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Why Your Outdoor Landscape Lighing Should Last More Than One Season

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Why Homeowners Should Invest in High-Quality Outdoor Lighting

When it comes to outdoor lighting, most homeowners initially gravitate toward the convenient, off-the-shelf kits from big box stores. These affordable landscape lighting systems may seem like a quick fix, but the reality is they often don’t last more than a season or two.

At TZ Electric, we specialize in professional-grade lighting solutions that are built to last both in terms of performance and durability. Below, we’ll walk you through the essential differences between low-cost kits and high-quality systems and explain why investing in premium materials makes all the difference.

It All Starts With the Transformer

The transformer is the foundation of any landscape lighting system. It powers every fixture, making its reliability absolutely crucial. Budget lighting kits typically come with standard powder-coated steel transformers. While inexpensive, these boxes are prone to corrosion, rust, and failure especially after exposure to rain, snow, and sunlight.

What Makes Our Transformers Different?

At TZ Electric, we exclusively install Volt Lighting stainless steel transformers. These are engineered to last for decades and include advanced features such as:

  • Built-in timers and photocells for automated on/off functionality
  • Remote control compatibility, including integration with smart home systems like Ring
  • Mobile app controls that allow you to create customized lighting schedules from your phone

This level of control and durability simply isn’t available with entry-level systems.

Stakes That Actually Hold Up

Lighting stakes may seem insignificant, but they play a critical role in the longevity of your system. Most store-bought kits include flimsy plastic stakes with PVC threads that snap or degrade with minimal force especially when bumped by a lawnmower or trimmer.

Why We Use Brass-Inserted Stakes

We use premium stakes equipped with solid brass inserts, which offer:

  • Superior strength and impact resistance
  • Reusability, allowing them to be repositioned without cracking
  • Extended lifespan that far exceeds that of plastic stakes

These small upgrades make a big difference in overall system durability.

Fixtures That Endure All Weather Conditions

Your landscape lighting fixtures face the full range of outdoor conditions from scorching heat to freezing temperatures and heavy rain. Standard steel or aluminum fixtures from retail kits tend to corrode or fade over time, leading to poor aesthetics and performance issues.

Our Solution: Solid Brass Fixtures

All our fixtures are made from all-brass construction, offering:

  • Enhanced durability and resistance to rust and corrosion
  • Long-term performance with no warping or fading
  • A high-end appearance that complements any landscaping style

Not only do these fixtures perform better, but they also look better, maintaining their finish and appeal for years to come.

Reliable Wiring and Connections

Most DIY lighting kits use quick-clip connections with metal barbs that pierce into wires. These may work initially, but they’re vulnerable to moisture, pests, and ground shifts all of which can cause shorts or complete lighting failures.

Professional-Grade Connections That Last

Our installations feature robust and moisture-resistant components, including:

  • Weatherproof wire nuts filled with gel for superior sealing
  • Gel-filled splice kits to keep moisture out and prevent corrosion
  • Secure, long-lasting connections designed to withstand 3–7+ years without maintenance

This attention to detail ensures your system keeps shining night after night.

Bonus Feature: Color-Changing Lights for Year-Round Fun

Looking to add a festive touch to your outdoor space for the holidays or special occasions? Our Volt Lighting color-changing fixtures make it easy to switch up your lighting theme.

Customizable and User-Friendly

  • Choose from a variety of colors for holidays, events, or personal flair
  • Remote-controlled operation from just a few feet away
  • Fun and interactive perfect for families and entertaining

These features add personality and versatility to your lighting setup without any complicated controls.

Final Thoughts: Don't DIY the Details

We understand the appeal of a quick DIY lighting kit, but in most cases, those solutions lead to frequent replacements, system failures, and mounting frustration. The truth is, high-quality landscape lighting is about more than just bulbs and wires it’s about choosing the right components and installing them the right way.

At TZ Electric, we help homeowners design and install outdoor lighting systems that are beautiful, efficient, and built to last. Don’t settle for short-term fixes when you can enjoy lasting performance and stunning results.

Ready to Upgrade Your Landscape Lighting?

Let’s work together to create a durable, energy-efficient, and visually stunning outdoor lighting system for your home. Call TZ Electric today or message us now for a custom quote!

Customer Testimonials

At TZ Electric Inc., we take pride in delivering exceptional electrical services, and our customers' satisfaction speaks volumes. With over 200 glowing reviews and a perfect 5.0 rating, our clients' testimonials reflect our unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and outstanding service. Discover why homeowners and businesses in the Hudson Valley trust us for their electrical needs.

