Things about Landscape Light Installation

The Buzz on Landscape Light Installation

Without any major electric experience I went on the hunt for very easy to install low voltage landscape lights. That suggested no electrical wiring or small building. Roger had his uncertainties but quietly (well, virtually quietly) he saw from the sidelines. Low voltage landscape lights are powered with a transformer, that affixes to the cord, that decreases the voltage from regular 120 volts to 12 volts.


30 minutes was all it took to provide our cottage a wonderful radiance at evening.


I probably could have managed with fewer lights but the 4 light set was the tiniest one available. When I started looking for outdoor limelights my initial concern was to locate something that was simple for me to set up and hookup. After I narrowed down my choices I looked for lights that had terrific testimonials.






Once I obtained them and laid the lights out I understood the 3 and 3 configuration wouldn't work. Even though I got a whole lot of wire with the collection, I would have had to dig under the pathway in order to hide the cable.

Landscape Light Installation - Questions

While I figured out a fix I just mounted all 6 by the guest bedroom to see how they would certainly look. We are just connecting in lights it's vital to be risk-free and utilize caution when working with electricity.


After I unwrapped the spotlights I screwed each light into a ground stake. Then I just stuck the stake right into the ground and readjusted the light. I carried on to the following light till all 6 were with each other and in the ground. There was a black cord that went to each limelight so I rolled up the extra from each light and tie wrapped it using the black twist tie that featured the collection.


Now the landscape lights transform on and off immediately at set times each evening. As soon as the sun set and my lights transformed on I went outside and modified them to strike the front of the house.


Like I said, the tiniest set I can get was 4 lights so that's what I ordered. Once they arrived I mounted them adhering to the exact same steps as the initial set of lights. Actually, an extremely straightforward method to add a beautiful radiance to your home. I ought to have done it 5 years earlier.

Fascination About Landscape Light Installation

He wouldn't confess that I was best butI was right.


# 10 scale outdoor wire # 12 gauge outdoor cord 1-1/2 in. x 12-in. PVC pipe 1-1/2-in. PVC cap with -in. female string -in. copper pipe For every ground light: 1-1/2-in. PVC coupler with -in. tee for cord opening Lighting One box of weatherproof wire connectors Transformer Two -in. sweat-to thread copper adapters Expansion why not check here ladder Yard rake Level Posthole digger Security glasses Voltage tester Cable stripper/cutter Wrench setvolt me Volt meter A garden spade Light weight aluminum tent stakes.


Mount lights where they won't be easily damaged by plows or shovels. Keep in mind, as well, that the plants you brighten will certainly go via seasonal changes. Not all plants should be evergreens, some plants such as hydrangea, dogwoods and sumac are fascinating lit up even when leafless. Once you have your products, your devices and your strategy, it's time to call 811.


It's a totally free service and you'll avoid harmful and costly surprises. Usage 10-gauge cord for the main lines from the transformer to where the lights begin, pop over to these guys after that change to 12-gauge cable in between the lights. To hide the cables where they cross the lawn, use a flat-nosed shovel to reduce a port and layer back the sod.

Indicators on Landscape Light Installation You Should Know

Given that the transformer will certainly constantly be plugged in, you their website should change the typical electrical outlet cover with an in-use weatherproof cover, offered at the majority of significant home enhancement centers and equipment shops. The ground stakes that come with the majority of upright illumination fixtures are not solid enough (or go deep enough) to maintain them wonderful and straight gradually with changing dirt conditions, disintegration, and so on.


Making use of the PVC pipeline, construct and bury a footer that will certainly house the cable links and support your post expansions (recommended to be constructed from 1/2- inch copper pipe). Attach the cables with weatherproof cord ports. These wire ports have a shield on the base and a blob of sealer inside that make them weatherproof.


If you're not certain where to begin with landscaping lights, you're in the best area! Below is our useful outside illumination guide, where we will certainly stroll through where to place landscape illumination, what types of lights to make use of, and just how to use light for the finest impact.

3 Easy Facts About Landscape Light Installation Shown

Install lights where they won't be easily damaged by rakes or shovels. Not all plants have to be evergreens, some plants such as hydrangea, dogwoods and sumac are appealing lit up also when leafless.


It's a free solution and you'll stay clear of unsafe and pricey shocks. Use 10-gauge wire for the main lines from the transformer to where the lights begin, after that switch over to 12-gauge cord in between the lights. To bury the cords where they go across the yard, utilize a flat-nosed shovel to cut a slot and layer back the turf.


Because the transformer will always be connected in, you need to replace the conventional outlet cover with an in-use weatherproof cover, available at most major home renovation facilities and hardware shops. The ground risks that come with most vertical illumination components are not solid sufficient (or go deep sufficient) to keep them great and straight gradually with altering dirt problems, erosion, and so on.


Utilizing the PVC pipe, construct and hide a footer that will house the cord links and support your post extensions (advised to be made of 1/2- inch copper pipeline). Link the wires with weatherproof cable connectors. These cord ports have a guard under and a ball of sealant inside that make them weatherproof.

Some Known Details About Landscape Light Installation

If you're not sure where to begin with landscaping lights, you're in the right place! Below is our helpful exterior lights overview, where we will certainly stroll with where to place landscape lighting, what types of lights to use, and how to use light for the best result - Landscape Light Installation.