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Correct if you are interested in having this overly dramatic strong lighting make all your friends look like vampires.
All kidding aside, I think that Cheech and Chong would agree that mercury vapor lights in a small residential setting are some " strong stuff " . It's like 200 proof Tequila , er um Ta-kill-ya.
There are better lights that are more environmentally conscience and aesthethically pleasing to use for moonlighting than mercury vapors.
Try looking on a variety of highly respected low voltage lighting websites such as Kim, FX, Focus, Lumiere and BK ( my choice favorite low voltage company ) for information on best fixture, wattage and bulb choice for your particular location and needs.
Mercury vapor lighting is an elegant and efficient addition to a landscape. With poor design and installation, merc lighting can read true to the previous comments. However, with a subtle design and thoughtful installation, a true moonlit night is easily achieved. Mercury vapor equipment has a much longer life than that of most other methods of lighting. Lasting approx. 25,000 burning hours compared to the 5,000 to 10,000 hours of most low voltage or line voltage incandescant equipment. The energy efficiency of mercury vapor also prevails against the others. Design will make or break any landscape lighting system. The goal with merc "moonlighting" is to obtain shadow patterns like that of a full moon high in the sky. Placement in the highest levels of the trees and reduction of glare source by proper shielding are key. Merc uplighting is used to accent canopies of trees and is often used as a tool to lead the eyes by creating depth to a property. There are many wonderful examples of good moonlighting throughout the Travis County area. Please feel free to contact me should you have any additional questions. [e-mail:bc_cornell@yahoo.com]
