News
Low Voltage Garden Lights with LED's or 230v Mains Voltage Lighting?
James Parnham
So, you're considering low voltage garden lights or lighting up your outdoor space. You're faced with an important decision. 'Do I choose low voltage or do I choose mains voltage?' Let's look at that important decision by highlighting some pro's and con's for both types of garden and outdoor lighting. We'll use our own products from Techmar's high quality range (see www.12vgardenlights.com); so all views are limited to the Techmar products we sell. 230v Mains voltage garden lights? There are two critical factors with mains voltage lighting. Firstly, the costs involved. Initially it's the installation costs for the...
UPDATED June 2016 - 12v Low Voltage Cables For Patio Lights and Outdoor Garden Lights?
James Parnham
The ability to self-install your own low voltage patio lights, decking lights and garden lights without the need for a qualified electrician is becoming more and more popular. The lighting effects in the garden can be stunning and can make the gardens vibrant and an extension to the main home. The safe, 12v low voltage outdoor lighting cabling is far more flexible than 230V mains electricity cabling and fitting the garden lights couldn't be easier. However, lots of people want to know more information about the cables that are needed and the overall length they can lay. So I...
Trust - Is it image, what's said, gut feel or simple maths?
James Parnham
So I was thinking about how and why people buy from one internet store versus another! Price is very important but trust is key! We all want to buy from people we trust. Who wants to buy from an untrustworthy person, shop or business? The dodgy bloke at the door or the pop-up street trader with the suitcase that's looking out for the police around the corner! And we feel embarrassed, angry and hurt if we get mugged! Oh, and by the way, we don't buy from businesses, companies, organisations, internet companies (ebay, Amazon etc.). We buy from...
Laying Cables Under Patios or Garden Paths
James Parnham
We were asked a really good question the other day from a member of the public. "Can I lay 12v garden lighting cable onto a hardcore base before my patio is laid?" We felt the answer could be useful to lots of people...so here it is! Most patios, drives and pathways are laid on top of a hardcore base that is typically 100mm/ 4" to 150mm/6" in depth. The weight of vehicles and general footfall typically dictates the depth. Slabs, blocks, tarmac etc are then laid on top of that hard base structure. Some hardcore bases are topped of with...
Garden Lighting Design Effects
James Parnham
Here you will see the various methods of adding atmosphere and visual delight to your garden and it's features.With so many models and styles of garden lighting to choose from, it's important to understand the basic principles in lighting methods and their effects to ensure you gain the most from your garden lighting design. UP LIGHTING Use to achieve dramatic results in your garden Illuminating from the ground up. This is contrary to what we are used to seeing in every day life and provides a sense of joy. Strategically place spotlights diagonally in your borders to increase the coverage. When up-lighting trees consider using floodlights to...