked up. Do you have any suggestions on how to simplify the process?

I would buy a BULK ROLL OF C9 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS and custom cut the string to perfectly fit your roof line. That way you can plug them in at one location, without having to run extension cords all over the roof.

We have a full selection of C7 & C9 LIGHT STRINGS and REPLACEMENT C7 & C9 LIGHT BULBS, and SHINGLE MOUNTING TABS to choose from.

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Voltage drop calculator for sizing outdoor lighting cables.

It seems that calculating voltage drop for outdoor lighting cable is a real challenge for most weekend warriors. First of all, don't use less than 12/2 LANDSCAPE CABLE for low voltage lighting systems. Smaller cable, such as 14/2 and 16/2 are designed for short runs or very small systems. 12/2 cable is good for 20 amps of load or roughly 240 watts of light. For long runs, you should use 10/2 DIRECT BURIAL WIRE or larger!

To better understand voltage drop and how cable length and wattage influence output voltage, we created a SIMPLE POWER CABLE CALCULATOR to assist you in the DESIGN AND ENGINEERING of your new lighting system.

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Low voltage lighting cable comes in what sizes?

LOW VOLTAGE LIGHTING CABLE comes in a variety of sizes. The bigger the number, the smaller the wire size. For example, let's look at some common wire sizes:

For more information of sizing lighting cables and voltage drop issues, check out our "How To Design A Low Voltage Lighting System" page.

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Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Converting a 120 volt post light to 12 volts.

I have my patio wired for low voltage, i bought 120v lamp post lights. Can I convert 120v to 12v or do i need to but 12v lights?

We have a 12 VOLT MEDIUM BASE lamp that will convert your new post light to 12 volt. This is special low voltage light bulb from the mobile home industry.

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Monday, June 27, 2005

Can you put a ceiling fan on a track lighting system?

Is there such a thing as small fans that can be installed on track lighting? My dining area is cramped and I vary my table location (depending on the occasion and number of guests) so some of the new track lighting is a perfect solution as opposed to a single, centered light. But the area can also be a ''hot'' spot and a fan would be nice. Thanks.

What a great idea! Unfortunately, there is no such fan that I am aware of. It would be a liability issue regarding support for the fan and preventing it from falling. Sorry!

If you think you might want to consider a traditional or contemporary CEILING FAN, we have a great selection from WESTINGHOUSE.

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Hanging basket lighting fixtures and mounting chains for outdoor plants.

I have quite a few hanging baskets around my patio that I would like to illuminate. What can I use to attractively display them during the day and light them at night?

Focus industries manufactures several low voltage HANGING LIGHTS that will work for your patio. They have one cool fixture that is made specifically for a HANGING BASKET LIGHT! It comes with the chain, light and mounting rings to hold hanging baskets up to 50 pounds.

Check out our other LOW VOLTAGE LANDSCAPE LIGHTING products! In addition to lighting the hanging baskets you may want to consider using some ACCENT LIGHTS, PATH LIGHTS, FOUNTAIN LIGHTS, LOW VOLTAGE CABLE and TRANSFORMERS to complete your outdoor landscape lighting project.

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Sunday, June 26, 2005

Where do I begin when selecting outdoor home lighting fixtures?

That's a hard one to answer. First, I would break the fixtures into categories of lights and narrow my selections. Here are the basic categories of on our web site:

OUTDOOR HOME LIGHTING FIXTURES

Once you have reviewed all the home outdoor lighting fixtures you can begin to understand your options and formulate a lighting design. If you need assistance with any of these products or a design, please contact the professionals at Residential Landscape Lighting & Design toll free at 800-239-2939.


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I am interested in aquiring some home lighting fixtures.

We are in the process of remodeling our home. I am doing some research on HOME LIGHTING FIXTURES for the kitchen and dining room. I need a decorative fixture and a chandelier that will work in a traditional setting.

Our HOME LIGHTING FIXTURE selection is tailored towards both Traditional and Contemporary designs. The Thomas Kinkade Days of Peace 3 Light Inverted Bowl Pendant is a great light to install over the breakfast room table.

Another handsome decorative hanging fixture for your kitchen is the Thomas Kinkade Days of Peace 2 Light Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture.


If you are interested in perhaps a CRYSTAL CHANDELIER we have many to choose from.

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Saturday, June 25, 2005

Why are my low voltage lights so dim if I have the right transformer?

