I want to install some deck lighting, how do I work out how much wattage I need?

Question

The deck is 6m x 3.5m and I want to be able to light it for use at night using walk over lights

Answer 1

You asked about wattage but I think you probably mean amperage. Whattage will defint the brightness of the light - think of a 50 watt bulb vs a 100 watt bulb.Your house probably has 15 and 20 amp fuses (breakers). If you buy a kit like was suggested above, it will tell you haw much amperage it will draw. Add this to the ampearge of any other devices on the same circut that are likely to be operating at the same time and you will be able to determine if you will be overloading the circut.Typicall, you'll be OK - it's like adding a new lamp to a room.

Answer 2

There are some excellent solar lights now which might meet your needs.  They can hang, sit on deck posts, on the decking itself, and can be totally move able to suit different needs or situations.  You also have the option of adding to the number of lights gradually instead of having to wire everything right now.  At the least the solar lights would allow you to decide where the lighting is most beneficial.  I would try these.  

Answer 3

Walk over lights will not illuminate the decking as the light will go straight up to whatever is above! Canopy or heaven!! If you want to light the decking surface you will need the lights shining DOWN onto it. walkover lights are for decoration or marking routes. If you can fit them above (shining downwards) I would suggest about 1 x 20 watt every square meter (2 or 3 rows of 6 ) for a low level lighting scheme, or a higher wattage if you want to be blinded!

Answer 4

bath.guru -

This best way I have found is to purchase a kit that contains a set amount of lights.  Normally, these lights are low voltage and employ a transformer to step down the voltage from your home, garage, etc. whatever voltage is used in your area.  The package will also have instructions that tell you how many lights you can support on your transformer.  Most of the "deck lights" that are sold in a package have excellent directions and guidance to avoid over-loading your set of lights.

good luck

Answer 5

You wont do much damage with 12v circuits i.e kits as recommended above D i Y.  Overloading is difficult to obtain since 12v lamps are fed from the secondary side of the wee transformer supplied..Amps are rarely metered  and as  said volts x amps = watts  Just read the tch details. And plug in----Dont meddle with the kit. or kits 12v is safe- dont add more lamps to a transformer it may "overheat "  meddle-not.  

Answer 6

too many dependent factors.

1) what kind of lighting

2) How bright do you need it

those are 2 starters, i would look into top lighting rather than under floor

or perhaps a mixture, but pop to DIY store and read the box, they give a rough idea, and you can go from there.

Answer 7

CHECK THIS OUT. EASY EQUATIONS.

Volts multiplied by amps = watts

ebtx.com/mech/ampvolt.htm - 13k -  

Answer 8

go solar help save us all ,