How to Wire Low Voltage Lighting
With a little effort and not too much capital outlay, you can design, wire and build the exact lighting effects you have dreamed of for your yard. By building your own lighting system, you ensure that the lights are placed in the exact locations you want, and that the quality will be well beyond that of premade systems. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Low-voltage cables
- Transformer
- Press-fit electrical connectors
- Lights
- Utility knife
Instructions
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1
Make a plan for your lighting. Consider where the plug-in receptacles are located on your home's exterior.
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2
Add up the total wattage of all the lights you intend to use and buy a transformer that has a little higher capacity rating than your total.
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3
Buy low-voltage cable for your project. It is important to match the cable to your wattage requirements. If your total wattage is 120 or less, use 16-gauge cable; between 120 and 156 watts, you can still use the 16-gauge cable. However, 14-gauge cable should be used for wattage between 156 and 216 watts; up to and including 300 watts, use 12-gauge cable.
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4
Make a 2-inch split in one end of the cable. Use a utility knife to get started, and then just pull the wires apart.
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5
Strip off about 1/2 inch of the outside ends of both wires.
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6
Attach the bare wires to the terminals on the transformer and plug it into the outdoor receptacle you intend to use. It is best to either mount the transformer on a stake driven into the ground or else mount it directly to the house.
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Lay out the cable in the pattern indicated by your lighting plan and place the lights next to the cable near the place you intend them to be located.
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8
Use the press-fit electrical connectors and attach the lighting fixtures to the cable.
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9
Dig a 3-inch trench along the cable path and bury the cable and replace the dirt and sod.
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10
Push the light fixtures into the ground and cover the wire with sod.
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Tips & Warnings
Use silicone-filled wire connectors that have an "Under Ground" rating.
Make sure that all the insulation is removed from the wire that is attached to the transformer.
