How to Install Landscape Lighting

There are many landscape lights that you can install yourself, particularly low voltage landscape lighting. We’ve discussed some of the benefits of each kind of landscape lighting in past articles.

This guide will help you install landscape lighting.

Installing Solar Powered Landscape Lighting

Solar powered landscape lights are the easiest to install! Many models are ready to go right out of the box. Because solar powered lights draw their energy straight from the sun, there is no wiring or other complex installation required. Place the lights somewhere they’ll get plenty of sun throughout the day—six to eight hours is recommended—and you’re good to go!

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Photo by Maxsa Innovations

Installing Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

To install low voltage landscape lighting, you will need a transformer to reduce the 120-volt output from your home electrical system to the 12 volts used by low voltage landscape lights. You will first want to determine how many and what specific low voltage landscape lights you plan to use for your project. Once the quantities and models have been chosen you can then properly size your transformer. The wattage of all the low voltage landscape lights added together needs to be less than 80% of the transformer's capacity. Remember that you may want to leave room on the transformer to add additional fixtures in the future.

Photo by Hinkley Inc.

1. Attach the cable for the lights to the transformer, following manufacturer instructions. Then mount the transformer to the wall next to the outlet.
2. Assemble the light fixtures, if necessary, following manufacturer instructions. Lay the assembled light fixtures in the places where they will be installed, then run the cable across the ground from light to light.
3. Attach the cables using the low voltage wire connectors.
4. Turn the system on and troubleshoot. Address any issues that you may find and adjust placement as needed.
5. Once you are satisfied with the placement of your landscape lighting, dig a trench for the cable (approx. 6 inches deep) and place the cable inside. Do not bury it yet.
6. Plug in the transformer. Troubleshoot again to make sure the lights are working to your satisfaction.
7. Once you confirm that the lights are working and need no further adjustment, bury the cable.
8. Enjoy your new landscape lighting installation!

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Installing Line Voltage Landscape Lighting

Unlike the above examples, we strongly recommend contacting a licensed electrician to install line voltage landscape lighting. Line voltage landscape lighting requires a far more intricate installation process than solar or low voltage landscape lighting, and as such we cannot recommend that you do it yourself without the proper training.

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Photo by Kichler Lighting

If you’re ready to move forward with your landscape lighting installation, give our knowledgeable sales staff a call or send us an email ! We can help you find the right system for your outdoor space, for the best price.