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How to put in low-voltage landscape lighting

 low-voltage landscape lights

If you want to reap the benefits of vibrant, backyard illumination, you’ll need a variety of versatile, weatherproof, low-voltage landscape lights to brighten up your property’s pathways, flower beds, trees, fences, driveways, stone walls, doorways and deck. While you could hire a professional to design your outdoor lighting scheme and install all of your illuminant fixtures, DIY installation is your middle name!

This budget-friendly project can make a big impact on your outdoor space, providing a practical, aesthetic glow that can be enjoyed both day and night. So, if you’re a person who’s rather handy and you’re up for the challenge, we highly recommend installing a few low-voltage landscape lighting systems because they’re cheaper, easier to install, safer and require far less energy than higher voltage systems. The perfect backyard is just within reach, so read ahead to understand how to install low voltage landscape lights.

a man working on transformers

Key components to keep in mind before starting your project

With a variety of low-voltage landscape lighting fixtures and accessories available in an assortment of colors, styles and sizes, it’s almost impossible to test out and review all of them prior to your purchase. However, nearly every lighting system, complex or not, is comprised of the following four basic parts.

  • Transformer: Every low-voltage landscape light system requires a state-of-the-art transformer to power its illumination, plugging into a protected electrical outlet that is supplied with current between 12 volts and 120 volts. Some transformers are even equipped with timers to allow the users to choose when the lights will go on and off. 
  • Low-voltage electrical cable: There is a cable that you will need for your lights that’s made to be buried underground, running from the transformer into each low-voltage landscape light. 
  • Pathway fixtures: These types of lights are designed to be installed along walkways and driveways. 
  • Accent fixtures: These types of lights are specialty fixtures that used to shine or up light your landscape features. 

installing garden light

How do you install low-voltage landscape lights?

While the list of steps can vary depending on where and how you want your lights to look, there are three major areas of low voltage landscape lighting installation that will be required for your DIY project. 

Laying the cable

It’s always best to paint a picture of what you want to do before starting the work. That’s why laying the light fixtures out before installing landscape lighting is a good first step. Space each fixture about 8 to 10 feet apart and then unroll the spool of electrical cable to place down beside each fixture. Following, use a shovel to dig a small trench along the line where you want to place your fixtures. Next, set down the cable in the trench. 

Installing the transformer

Peel the copper wires from your cable about 4 inches on each side, then use some wire strippers to remove about ⅝ inch of insulation. Slide the wires through the strap on the back of the transformer and place one of each of your wires under the A screw and the B screw terminal. Following, tighten the screws to secure the wires and place the stake of the transformer into the ground next to your nearest electrical outlet. 

Connect the lights

Attach a plastic cover over the outlet to protect it from the elements and then plug in the transformers power cord into the outlet. Next, connect each fixture to the cable. Since the transformer is connected, the fixtures should just light up, however, if this doesn’t happen, try again by checking your wired connections. Once the lights are glowing you can place their stakes into the ground where you want them to sit. Lastly, fill the trench in will topsoil. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are some examples of low voltage landscape lighting?

A. Low voltage landscape lighting is an effective way to enhance all types of outdoor spaces while improving the safety of their surrounding areas. Some common examples include low voltage garden lights, pathway lights, spotlights, floodlights, and deck lights. These fixtures operate with a low voltage transformer, reducing energy consumption while providing vibrant, high-quality, sufficient illumination. While you can install your fixtures almost anywhere, these lights are particularly popular for accentuating garden features like trees and walkways.
 

Q. Where to place low voltage landscape lights in the yard?

A. You need to strategically place low voltage lights to maximize their functionality and achieve the best look. This means that pathway lights should be positioned along walkways and driveways, spotlights and floodlights installed to uplight trees and outdoor structures, and step-deck lights at the perimeter of these structures to improve visibility. Placing low voltage landscape lighting in these areas maximizes their impact.
 

Q. How much does low voltage lighting cost?

A. The cost of low voltage lighting is dependent on the type of fixture. Elements like material, brand, size, and installation requirements all affect the price. However, basic low voltage garden lights can start at around $20 per fixture, while higher-end designs with advanced features can cost up to $50 each. A complete system, which includes a low voltage transformer, wiring, and multiple fixtures will typically range from $200 to $1000. If you want to maximize your savings, order one of our lighting kits to get the best prices and everything you need for the setup.
 

Q. How to order low voltage lighting at Best Pro Lighting?

A. Ordering low voltage landscape lighting from Best Pro Lighting is simple and convenient. Customers can visit our website to browse a wide selection of fixtures, transformers, and accessories. Once they find the desired products, they can add them to their cart, proceed to checkout, and select a preferred payment method. Since Best Pro Lighting provides detailed product descriptions and great customer reviews, you can rest assured that your decision will be informed before completing your purchase.
 

Q. Does Best Pro Lighting offer discounts?

A. Yes, Best Pro Lighting frequently offers discounts and special promotions on their low voltage outdoor lighting products. Customers can check the website “SALE” section and peruse other category pages for bundled deals. Additionally, signing up for the newsletter will also provide you with access to early discount notifications and upcoming sales.
 

What part of the low-voltage landscape lights installation did you find most interesting? Drop a comment below to share with our readers. 

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