A nighttime test shows you the effects. A daylight walkthrough shows you the installation. Before the first public show, take a slow walk through the display with the equipment powered off. Look at it as an installation that people, weather and routine yard activity will have to live around.
Follow a consistent route
Start at one side of the property and work across it. Use the same route for later checks so it is easier to notice something that has moved or changed. Bring your installation notes and mark problems as you find them.
- Look for loose mounting hardware, damaged supports or props that have shifted.
- Check accessible cables for pinching, abrasion, sharp bends or tension at connections.
- Confirm walkways, entrances and access to controllers remain clear.
- Check that enclosure lids, cable entries and connector protection are arranged as their instructions require.
- Look for places where sprinklers, doors, gates or normal foot traffic could affect the installation.
- Read the labels and make sure the physical connections still match your notes.
Resolve the issue before restarting
Do not treat a successful show test as proof that a damaged cable or loose prop is acceptable. Leave the affected equipment off until the issue has been corrected. Use the product instructions when checking mounts, supports and electrical components; a quick tip cannot replace the installation requirements for your equipment.
Once the walkthrough is complete and the area is clear, perform your normal controlled test. Repeat the inspection after weather or work in the yard that could have changed the installation.
A short checklist is easier to repeat than a long list you never use. Keep the items relevant to your actual display and add anything you discover during the season.
Mattos tip: Check the physical installation in daylight, then check the show after dark. Both views tell you something useful.
Keep learning
Read the full Mattos guide · Browse all Tips and Tricks
Adapted from the Mattos Designs lighting-tip series. Need help with your setup? Email Support@Mattosdesigns.com with your equipment details.
