How to Repair Landscape Lights
Repairs to landscape lights can be necessary as the result of improper installation, damage or normal use. Making a repair often involves identification of the problem, the cause of the problem and then the repair itself. Low-voltage lighting is a common type of landscape lighting that can be installed by many homeowners. Low-voltage landscape lighting is readily available from many retail sources, along with replacement parts. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Circuit breaker panel
- Low voltage transformer
- Screwdriver
- Replacement lens or fixture cover
- Replacement light bulb
- Wire cutters
Instructions
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1
Plug the power cord of the transformer securely into an electrical outlet. Locate the circuit breaker panel and verify that the circuit breaker controlling the outlet has not been tripped. Reset the breaker if necessary.
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2
Locate the terminal connections on the low-voltage transformer. Determine whether the copper wires of the low-voltage cable are securely connected and whether they are touching each other or the other terminal. Loosen the screw of the terminal with a screwdriver and position the wires on the terminal so they are securely connected and do not touch each other or the opposite terminal.
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3
Inspect the lens and cover of the outdoor light fixture. Replace the lens if it is cracked, clouded or damaged. Replace the cover of the light if it is damaged, as either can allow moisture to enter the fixture and affect operation.
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4
Inspect the bulbs of any outdoor lights that are dim or do not work. Follow the manufacturer's directions for removing an old bulb and installing a new one. As a rule of thumb, pull an old bulb straight out of the fixture and insert a new one by pushing it straight in.
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5
Shorten the length of low-voltage cable if lights, and especially lights connected near the end of the cable, are dim. Disconnect the low-voltage transformer from the power source and cut the cable with wire cutters as needed to reduce the load on the transformer.
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