Information on Installing Low Voltage Landscaping Lights

Low voltage landscaping lights are a good way to add lighting to the outside of your home. Even better is that the lights are simple to install by just following 12 easy steps.

Installing Low Voltage Lights

Installing low voltage lights can be a very easy do-it-yourself project if you follow each step correctly.

1. Mount to the house your volt transformer. It is suggested that you place the transformer behind a bush so that it is not easily noticed.
2. Extend the low voltage cable from the transformer to all of the light fixtures.
3. Mount the stake to the shaft of the light fixtures.
4. Strip each end of the wires from the cable and fixtures. Connect the two wires by twisting the cables together.
5. Slide the brass connectors across the wire connections and tighten them.
6. Take your wire connections and push them through the light fixture’s hollow stem.
7. With a firm touch, push the stake of the light fixture into the group. Make sure that the stake is deep in the ground.
8. By using a squared blade shovel, cut a narrow ditch stretching from one light fixture to another light fixture.
9. Push the cable into the narrow ditch leaving at about two feet of cable out of the ground.
10. Place the light bulbs into each light fixture. When done, attach the light shades to the light fixtures as well.
11. Connect the terminals to the transformer and attach the face plate to the transformer. Insert the transformer into the volt receptacle.
12. Turn on the switch to ensure that each light fixture turns on.

Mistakes to Avoid

Typically, installing low voltage lights are a very easy do-it-yourself project. However, there are some individuals who find the DIY project difficult and there are five key reasons why these difficulties arise. Here are the five key mistakes that can turn this simple DIY project into a daunting task:

• No Voltmeter: in order to properly install an outdoor low voltage light, you must have a voltmeter. This is not a tool that is common for the home, but it is essential to safely calculate the amount of voltage that is being put out by each light.
• No Waterproof Splices: wires used for the lights are typically buried underground. Therefore, the use of a waterproof splice is needed to prevent wire corrosion and electrical resistance.
• No Voltage Drop Management: if your lights are set up with a weak voltage drop, you will end up with an ill-functioning light that could be dim, underpowered, overpowered, or uneven. This mistake can also decrease the lifespan of your lights as well.
• Installation in Improper Locations: you must be careful to place lighting in areas of the yard that will not put the lights or wires at risk for being damaged.
• Using Low-Quality Fixtures: you should make sure your selection can endure any weather condition to ensure a longer lifespan and better lighting.

Low-voltage landscaping lights are a great addition to the outside of your home especially if installed correctly. Follow the steps above and avoid the mistakes mentioned, and you will be able to successfully complete this simple DIY project.

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