The Facts About Landscape Light Installation Uncovered

An Unbiased View of Landscape Light Installation

Without any type of significant electric experience I went on the hunt for easy to set up reduced voltage landscape lights. Reduced voltage landscape lights are powered via a transformer, that attaches to the cable, that reduces the voltage from normal 120 volts to 12 volts.


30 minutes was all it took to offer our cottage an enchanting radiance at night.


I probably can have managed with less lights yet the 4 light set was the smallest one available. When I began looking for outdoor spotlights my first concern was to locate something that was easy for me to mount and hookup. After I limited my choices I looked for lights that had great reviews.






As soon as I obtained them and laid the lights out I understood the 3 and 3 arrangement would not function. Even though I obtained a great deal of cable with the set, I would have had to dig under the sidewalk in order to conceal the wire.

How Landscape Light Installation can Save You Time, Stress, and Money.

Keep in mind, I desired this to be easy with no excavating and no rewiring. While I figured out a repair I simply mounted all 6 by the visitor room to see how they would look. A quick word of caution. We are only plugging in lights it's vital to be secure and make use of care when functioning with electricity.


I simply stuck the risk right into the ground and changed the light. There was a black cable that ran to each spotlight so I rolled up the extra from each light and tie wrapped it using the black spin connection that came with the collection.


When the cables were buried I plugged the limelights right into my outside extension cord, that is plugged in to an outlet on the house. To make points also much easier I likewise utilized a timer. Now the landscape lights transform on and off instantly at established times each night. Once the sunlight set and my lights switched on I went outdoors and adjusted them to hit the front of the residence.


Like I said, the tiniest set I can get was 4 lights so that's what I got. Once they arrived I installed them following the exact same steps as the initial set of lights.

The 8-Second Trick For Landscape Light Installation

He would not confess that I was right butI was right.


# 10 gauge outside cord # 12 scale outdoor cable 1-1/2 in. x 12-in. PVC pipeline 1-1/2-in. PVC cap with -in. women string -in. copper pipe For every ground light: 1-1/2-in. PVC coupler with -in. tee for cable opening Lighting One box of weatherproof cord connectors Transformer Two -in. sweat-to thread copper adapters Extension ladder Yard rake Degree Posthole miner Safety glasses Voltage tester Wire stripper/cutter Wrench setvolt me Volt meter A garden spade Light weight aluminum outdoor tents risks.


Mount lights where they will not be conveniently damaged by plows or shovels. Keep in mind, too, that the plants you light up will certainly go through seasonal modifications. Not all plants must be evergreens, some plants such as hydrangea, dogwoods and sumac are appealing illuminated also when leafless. Once you have your products, your devices and your strategy, it's time to call 811.


It's a free service and you'll avoid dangerous and costly surprises. Usage 10-gauge cord click site for the major lines from the transformer to where the lights start, after that change to 12-gauge cable between the lights. To bury the cords where they go across the grass, utilize a flat-nosed shovel to cut a slot and fold back the turf.

More About Landscape Light Installation

Since the transformer will certainly constantly be connected in, you should replace the standard electrical outlet cover with an in-use weatherproof cover, readily available at a lot of major home improvement facilities and hardware stores. The ground risks that include most upright illumination fixtures are not solid enough (or go deep enough) to maintain them good and straight over time with transforming soil conditions, disintegration, etc.


Utilizing the PVC pipeline, construct and hide a footer that will house click for more the cord connections and sustain your pole extensions (suggested to be made of 1/2- inch copper pipeline). Link the cords with weatherproof cable connectors. These cable connectors have a guard under and a ball of sealant inside that make them weatherproof.


Having a solid strategy concerning landscape lights is more vital than you may picture. Effectively lighting up locations in your yard and your home throughout the night not just gives a superb view of your home but can likewise hinder potential mischief-makers or burglars. If you're not certain where to begin with landscaping lights, you remain in the appropriate place! Right here is our handy outside lights overview, where we will stroll via where to place landscape illumination, what kinds of lights to use, and how to utilize light for the ideal effect.

See This Report on Landscape Light Installation

Install lights where they won't be quickly harmed by rakes or shovels. Bear in mind, also, that the plants you brighten will go through seasonal modifications. Not all plants need to be evergreens, some plants such as hydrangea, dogwoods and sumac are fascinating brightened also when leafless. As soon as you have your products, your devices and your strategy, it's time to call 811.


It's a complimentary solution and you'll prevent hazardous and expensive surprises. Use 10-gauge wire for the main lines from my review here the transformer to where the lights start, after that switch over to 12-gauge cord in between the lights. To bury the wires where they cross the grass, make use of a flat-nosed shovel to reduce a port and layer back the sod.


Because the transformer will constantly be connected in, you need to replace the conventional outlet cover with an in-use weatherproof cover, available at most significant home renovation centers and hardware shops. The ground risks that come with most upright lights fixtures are not strong sufficient (or go deep sufficient) to keep them nice and straight with time with altering soil conditions, disintegration, etc.


Using the PVC pipeline, construct and bury a footer that will house the cord links and sustain your pole expansions (suggested to be made of 1/2- inch copper pipeline). Connect the cords with weatherproof cable connectors. These cord connectors have a shield on the base and a blob of sealer inside that make them weatherproof.

Unknown Facts About Landscape Light Installation

Having a strong strategy pertaining to landscape illumination is more crucial than you could think of. Properly lighting up locations in your backyard and your home during the night not just gives a wonderful sight of your residence but can likewise prevent possible vandals or intruders. If you're uncertain where to begin with landscaping lights, you're in the best area! Below is our handy outdoor illumination overview, where we will certainly stroll via where to place landscape lighting, what kinds of lights to utilize, and exactly how to utilize light for the very best result.