How to Install Garden Lights in California

Enhancing your outdoor space with garden lights can transform your California exterior into a beautiful haven after sunset. If you want to know how to install garden lights, we have easy tips to make it a fast job that delivers exquisite light and energy efficiency.

Here’s a plus: Low-voltage LED lights operate at 12V, making them safer and more energy-efficient than high-voltage options, adhering to California's focus on sustainability. Let’s see which LED lights can work well in different settings of your landscape.
 

Types of Garden Lights

Low-voltage LED garden lights come in various styles to suit different needs:

  • Path lights: stake-mounted fixtures that illuminate walkways, providing indirect guidance.
  • Spotlights (or uplights): perfect for highlighting trees, sculptures, or architectural features, casting dramatic shadows.
  • Floodlights: offer broader coverage for larger areas like patios or driveways.
  • Well lights: recessed into the ground, create a seamless glow for steps or walls.
  • Deck lights: attach to railings or stairs for added safety.
     

All these use LED bulbs, which last up to 50,000 hours and consume minimal power, aligning perfectly with California's strict energy standards.
 

Best Pro Lighting offers so many beautiful and durable LED outdoor lights to choose from. Here we showcase several from our big selection:
 

3W Integrated Mini Spot Light in Rust Finish: This bright, durable accent light is designed to enhance your outdoor space with focused illumination.
 

LED Brass Path Light: Designed to cast a soft, circular spread of light, these fixtures not only illuminate specific areas but also add a decorative touch.
 

LED Brass Step / Deck Light: Offering a sleek, clean look, our step/deck lights feature frosted glass and an inside reflector. They provide a warm light for your deck or backyard.
 

LED Well Light: This low voltage LED Well Light conserves energy by using electricity more efficiently.
 

Integrated 20W LED Low Voltage Flood Light in Rust Finish: This light is a low-voltage option that illuminates large outdoor areas with its sleek and elegant design. 
 

Tools and Materials Needed for Garden Lights Installation

Gather these essentials before starting your project. Have everything at hand, and installation will go much faster, plus you’ll be safer using gloves and glasses.

  • Low-voltage transformer: steps down household power to 12V; choose one rated for your total wattage (such as 150W for 10-15 lights).
  • Low-voltage cable (12/2 gauge): UV-resistant types recommended for California's intense sun exposure.
  • LED fixtures and stakes for easy attachment and secure placement.
  • Tools: wire strippers, rubber mallet to drive stakes, screwdriver, flat-blade shovel for trenching (3-6 inches deep), Voltmeter/Multimeter to test if your LEDs are receiving the necessary 9–15V power.
  • Silicone-filled connectors: protect against moisture, especially important in coastal regions.
  • A level to ensure your pathway lights are set up on a level surface.
  • Safety gear: gloves and glasses.
     

Step-by-Step Guide

How to install low voltage garden lights is straightforward when you plan ahead, following these instructions:

  • Plan where you’d like to place your lights.
  • Mount the transformer: Your transformer must be plugged into a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet. This will keep you in compliance with safety codes and protect against shocks in wet weather.
  • Dig shallow trenches: along paths, lay cable with some slack for connections.
  • Attach lights: use connectors, starting farthest from the transformer.
  • Bury the wire and test the system at dusk, checking for light coverage and adjusting the angles of the fixtures. Tip: Leave roughly 3 feet of extra wire at each fixture in case you want to move lights later.
  • California tip: choose fixtures that comply with dark-sky guidelines to minimize light pollution.
     

Where to Buy Garden Lights Online?

Knowing where to buy garden lights is easy when you shop Best Pro Lighting’s online store. We offer the lowest prices, guaranteed, and a huge selection of LED outdoor lights. Buy lights for paths, seating areas, decks, uplighting trees, and more.
 

Why is it important to have proper garden lighting?

You’ll get multiple benefits, as LED lights boost safety and security while improving aesthetics. Plus, your new LED outdoor lights provide even more advantages:

  • Low-voltage LEDs lower energy costs and emissions, aligning with California's green initiatives.
  • Creates ambiance: perfect for gatherings, while preventing excessive light that disturbs neighbors or wildlife.
     

Shop Best Pro Lighting for Quality LED Outdoor Light Products

Best Pro Lighting offers the LED light products you want in multiple categories, plus they’re as durable as they are beautiful. LED lights last for years, so you won’t have to worry about frequent bulb replacement. Shop Best Pro lighting to light your landscape sustainably and enjoy your enhanced outdoor space!

 

Frequently Asked Questions


Q: Do I need a permit for outdoor garden lighting in California?
A: Low-voltage systems usually don't require them, but check local codes; San Diego may require electrical permits.
 

Q: Are low-voltage garden lights safe for California climates?
A: Yes, they're durable in heat and dry conditions, with durable materials preventing fading or cracking.
 

Q: How does maintenance differ in hot, dry climates?
A: Clean the fixtures monthly to remove dust; inspect for heat damage; use UV-protected cables to avoid brittleness.
 

Q: Can garden lights be automated?
A: Yes, use timers, apps, or smart hubs for scheduling, dusk-to-dawn operation, and remote control.
 

Q: Where is the best place to buy garden lights?
A: Best Pro Lighting offers a big selection of LED garden lights that will help you light your space beautifully and save energy, too.

Back to blog

Related Blogs