I also have a 300W transformer but was misinformed at store that Terminal Block C was used for a second strand of lites. In a perfect world, the two strands would be even but as reality would have it the 20/80 rule applies. The lites on short side are bright and the ones on long side are dull... any advice???? It is a 200 ft run total with 12 gauge and using pretty close to max wattage on bulbs... bigger transformer maybe??? Thanks

The problem you have is not the transformer, it is the way your have wired the system. You will need to split the load into several home runs from the lights back to the transformer or buy a MULTI-TAP TRANSFORMER to bump up the voltage.

Check out our HOW TO DESIGN A LOW VOLTAGE LIGHTING SYSTEM information page for more specific ideas. You are experiencing a classic case of voltage drop. My rule of thumb, is not more than 100 watts on 100 feet of cable.

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Can I use a time clock and motion detector on the same lights?

I would like to buy a couple of low voltage power systems. 120 v ac to 12 v dc - 250 watt. I want this unit to be activated by a timer in the early evening and by a motion sensor the rest of the night. How do I put a system together like this. If I buy separate units how to I wire them together so they work.

We only have AC LOW VOLTAGE TRANSFORMERS in our selection of OUTDOOR LIGHTING PRODUCTS.

We do have a RAB STUFF180HL MOTION DETECTOR that works like a photocell and motion detector in one. Unfortunately, it is only rated for 180 watts. The RAB STUFF500 MOTION DETECTOR does not have the dual function feature, but it will handle 250 watts of load. Hope that helps!

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I need a replacement circuit breaker for a Malibu low voltage transformer.

i need to find a circuit breaker for a Malibu transfomer. part numbers 1600-094-300 30A. any help?

Sorry, we do not have any MALIBU replacement parts. However, we do have some REPLACEMENT CIRCUIT BREAKERS that will work to solve your problem. You could always bypass the one in your Malibu transformer and use one of ours in a junction box next to the transformer. Just install the circuit breaker inline on one conductor of the LANDSCAPE CABLE and you will now be protected against overload and short circuit conditions. Be sure and pick the same amperage circuit breaker as the one you are replacing.

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Friday, June 24, 2005

Halogen undercabinet lights in brushed steel or bronze.

American lighting makes a very nice low profile HALOGEN UNDER CABINET LIGHT in white, brushed steel and bronze finishes. They come in four sizes in both low voltage and line voltage.

Low Voltage


Line Voltage

These AMERICAN LIGHTING under cabinet lights are perfect for kitchens, bars, desks and other task lighting applications because they can be controlled by a LUTRON DIMMER SWITCH and dimmed creating mood and ambiance.

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Can I install a dimmer switch on my low voltage lights?

We are in the process of building a house. And we are installing 12 volt lighting in our living area. We just wanted to find out if we could install a dimmer switch on these at a later stage

Yes, you can always replace a standard wall switch with a dimmer at any time. You must first determine if your low voltage lights have a MAGNETIC TRANSFORMER or ELECTRONIC TRANSFORMER because you will need to match the DIMMER CONTROL SWITCH to the correct load.

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Thursday, June 23, 2005

Do they make a medium based halogen light bulb?

I have a light fixture that accepts 60W incandescent (medium base) bulbs. I am trying to replace these bulbs with halogen lights. I am wondering, what are ALL the other types of bulbs that will fit into this socket?

First thing you need to do is verify the maximum wattage that your fixture will safely accept. Halogen lights create more heat than a standard incandescent lamp so, you need to be careful.

Halogen lamps are available in a medium base BT19 shape lamp in 50, 60, 75 and 90 watts. They produce a whiter color light and have a much better lamp life than the incandescent lamp. Other shapes include: PAR20, PAR30, PAR38, T10, B13, MR8, MR11, MR16 and many others.

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Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Why has my Hampton Bay 12 volt transformer failed?

A couple of months ago I bought a 600W Hampton Bay Low Transformer for my 12V lighting. As of yesterday, when it comes on it just starts flashing on/off about once every second. Check Circuit light is NOT illuminated. Any ideas?

Junk the Hampton Bay transformer and buy a real MAGNETIC TRANSFORMER. Seriously, I hear nothing but complaints about Hampton Bay transformers. The most common complaint is the flickering of lights or it turning on and off. They have electronic components such as the built in circuit breaker that usually fails. Not a very dependable product!

We have a great OUTDOOR LIGHTING TRANSFORMER that happens to be on sale! We also have a full selection of LOW VOLTAGE LIGHTING EQUIPMENT should you want to add to your lighting system.

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Why does my 12 volt transformer trip my GFCI receptacle?

