Is a free nighttime demo a good way to choose a lighting company?
No. Temporary nighttime demos are more show than substance and don’t reflect the real system. Strong designs balance art and science—voltage drop, cable runs, circuits, fixtures, wattage, and more. Effective previews use lighting design software to model effects and costs before installation; we use proprietary tools for this.
What are things you don't want in a lighting system?
Avoid one harsh downlight under an eave—it looks commercial, creates glare/shadows, and needs tricky service. Downlighting is better from trees. Also avoid “fewer fixtures” as a rule; more of the right fixtures placed well gives softer, even coverage without over‑lighting and often better value.
What to look for in a good path or area light?
Prioritize no-glare optics and durable brass/copper construction. Look for threaded brass supports, sealed bulb housings, and components designed for the fixture—not steel or plastic that can corrode, warp, or loosen. Beware cheap look‑alikes. Sundown’s torchlights use easy threaded tops and robust copper stems for long‑term reliability.
Are brass and copper fixtures better than aluminum, plastic, or steel?
Yes. Brass and copper resist rust and aging, look better over time, and modern color finishes bond to the metal. Painted steel, aluminum, plastic, or composites tend to peel, corrode, pit, or fail and often carry limited warranties. That’s why Sundown fixtures are brass or copper throughout.
What is voltage drop, and why is it important to me?
Voltage drop is insufficient power reaching a fixture, causing dim or short‑lived lamps. Common causes include too many fixtures on one run, undersized cable, poor/wet splices, low source voltage, inexperienced installation, and transformers without multiple voltage taps. Good design and equipment prevent it.
Is the lighting effect more important than the fixture?
Yes—the effect is crucial—but quality fixtures matter too. Poor fixtures can’t deliver lasting results, and a great design still fails with flimsy gear. If someone says fixtures don’t matter, they may be using inferior equipment. Choose fixtures that look good by day and produce beautiful effects at night.
Does a lighting system require any maintenance after installation?
Yes. Annual maintenance keeps a system performing like night one: inspect transformers and fixtures, clean lenses, re‑aim, and replace aging lamps. Many issues (frequent outages, dim lights, tripping) signal poor design or equipment. Starting with brass/copper lowers upkeep. Be wary of claims that lighting is maintenance‑free.
Sundown Designs Outdoor Lighting