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TZ Electric does great work. Quick to respond in an emergency, competent, honest and fair with pricing.

Evan P.
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Great job installing an electric line for the new garden, greenhouse, and car charger.  Besides the professionalism, we really enjoyed the friendliness of the whole crew.  Great bunch of guys.  Thanks!

Mike
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Outstanding electrical work done by Adam. And good service and communication.

Richard E.
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Tyler and his crew were very polite, professional and timely. The price was also very reasonable. I had my whole home electric upgraded and would definitely recommend TZ Electric and will use them for any future projects!

Lori L.
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Great communication and work!  TZ installed two EV charges for me.  They checked in with me throughout the process and sent me pictures of the finished installations.  No surprise extra charges on my invoice which I appreciate.

Anthony E.
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We've worked with TZ Electric for multiple things across the years and it's been great every time. From the founder through all employees, everyone is super professional, knowledgeable, and communicative and they to top notch, clean, well executed work. Highly recommend!

Michael P.
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I had TZ Electric upgrade my electrical panel and install a heat pump this past week. Both jobs were phenomenally done. Service was extraordinary! They were prompt, informative, and readily available for any questions that arose. I highly recommend their work and look forward to future projects at the property. Thank you to the TZ Electric team!

Peter H.
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TZ Electric is a great company. They proactively reach out to schedule service appointments which means one less thing for me to remember. The technicians arrive on time and do a great job servicing the generator.

Maureen B.
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Everyone at TZ Electric was prompt, professional, courteous, and talented! Excellent problem solvers and they know how to work with old homes.  Great big thanks to Tyler, Jimmy, and Roman! We will definitely use them again for any future work.

Kelley H.
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Tyler installed a new Service. Very professional great Great communication. Work was complete completed on time  Definitely would recommend to friends

Marie C.
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TZ Electric did a great job with the repair of our basement lighting. Adam arrived on time and worked professionally. He cleaned up after finishing. I highly recommend TZ Electric.

Meteorich
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TZ has helped us several times now in our largely-DIY home remodel. Their work is always excellent, the technicians knowledgeable and friendly, and owner Tyler, along with Terry in the office, very accommodating. I’ve turned two neighbors onto TZ already and both were quite satisfied.

Jon W.
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We've worked with TZ Electric for multiple things across the years and it's been great every time. From the founder through all employees, everyone is super professional, knowledgeable, and communicative and they to top notch, clean, well executed work. Highly recommend!

Michael P.
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The whole crew at TZ are professional, prompt, and customer oriented. They did fine work and were very concerned to do the job right. I recommend them highly!

Frank D.
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I have found the owner, technicians, and personnel to be efficient, professional and responsive. It was a pleasure to work with them and I would highly recommend their services. We had a Generac installed in an area that needed a walkway to be dug and other issues. They did an excellent job.

Darlene G.
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I had TZ Electric upgrade my electrical panel and install a heat pump this past week. Both jobs were phenomenally done. Service was extraordinary! They were prompt, informative, and readily available for any questions that arose. I highly recommend their work and look forward to future projects at the property. Thank you to the TZ Electric team!

Peter H.
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From start to finish our job was handled professionally! Communication was clear and responsive and the crew was on time and they did a quality job. I highly recommend this business!

Peter M.
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Great communication and work!  TZ installed two EV charges for me.  They checked in with me throughout the process and sent me pictures of the finished installations.  No surprise extra charges on my invoice which I appreciate.

Anthony E.
Testimonail Star iconTestimonail Star iconTestimonail Star iconTestimonail Star iconTestimonail Star icon

TZ Electric is a great company. They proactively reach out to schedule service appointments which means one less thing for me to remember. The technicians arrive on time and do a great job servicing the generator.

Maureen B.
Testimonail Star iconTestimonail Star iconTestimonail Star iconTestimonail Star iconTestimonail Star icon

Everyone at TZ Electric was prompt, professional, courteous, and talented! Excellent problem solvers and they know how to work with old homes.  Great big thanks to Tyler, Jimmy, and Roman! We will definitely use them again for any future work.

Kelley H.
Testimonail Star iconTestimonail Star iconTestimonail Star iconTestimonail Star iconTestimonail Star icon

Tyler installed a new Service. Very professional great Great communication. Work was complete completed on time  Definitely would recommend to friends

Marie C.

Financing

TZ Electric has partnered with Wisetack and Synchrony to make electrical upgrades more affordable with easy, flexible financing options. Get the quality service you need now and pay over time hassle-free and budget-friendly!

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