I have an Amerlite 78431100 12VAC pool light (by Pentair Pool Products) fed by an Intermatic PX300 transformer. The primary of the transformer is fed by a GFCI protected circuit dedicated to the pool light. If a ground fault happens on the secondary side of the transformer, will the GFCI still trip to open the circuit and protect the pool inhabitants? It seems to me that since the load is on the secondary side of the transformer, the transformer itself will mask the ground fault such that the GFCI will not trip. Is there a special 12VAC, hi-amperage GFCI that can be installed on the secondary side of the transformer which will protect anyone in the pool if a ground fault should occur on the load side?

Well, the GFCI receptacle should be installed on the line side of the transformer. It is not designed to operate correctly on such a low voltage. I am not aware of a high amperage low voltage GFCI receptacle.

The same run applies if you decide to install a MAGNETIC DIMMER CONTROL. The GFCI would feed the dimmer, the dimmer would feed the 12 VOLT TRANSFORMER and the transformer would feed the light. Dimmers on pool lights are a very nice touch!

Hope this helps you solve your problem.

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How do I know what size wire to use for my low votlage lighting system?

We get asked the that question all the time! Designing a proper low voltage lighting system is fairly easy to do if you have a good understanding of the terminology and electrical formulas. To better assist our customers, we created a POWER CABLE CALCULATOR.

Check out our selection of 12/2 LANDSCAPE CABLE and 10/2 LANDSCAPE CABLE.

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I am looking for a replacement 100-watt mercury vapor ballast.

Advance transformer makes some of the best MERCURY VAPOR BALLASTS and METAL HALIDE BALLASTS on the market today. The 100-WATT MERCURY VAPOR BALLAST we stock comes with a handy welded mounting bracket designed for easy installation.

We also have complete MERCURY VAPOR BALLAST KITS mounted in NEMA3 junction boxes if you are working on a landscape lighting job.

Check out our full selection of OUTDOOR LANDSCAPE LIGHTING EQUIPMENT.

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Will light rope work and be safe on the hand railing around a boat marina?

ROPE LIGHTING is a very inexpensive and effective way to illuminate railings on decks, stairways, walkways, and on railings around your boat marina. Incandescent LIGHT ROPE comes in several voltages such as 12-VOLT LIGHT ROPE, 24-VOLT LIGHT ROPE and 120-VOLT ROPE LIGHT.

Since you are around water and using the lights outdoors, I would suggest that you protect the circuit with a GFCI RECEPTACLE. We also have light rope MOUNTING TRACK and MOUNTING CLIPS to make your installation look beter.

We also have LED ROPE LIGHT and CHASING ROPE LIGHTS.

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Do you carry Santa Claus lighted sculptures and other Christmas decorations?

We have a tremendous selection of OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS and supplies, including a ANIMATED SANTA CLAUS LIGHTED SCULPTURE.

Here's a list of some of the Christmas Supplies we offer:
Check out over CHRISTMAS LIGHT information page for specific details regarding our holiday christmas decorations and supplies!

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Do you have a good light for a residential sport court?

RESIDENTIAL SPORT COURT LIGHTING is becoming more popular with the advent of home recreational sports courts. A well designed lighting system is the key to nighttime enjoyment of the facility.

Several large sport court builders install HALOGEN LIGHTS instead of more dependable and efficient METAL HALIDE FIXTURES. The metal halide SPORT COURT KIT that we have assembled have everything you need to get you under the right light on a small home court. Depending on the size of your sport court, you may need several lights to adequately illuminate the space.

Just give us a call toll free at 800-239-2939 for lighting design assistance and fixture selection.

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Did you know Lutron makes electronic and magnetic low voltage dimmer controls?

I have burned out (2) 12 volt dimmer switches. Can I use a household incandescent dimmer for (4) 40 Watt bulbs?

Did you know that their are DIMMERS DESIGNED FOR MAGNETIC LOADS as well as DIMMERS DESIGNED FOR ELECTRONIC LOADS?

You can use a low voltage dimmer to control both incandescent and low voltage lighting. However, you cannot use a standard dimmer incandescent dimmer to control a low voltage lighting load.

Check out our complete selection of LUTRON DIMMER SWITCHES.

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Tuesday, June 21, 2005

I am looking for some fluorescent strip lights for my garage.

Check out out the FLUORESCENT STRIP LIGHTS and FLUORESCENT WRAP AROUND FIXTURES from Metalux.

