How to Install Landscape Lights
Landscape lighting increases the safety and security of your home, enhances the look of your yard, and can even increase the value of your property. These days installing landscape lighting isn't too difficult for the layperson to do. Keep in mind that it's best to plan where you want to put lights before you start installation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Wire strippers
- Landscape lights
- 12- or 14-gauge Cable
- Transformer
Instructions
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Planning Your Lighting Needs
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1
Calculate the total wattage of your planned lighting system by adding up the wattages for every light you plan to install.
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2
Select transformers can meet the demands of your total wattage. In fact, buy a transformer with more capacity than you need, to cover future requirements. However, note that your transformer capacity should never exceed twice the total wattage of your lights.
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3
Estimate how much cable you will need. For a system that totals less than 200 watts, use 14-gauge cable. For a system over 200 watts, use 12-gauge.
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4
Decide what control option you want for your lights. You can use timers, lights that are controlled by the amount of natural light available, or a simple on/off switch.
Installing the Landscape Lights
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5
Mount your transformer. If it will be located outside, it should be at least one foot off the ground. It's easiest to mount it onto the wall of your house.
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6
Run cable to the transformer, then use wire strippers to strip around half an inch of insulation. Attach the stripped wires according to the instructions that came with your transformer.
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7
Lay out your lighting fixtures at the locations you've planned. Adjust as necessary for the lighting effects you wish to achieve.
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8
Lay out all your cable to each fixture. Leave a small loop of slack cable at each light for attaching it.
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9
Cover your cable with decorative stones or mulch or hide it under foliage. Alternatively, dig cable trenches. A lawn edger is the perfect tool to use, as it cuts to exactly the right depth. When you bury the cable, make sure to keep the loop of cable above ground.
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10
Attach the cable to your lighting fixtures. To do this, slip the connector halves over the loop of cable, then press them together until they click. If you've connected the transformer, the bulb should light up. If not, remove the connectors and try again.
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11
Continue installing your remaining lights.
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12
Set your on/off times if your system has a timer.
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Tips & Warnings
If none of your fixtures lights up, your transformer or electrical outlet is probably faulty.
If your wiring does not connect to a grounded box, you will need to use cable with a grounding conductor. Make absolutely sure that your lighting system is properly grounded.
Don't bury your cable deeper than three inches-you may have trouble connecting the lights.
Check out local building codes when planning your lighting scheme-you may need a permit.
Consult a professional electrician if you are uncertain about any stage of the installation or if you experience any problems while installing the fixture.
Before you do any digging, find out where underground utility cables are located. Depending on where you live, you may be able to use the services of a company such as DigSafe (see Resources listed below). Otherwise, you'll need to contact your utility companies.
