Charlotte Outdoor Lighting Terminology

Charlotte outdoor lighting installations are popular projects during this time of year. Many people are trying to find new ways to add flair, flavor and function to the exteriors of their houses before the cold winter moves in. As with any project, research can come in handy.

"There are so many options to consider for Charlotte outdoor lighting installations," said John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. "It can be really helpful to look through magazines, websites and books to gather ideas and become inspired. It can open up a lot of possibilities and boost your creativity."

For research resources, be sure to check out our previous blog posts. They are loaded with information and tips!

Frequently Used Words in Charlotte Outdoor Lighting

As you are researching outdoor lighting installations, you may come across words and phrases that are confusing. As with any profession, outdoor lighting has its own lingo, and knowing that lingo can help you have a greater understanding of your next project.

Below are a few word definitions that are commonly used in outdoor lighting.

Adaptation - The process in which your eyes adjust to a change in light level. There is light adaptation and dark adaptation. Light adaptation is where your eyes adjust to brighter a scene and dark adaptation is where your eyes adjust to a darker scene. We reduce extreme adaptation so your outdoor lighting is more inviting and natural.

Diffused Light - Light that scatters in many directions and produces beams with soft edges. This effect can be accomplished by using techniques like frosted lenses or shading. We use diffused light to create exotic looks that highlight certain areas of your lawn.

Light Pollution - Excessive or obtrusive light that intrudes into unintended areas, like the inside of your home. This is a common problem with poorly installed and designed outdoor lighting schemes. To eliminate light pollution, we carefully design our lighting systems and use different effects and techniques to either reduce the amount of light or redirect it.

Luminance - The amount of light that is reflective off of different surfaces. For example, light is more reflective off of a white wall than it is a brick wall. We always consider luminance because it effects lighting patterns and could create unpleasant glares.

Visual Path - The path that your vision takes as it glances from one place to another. Visual paths often start and end at focal points. We use visual paths to create a natural transition throughout your exterior and to naturally highlight your landscape's beauty.

"It can be easy to get confused with some of the terminology that is used when researching outdoor lighting,"said Minor. "That's why we take the time to explain all the details to our customers in a way that is easy to understand. We want to make the installation process easy, while giving them plenty of options. The end result is an outdoor lighting design that is exactly what our customers envisioned."

To learn more about Charlotte outdoor lighting, call John Minor with Irrigation and Lighting Specialist at 704-747-0235 or 803-831-0506 or email John. We look forward to helping you obtain the outdoor lighting design of your dreams!