This heavy duty commercial grade fluorescent lighting fixtures have one or more of the following features:
  • Universal Voltage 120v-277v
  • Fixture includes (2) 32watt T8 (48") fluorescent lamps
  • Equipped with energy saving ballast/complies with federal energy efficiency standards.
  • Die formed channel.
  • End plate converts to channel aligner for continuous row mounting.
  • Pressure lock lamp holders (RS), spring loaded lamp holders (SL).
  • Baked enamel finish.
  • Easy wireway access/wireway cover removed without tools.
  • Numerous KOs for easy installation.
  • UL/CUL Listed. Suitable for damp locations

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You have way too many barbeque lights to choose from! What do you recommend?

We do have quite a selection of BAR B QUE & GRILL LIGHTS in our storefront. The best one is really up to the style and shape you like. My favorite is the Focus Lighting - Low Voltage BBQ Flex Deck Light FOC BQ08FD. It is simple in design, easy to manipulate and puts out a great light! However, it does require drilling some holes and bolting it to your grill.

If you prefer a more temporary solution, take a look at the Focus Lighting - Flex Arm Low Voltage BBQ Light FOC BQ08FC which has a clamp on mounting bracket. This handy when you don't need the light or just want to put it away.

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What's the best way to light up the front of an old barn that I have turned into a bar?

There are many ways that you can attractively illuminate your building with good lighting.

If you have landscaping, it is always nice to include some LANDSCAPE LIGHTING to enhance your investment and cast shadows on the front of the building. We have some pre packaged LOW VOLTAGE LIGHTING KITS that are priced well and have everything you need to install the system.

You could also install some GOOSENECK LIGHTS on the front of the building to illuminate the sidewalk or to highlight architectural elements of the structure. These lights are the ones like they used at gas stations when you grew up as a kid.

If you want to discuss the project in more detail, contact one of the LIGHTING DESIGNERS at Residential Landscape Lighting & Design at 800-239-2939 for assistance.

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I saw an adjustable shelf light at Light Fair called Phantom Lighting. Do you sell it?

We are the exclusive online reseller of PHANTOM LIGHTING SYSTEM strip lights and the Contour Projector.

At Light Fair, you saw the AC SERIES - ADJUSTABLE CONCEALED shelf lighting system and the AE - ADJUSTABLE EXPOSED shelf lighting system.

These patented shelf display lighting systems are fantastic for libraries, bookshelves, china cabinets, hutches, task lighting and COVE LIGHTING.

Fax us a drawing of your application to 877-272-0577 toll free for a quote today. Let the professional lighting designers a Residential Landscape Lighting & Design help your with all your lighting needs.

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What time clock do you recommend for outdoor lighting?

That really depends on the total load of your lighting system. Most residential circuits are rated at 20-amps if they are using #12/2 romex wire. So might be 30-amps if they used #10/2 romex. Check the breaker panel to verify what load you are dealing with.

If you have 40-amps or less on a 120-volt system you can simply put your lights on a single pole WEATHERPROOF MECHANICAL TIME CLOCK.

If you have 40-amps or less on a 240-volt system you can simply put your lights on a double pole WEATHERPROOF MECHANICAL TIME CLOCK.

For larger loads, we have LIGHTING CONTACTORS and other TIME CLOCK ACCESSORIES.

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Do you have any small low voltage down lights that will not corrode at the beach?

The salt air environment is really tough on light fixtures at the beach. We do have some small LOW VOLTAGE DOWN LIGHTS IN BRASS that would mount on the roof soffit or on an arbor structure if you have one.

You will also need some 12/2 LANDSCAPE CABLE and one of our STAINLESS STEEL 12 VOLT TRANSFORMERS or FIBERGLASS ENCLOSED 12V TRANSFORMERS to power the lights.

These light are great for general lighting, accent lighting, barbeque grills, fish cleaning stations, boat docks and stairways. The solid brass construction of these FOCUS LIGHTING fixtures will give you years of trouble free enjoyment!

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What exhaust fan will remove cigar and cigarette smoke from a game room?

We have lots of VENT FANS & EXHAUST FANS that would work great in a family room or game room to remove cigarette and cigar smoke. One in particular, the Nutone Exhaust Fan 671R is well suited for this kind of application.

The Panasonic - Whisper Wall Kitchen Exhaust Fans 70 - PAN FV08-WQ1 is also a very good exhaust fan that is designed to go through the wall if you don't have access above the ceiling.

To learn more about exhaust fans and home ventilation systems visit our FAN INFORMATION PAGE.

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Monday, June 20, 2005

What is the average lamp life of a Mercury Vapor Lamp? How does it compare to a halogen lamp?

