Step 6: Prepare Holes for the Fixtures Photo by Mark Roskams Lift up the "while-in-use" cover on the outlet and plug in the transformer. (It can also be mounted directly to the wall of the house.) Tighten the screws all the way to hold the cable securely in place.ĭrive a wood stake into the ground next to the outlet. Slide the stripped wires under the two terminal screws on the bottom of the transformer. Then use wire strippers to cut the cable and strip off ½ inch of the rubber insulation. Run the cable up to the outdoor electrical outlet. Step 5: Plug in the Transformer Photo by Mark Roskams Tip: Don't bury the cable more than 3 inches or you'll have difficulty connecting the light fixture. Make a slit in the detached sod where the fixture will sit and fold the sod back over the soil, keeping the cable for each fixture above the grass. Smooth the soil over the trench, but leave the cable sticking up out of the soil near each fixture.
Leave a bit of slacked cable at each fixture point for making the connection to the light fixtures. Set the low-voltage electrical cable in the trench. Step 4: Bury the Electrical Cable Photo by Mark Roskams Tip: If necessary, set the light fixtures on top of the folded sod to prevent it from flopping back down. Use the corner of the shovel's blade to scratch a 3-inch-deep trench in the soil where the wire will go. Continue in this manner all along the walkway. Then lift up on the handle to separate the grass from the soil, and fold over this scalped portion of sod. Take a flat-blade shovel and slide it underneath the top layer of grass, about 12 inches in from the edge of the walk. Step 3: Turn over the Sod Photo by Mark Roskams Tip: Put first fixture at least 10 feet from the transformer. When you come to an obstacle, such as a fence or shrub, string the cable under or around it. Use 14-gauge cable for lighting systems that total 200 watts or less and 12-gauge cable for systems that are more than 200 watts. Lay the low-voltage cable along the concrete walkway, following the line of light fixtures.
Set the pathway light fixtures on the ground where they'll be installed - usually about 8 to 10 feet apart. (Click "enlarge this image" to read illustration labels.) Step 2: Lay out the Components Photo by Mark Roskams As long as you have a nearby outlet, you'll be able to give your home and yard a welcoming glow when the sun goes down. Between fixtures, the cable is buried in a shallow trench. The transformer needs to have enough capacity to support the cumulative wattage of the lights in the system. It must be plugged into a GFCI-protected outdoor electrical outlet fitted with a "while-in-use" cover, and oversize plastic box that closes over the power cord. The transformer steps down the 120-volt house current to just 12 volts.
#LIGHTSCAPE LIGHTING FIXTURES INSTALL#
You don't have to be comfortable with wiring-or even have ever done any-to install this type of system. Installed along walkways, steps, and driveways, or pointing up at trees, walls, and fences, the typical low-voltage lighting system requires just three components: a transformer, low-voltage electrical cable, and the fixtures. Low-voltage landscape lighting is a simple improvement that can make a huge difference in how your home looks after dusk and in its safety and security as well. Step 1: Landscape Lighting Overview Illustration by Gregory Nemec The 12 fixtures are connected with a 12-gauge cable and powered by a 300-watt transformer. At the base of each of the four evergreen shrubs growing against the house is a 20-watt shrub uplight. Two 20-watt wall-wash fixtures are used to illuminate the white-painted lattice fence on either side of the walkway. Alongside the walkway leading to the entryway are six decorative aluminum fixtures that have a curved shepherd's hook profile. And because the system operates on only 12 volts of electricity, it's completely safe for do-it-yourself installation.Īt the stately 1930s-something home shown here, we installed 12 Intermatic fixtures in three different areas. These exterior-grade fixtures are typically placed along walkways and driveways, but they're also ideal for illuminating steps, trees, stonewalls, fences, and other prominent landscape features. 8 to 10 hours (for an average-size system)Įnhance the nighttime curb appeal of your home-and add a measure of safety and security-with low-voltage landscape lighting.
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