Using Outdoor Stake Lights

In the past, we had lit our tombstones with Malibu-brand landscape lighting. There is a large transformer, and wiring that snakes wherever you want it. Then you tap into the wire, placing low-voltage lamp fixtures wherever you want. We used a variac on the input to the Malibu transformer to dim the lights. This was effective, but a bit unwieldy.

We wanted a simple and cheap way to sprinkle lights here and there, preferably using modular components that could be used in other places. Since we were already running 110 VAC in the graveyard to power the props, stake lights running on house current wouldn't need any additional wiring.

We deploy them with dimmer boxes.

Basic project
Adding Color
Related Pages

Basic project

You can get inexpensive landscape light fixtures that are attached to stakes. They are easily positioned, and can be angled up or down.

Just add a flood lamp!

Dennis has found lights like these at:

I suspect that peak usage seasons are summer and Christmas. Look for sales and close-outs after that time.

The stake lights and dimmer box make a nice combination.

You can plug two fixtures straight into the dimmer box; more with a power strip or cube tap. Just make sure that you do not exceed the rated capacity of the lamp dimmer that you used in the box.

Adding Color

Flood light lamps are usually sold with clear glass, but they can be had in primary colors. This lamp has a transparent coating on the front, making it a permanent blue flood.

The factory-colored lamps are a good idea for long-term or permanent landscape lighting installations. For Halloween stuff, where we might want to mix and match, we prefer clear lamps, colored with gel filters when required.

Note: When you dim down an incandescent lamp, the light becomes yellow or even orange. If the precise color of the light is important to you, you must consider both the dimming level and the color filter in use.

Can a little colored light really make a difference?

Pile of skulls in 2001, lit with dim white light.

Skulls in 2003, lit with color.

Our haunters all agree that this looks more creepy.

Please visit our related pages:

Thank you for visiting. Your comments are welcome.
. . . . . .