Each lamp manufacturer has given these lamps an average life ranging between 10,000 for a 100-watt lamp to 24,000 hours for a 175-watt lamp. As compared to a HALOGEN LAMPS with a average lamp life of 4,000 hours, the MERCURY VAPOR LAMP is the best choice for outdoor landscape lighting.

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Why is the convex lens on my up light fixture white in color?

I noticed one of my OUTDOOR LANDSCAPE LIGHTING FIXTURES was not putting out as much light as the others. After further investigation I found the light bulb to be fine, it was just the lens. It was covered with a white chaulky substance. How can I clean it?

This is simply a build up of calcium and minerals like you get in the bathroom shower. Any off the shelf chemicals designed ro remove calcium deposits will work. However, sometimes the calcium won't come off and you will have to replace the CONVEX LENSE or the UP LIGHT BULLET itself.

We have a full assortment of REPLACEMENT LANDSCAPE LIGHTING LENSES & GASKETS.

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What copper path light is your most popular one for outdoor landscape lighting?

Two of our best selling COPPER PATH LIGHTS are manufactured by Techlight and come in two popular sizes:

Both models of the Techlight fixture have a 6" solid copper cover in a "China Hat" shape and a frosted glass lens that not only acts as a sprinkler shield, but it softens the light on the ground around the fixture. The fixture is shipped with the 20-watt lamps and PVC mounting stake with threaded brass cap.

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Can you tell me what kind of outdoor landscape lighting fixtures are use for moonlighting?

We are interested in upgrading from our low voltage lighting system to a more sophisticated look. I have seen some mercury vapor fixtures at my neighbor's house up in the trees. Can you point me in the right direction?

MERCURY VAPOR BULLET FIXTURES are the light source of choice for most professional landscape lighting designers who do tree lighting. The soft blue light is complimentary to plant materials, has a long lamp life and is relatively efficient to operate. It' the closest thing to real moon lighting!

MERCURY VAPOR BOX FLOODS are used to illuminate tree canopies, tree groupings or other areas that need a large quantity of light. Smaller MV BULLET UP LIGHT FIXTURES can also be used for smaller trees as fill light.

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Sunday, June 19, 2005

What models do you recommend for outdoor patio speakers?

We just completed building a new deck and arbor in the back yard. We hope to landscape the area after recovering from the expense. When we do landscape, I want to install some outdoor stereo speakers in the shrubs. What model do you recommend from your selection of outdoor speakers?

I recommend the TIC OMNI SPEAKERS GS3 if you have a large space that you want to cover a 360 degree radius. ROCK SPEAKERS are more easy to hide and provide a directional distribution of sound. You will need some OUTDOOR SPEAKER ACCESSORIES to comple the job.

Both models of patio speakers are well made and will give you years of enjoyment! Have you seen our great LIGHT ROCKS that match the speakers?

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Does someone make a picture light that will sit on the mantle above my fireplace?

I have a painting over our mantle that was a gift that I would like to light. We do not have power behind the art, but I do have a plug next to the surround. Does someone make a picture light that will sit on the mantle above my fireplace?

We have a couple of MANTLE LIGHTS for you to choose from. One from HOUSE OF TROY 14" HOT MA14-B and the other from THOMAS KINCAIDE 15inch Mantel Light 75720.

Both lights are well made and will do a good job of up lighting your art. Check out our other HOUSE OF TROY PICTURE LIGHTS if you have a chance.

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Do you have a light that is designed to work on a podium?

We recently purchased a podium for the conference room at our office. When we have slide presentations it is difficult for the speaker to read his or her materials. Do you have a light that is designed to work on a podium?

House of Troy makes a very nice looking polshed brass 10" LECTREN LIGHT - HOT L10-61 that can be drilled and attached to just about any podium. It takes a T10 25-40-watt lamp and has a switch on the side of the fixture.

House of Troy also manufacturers a full line of LITTLLITE HALOGEN GOOSENECK FIXTURES in several models:

These littlites are also used for audio video cabinets, work benches, desk lamps and other task lighting applications.

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What can you tell me about tennis court lighting photometric information?

The best way to learn more about TENNIS COURT LIGHTING PHOTOMETRIC SPECIFICATIONS is to view our tennis court lighting information page. Here you will learn about the overall foot candles levels for each tennis court layout in a 3D format.

Here at Residential Landscape Lighting & Design we sell complete TENNIS COURT LIGHTING PACKAGES for all the most popular size tennis courts:

Give us a call at 800-239-2939 for assistance in ordering your Tennis court lighting system today!

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