How to Splice Landscape Lighting Wires
Landscape lighting wire differs from regular electrical wire in that the insulation is UV (light) resistant and the whole system is designed to be as moisture resistant as possible. When wiring your landscape light, you will most likely have to splice certain sections. Splicing the wire allows you to extend the length between lights or add lights to a set. Numerous kinds of connectors have been developed for this purpose, but only two are of note. Quick connectors are reliable and easy to install, and for more moisture-laden areas, epoxy-filled connectors are your best option. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wire snips
- Quick connectors
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Epoxy-filled connectors (if desired)
- Gloves (if needed)
Instructions
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1
Make sure the power to your landscape lights is turned off.
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Cut the ends of the wires you need to splice so they are neat and even. You do not want any stray wires protruding from the end or for there to be any damaged parts of the insulation on the ends. You do not have to strip the insulation from the wires to use a quick-connect splice.
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Open a quick-connect splice. A quick-connect splice has two parts to it. The bottom part consists of a plastic casing with two channels and two copper prongs sticking up from the casing and a center threaded hole. The top part is molded plastic that has two channels and a screw in the center. Hold the bottom part with the prongs facing up.
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Press one wire into each channel so the prong in the channel pierces the insulation and goes into the wire. Put the top piece on, and use a Phillips-head screwdriver to tighten the screw and hold the two parts together.
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Tips & Warnings
If you live in a very humid or moist area, use an epoxy-filled connector instead. Strip the insulation from the end of the wire to the same length as the epoxy-filled casing of the connecting terminal. Screw the epoxy-filled connector down onto the bare wire until it will not turn anymore. Do this on both wires, and then press the two connectors together (like a belt buckle) to splice the landscape lighting wire.
Never use regular house or automotive wire to splice landscaping lights. These wires are not made with a UV-resistant casing, and the insulation will degrade rapidly, leading to increased risk of shock or fire.
