2/27/2024 0 Comments Landscape lighting installation![]() There should be a portion of slack cable exposed at each fixture point that you will use to wire and connect the light fixtures and switch. The wires should be fitted in at least six inches deep to protect them from being damaged if the soil is aerated. Place the low voltage lighting cable in the trench. Tip: place the light fixtures above the folded sod to keep it from falling into the trench you are digging. Use the front or corner of the shovel’s blade to create a 3-inch deep trench in the soil. ![]() Repeat this process along the entire length of the walkway. With the light fixtures out of the way, use a flat-blade shovel to cut a slot about 12 inches from the edge of the pathway. String the cable around or under a particular obstacle, such as a shrub or fence. If your system is more than 200 watts, use a 12-gauge cable and a 14-gauge cable for lighting systems that are 200 watts or less. According to the manufacturer's instructions, assemble the light fixtures depending on the wattage level your power pack can handle.Ĭhoose the best transformer depending on the number of watts your outdoor lighting requires. Use the line of the light fixtures as a guide to lay the low voltage cable on the concrete walkways. To get you started, here’s a video of the entire step-by-step process.īefore installation, you need to lay out all the light fixtures and lighting wire on the ground - usually 8 to 10 feet apart. It's also advisable to consult a licensed electrician if you’d like a grounded outdoor outlet installed. ![]() Dial 811 for the Referral Service to access the national directory of utility companies. Take note: Before you excavate any part of your landscape, check for underground utilities. This process is simple to accomplish without any prior experience. If you’ve never dealt with any wiring before, there’s no need to worry. We recommend picking out a transformer that can provide enough power and allows room for you to add lights in the future.ĭIYers will appreciate a low voltage lighting system as it only requires three main components: This helps you factor in how many transformers you may need and the length of the wires, too.Ī transformer is important to have as it steps down the house voltage current (120 volts) to 12 volts. You also need to take into account where your outdoor electrical outlets are to insert your transformer(s). It's advisable to take note of the direction you want to place your lights to ensure they don’t shine and reflect on your neighbor’s windows. You will have more ways to artfully design your landscape lighting. This will give you an idea of how spread out or closely spaced they should be.Īs a general rule of thumb, fewer lights are advisable. Map out the area you’d like to add outdoor landscape lights, and how many. That being said, you need to decide on your layout before installing landscape lighting. Knowing where, and how to place them is what gives you an added advantage. Lights have a way of bringing out the best in any landscape. Here’s what to expect when installing an average size system: Time Want to know the best part? The right landscape lighting is easy and safe to DIY because they generally operate on a 12 volts electricity system. These fixtures are mostly ideal for driveways and walkways but are just as useful for illuminating fences, dark zones, stone walls, steps, and much more. There’s nothing better than low voltage landscape lighting to bring out the beauty of your terrain after sunset (and ensure sure footing). Every home deserves quality outdoor lighting to enhance its nighttime appeal and provide an extra measure of security and safety.
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