Guys,
Considering changing from CF outdoor flood lighting to a single sodium vapor (one of the on at dusk and off at dawn lights) on my detached garage. For security reasons, I’m more concerned about lighting than energy cost. I’d be interested to hear any feedback on doing this.
I’m also looking to add 2 or 3 can lights in the soffit of the garage.
Are tin snips the best choice to cut the holes?
I haven’t looked closely at what my home center has for cans. Is there an “outdoor” rated can or just outdoor rated trims? (I could also order from a real electrical supply).
Thanks for any thoughts!
Patrick
Replies
I used shower cans in my outdoor soffits.
Good idea, that way you don't have to look up at the bulb. I like it.
Sodium vapor is a good choice. The lamps have very long life, typically over 24,000 hours, compared to roughly 10,000 for fluorescents and 1000 for incandescents. The softer color is less glaring and more comfortable coming in your windows at night and for the neighborhood.
You don't need much light for security. It's more important to have clear visibility of access points to your house, such as no shrubs around windows, etc. So I'd start small and try it. You can add more later if you really want to.