How To Care for Your Smart Landscape Lighting System

It’s true. Once you install a smart landscape lighting system, there is no going back. The beauty and convenience it adds to your evenings cannot be matched. However, while smart landscape lighting is a no-hassle way to illuminate your space, you must maintain it like any other electrical equipment.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know to keep your smart landscape lighting system, including color changing outdoor lighting, running smoothly. We will walk through an understanding of the different components, tips on maintaining fixtures, troubleshooting common issues, and ensuring safety precautions. With our expert tips, your smart landscape lighting system will always function optimally and provide the perfect atmosphere for outdoor relaxation and entertainment.

Understand Your System Components

To transform your property into a showpiece and ensure proper maintenance and care, you need a complete understanding of your smart full color landscape lighting system's components. By knowing how your system works and what each component does, you can troubleshoot issues, get the desired lighting results, and ensure your system runs smoothly.

For example, our 9 Series Pro smart outdoor lighting system has several key components, including the smart transformer, the smart hub, and individual light fixtures. The smart transformer is the system's brain, and the smart hub acts as a control center, allowing you to manage your system through a mobile app. Individual light fixtures, such as our path lights and bistro lights, connect to the hub and can be programmed to turn on and off automatically at pre-scheduled times or controlled manually through the app.

Maintain Your Lighting Fixtures

Regularly maintaining your smart landscape lighting fixtures ensures longevity and optimal performance. However, fixtures may become damaged, corroded, or ineffective without proper maintenance. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your outdoor lighting fixtures:

1. Adjust the direction of fixtures: Over time, fixtures may shift or become misaligned, impacting their effectiveness. Regularly check that your fixtures are still pointing in the desired direction and adjust them to keep your space beautifully lit.
2. Use a voltage meter: If you suspect a fixture isn't functioning correctly, use a voltage meter to check the wiring and connections. This can help identify potential issues and prevent further damage.
3. Protect fixtures during extreme weather: While many smart lighting fixtures are weather-resistant, they may still be vulnerable to damage during extreme weather like heavy rain or snow. Consider covering your fixtures with a waterproof cover during particularly harsh weather to protect them.

By selecting fixtures that withstand the elements and require minimal maintenance, you can save time on repairs. Our system includes fixtures with protective coatings to withstand harsh weather. For example, our drill lights have a special powder coating that protects them from the elements, making them easier to maintain.

Learn Troubleshooting Solutions

While designed to be low-maintenance, smart landscape lighting systems may occasionally require troubleshooting. Understanding how to diagnose and address these issues can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your system running smoothly. Here are a few troubleshooting solutions to keep in mind:

1. Check the power source: If your lighting fixtures aren't turning on, check the power source to ensure it's connected properly and supplying power.
2. Check the wiring: Corroded or damaged wiring can cause issues with your lighting system. Inspect the wiring and replace damaged sections.
3. Check the hub: If you're having trouble connecting to your smart hub, make sure it's connected to the internet and functioning properly.

It's also helpful to have educational resources, like Haven’s YouTube channel. Along with our show Light Talk With Rob and Chris, we also have helpful tips, tutorials, and educational videos covering everything from how to wire your landscape lighting to resolving wire corrosion. By using these resources, homeowners can troubleshoot most issues and make necessary repairs without always calling a technician.

Understand Safety Precautions

When working with an electrical system, especially one as advanced as a smart landscape lighting system, it's essential to understand the precautions involved. Choosing the right installer, as discussed in this Light Talk video, can provide valuable insight into recognizing necessary precautions, but it is still important to take additional measures when working with an electrical system. Here are a few tips:

1. Turn off the power: Before working on your system, turn off the power to avoid any risk of electric shock.
2. Use caution: When working with wiring, avoid damaging the wiring or exposing yourself to electricity.
3. Follow manufacturer instructions: Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when installing, operating, or troubleshooting your smart outdoor lighting system.

To provide customers with an extra layer of security, all Haven products and systems are low voltage, meaning they operate at a lower voltage than traditional lighting systems.

Smart Landscape Lighting System Maintenance Checklist

By following this checklist, you can help ensure your outdoor lighting system stays in top condition and continues to provide the beauty, security, and functionality you need:

• 
  Check the connections: Inspect all connections between fixtures and wires to make sure they're secure and free of damage or corrosion. Loose connections or damaged wires can cause your system to malfunction.
• Clean the fixtures: Regularly clean fixtures to remove dirt, debris, and build-up that can impact performance. Use a soft cloth or brush to wipe the lights, avoiding using harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.
• Check the bulbs: Ensure all bulbs are correctly seated in the fixture and haven't burnt out. Burnt-out bulbs can reduce system effectiveness and impact its overall appearance.
• Inspect the transformer: The transformer is the heart of your outdoor lighting system, so keeping it in good condition is essential. Check the transformer for wear or damage, and ensure it's properly connected to a grounded outlet.
• Test the system: Test your system regularly to make sure everything works as it should. Turn on fixtures individually and inspect the light output, color, and beam spread. Also, make sure your system is synched with mobile apps or controllers used to control it.
• Trim foliage: Check that plants or trees near your fixtures are properly trimmed to avoid lighting system interference. Overgrown plants can cause shadows or create problems with light distribution.

Get the Most Out of Your Smart Landscape Lighting System With Haven Lighting

From intimate outdoor dinners to lively gatherings with loved ones, your outdoor space should reflect your style and personality. Smart landscape lighting can help you achieve the perfect ambiance, but keeping your system in top condition is essential. By following the tips and tricks in this guide, you'll be able to enjoy your beautifully lit landscape all year round. And if you're looking to upgrade your system, check out Haven's patent-pending 9 Series Pro smart full color landscape lighting interface.