FAQ
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow durable are NightOrbs™?
NightOrbs ™ are extremely durable, owing to their spherical shape, 1/4″ thick glass, and a 36-hour annealing process. NightOrbs™ can easily withstand run-ins with lawnmowers, weed-whackers, and accidental hits from kids and animals.
For the past 20 years, NightOrbs™ have been subjected to the harshest weather conditions, from the strong Caribbean sun on St. John and Curacao islands to snowfalls of three feet and more in the northern US and Canada. They look as good today as when installed, without any deterioration of color or function.
What materials are used in making NightOrbs™?
The glass spheres are made of 1/4″ thick soda/lime glass, with glass colors imported from Germany. The 2-part base is made from sand-cast aluminum. It is machined and chemically treated to maximize the life of the powder-coated bronze finish. The stem, made of 1″ schedule 40 aluminum pipe, also receives the same finish-extending treatment. Optional Silicon Bronze bases are also available. The anchor securing each NightOrb™ into the ground is rugged 8″ corrosion-proof PVC with stabilizing fins. For additional security, concrete can be placed around the anchor.
Each NightOrb™ comes with a heavy-duty underground burial wire attached to the homeowner’s 12-volt lighting system with King wire nuts filled with silicone to keep the connection dry. Inside the NightOrb™, wiring connects to an MR-16 ceramic socket with a long-life 20-watt Xelogen bulb designed to last approximately 20,000 hours or a 3-watt LED for up to 30,000 hours
What does the warranty cover?
A three-year warranty covers the repair or replacement of NightOrbs ™ found to be defective in materials or workmanship. The warranty covers all parts of the fixture except the bulb. Defective NightOrbs™ are to be returned directly to NightOrb, LLC. in their original packaging, with proof of purchase.
How do I clean my NightOrbs™?
NightOrbs ™ are self-cleaning, with rainwater usually washing off most dust and dirt. If cleaning is necessary, simply use any glass cleaner.
How are NightOrbs™ installed?
NightOrbs ™ are relatively easy to install using a standard low-voltage transformer (12 volts). Any professional electrician should be able to install your NightOrbs™ without difficulty. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, please carefully follow the installation instructions supplied. See the installation instructions page on this site.
How long will it take to get my NightOrbs™?
Orders are usually shipped within 14 days. For special orders with custom colors, please allow up to 30 days.
Why are NightOrbs™ more expensive than the gazing balls and other landscape illumination products?
The superior quality of the materials and the incomparable made-in-America design, artistry, and craftsmanship that go into creating each hand-blown glass NightOrb™ account for the price difference.
By comparison, most gazing balls are made in China and are composed of thin layers of blown glass that break easily. Some are made of plastic and powered by LEDs, and most are poorly mounted and fail to generate the kind of lighting from a 20-watt Xelogen lamp.
Crafted of durable, top-quality hand-blown glass with cast-aluminum bases that are machined and powder-coated, NightOrbs™ will provide years of colorful lighting.