![]() Most low voltage landscape fixtures have a wire with a special tool-free compression connector. Next move to the first fixture and attach the fixture wire to the main wire. It’s important to note that with a 12v low voltage system there is no polarity to worry about so it’s not important which wire is attached to each terminal. Connect both wires to the terminals on the back of the transformer. The wires must be stripped at the end where the transformer is located. Leave extra wire at both ends of the run just in case you need some extra as the fixtures are connected. Be sure to leave some slack in the wire in case small adjustments to the fixture location is required. Start at the transformer and roll out the wire continuously starting at the closest fixture and working towards the furthest one. At this point I recommend setting the fixtures (installing ground lanterns with the ground spike, mounting spots, etc) to be sure they look good and the spacing is reasonable.Īt this point the landscape wire can be rolled out. Make any adjustments to the locations after looking over the entire site. Once all the fixtures are assemble place them roughly around the yard in the locations you’ve planned. Most landscape lighting assembles in just a few simple steps without the need for tools. The first step is to assemble each of the light fixtures following the manufactures instruction manual. I installed 8 lights and a transformer in about an hour from start to finish with just a screw driver and pair of wire cutters. Installing low voltage landscape lighting in incredible easy. Unless you need to splice the main run of landscape wire, you won’t need any other parts besides the transformer, cable, and fixtures. The 120 watt transformer leaves plenty of room for us to add more fixtures in the future. It’s only running 8 fixtures that each draw 3 watts for a total of 24 watts. For my recent project I purchased a small 120 watt transformer. Transformers are rated by “watts” of power. The size of the transformer will depend on the number of fixtures. In addition to each fixture you’ll need to buy a roll of landscape wire long enough to run from the transformer to each of the fixtures. Once you have the total fixture count from your design you can buy all the materials for the project. From the transformer location you’ll need to run landscape wire underground (just under the surface to protect it) to the first fixture and continue on to each fixture in a long chain. Most landscape lighting transformers plug directly into an outlet for convenience. Low voltage lighting requires a power transformer to step down the 120V line voltage to 12V. Next determine a good location to power the landscape lights. As you make the sketch be sure to note features that may impact your design such as: stairs, paths/walkways, trees and shrubs, and any special landscaping features you’d like to highlight. ![]() The sketch need not be perfect, but if you draw it roughly to scale it will help with determining how many lights to buy and the length of wire you’ll need. To get started I suggest making a simple hand sketch of the area you want to light. For my installation it’s powered by a circuit that has a ground fault protection. It’s also very important that you follow all the electrical codes and be sure you’ve got the correct power source. ![]() ![]() You can use a combination of pathway lights, post lights, spot lights, up-lights, and even stair lighting all on the same transformer and circuit. Not only are there a ton of choices, but low voltage systems are very flexible, allowing you to mix and match different light types. Low voltage landscaping has so many options you’ll likely have a hard time making choices. Low Voltage Landscape Lighting – Options & Flexibility I also like the fact that low voltage lighting is more consistent without the need for a battery to charge in order to come on. However, I really like being able to turn on and off the lighting which isn’t the case with solar lighting. Solar landscape lighting is also an option. Electrical projects may seem daunting to some people but this is a project that anyone with basic hand tools can handle and the results will leave you smiling from ear to ear. Low Voltage Landscape Lighting is a great DIY project with the ability to transform any yard into a beautiful night time setting. Installing Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Is Easy
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