How to Repair a Yard Light

Yard lights are available in a range of sizes and shapes designed to put out varying amounts of light. Low-voltage lighting is one such type of lighting that is used around homes and commercial properties and is readily available from hardware, home-improvement and big-box retail stores. Using an insulated two-strand cable that is connected to a transformer, yard lights are spaced in landscaping and along walkways, and connected to the cable.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Cotton gloves
• Replacement light bulb
• Trowel
• Wire stripper
• Wire nut
• Electrical tape

Instructions

1. Locate the wall plug to which the power cord of the low-voltage transformer is connected. Make sure there is power to the plug.

2. Turn on the lights and determine the light, or lights, that are not working. Turn off the lights and unplug the power cord from the wall plug.

3. Remove the cover from the yard light that is not working. Use a screwdriver to access the bulb, if necessary. Put on a pair of cotton gloves and remove the burned out bulb. Insert a new replacement bulb in the light, and place the cover.

4. Locate a break in the wire, if several lights are not working. Look for signs of a cut or digging along the path of the buried low-voltage cable. Uncover the broken cable, using a trowel to remove soil.

5. Strip the insulation covering from the ends of the broken or cut wire with wire strippers. Twist the broken ends together and secure with a wire nut. Wrap the wires and wire nut with electrical tape.

References

• Ask the Builder: Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Problems