Home » Misc » How to install landscaping lights

How to install landscaping lights


How to Install Landscape Lighting: Step-by-Step Guide

After you’ve learned the basics of landscape lighting and how to create a plan for your system, you can now think about how to install landscape lighting. Installing low voltage landscape lighting is an easy do-it-yourself project that most homeowners can complete.

DIY landscape lighting with low voltage (12V) is a safe and easy project. These landscape lights carry little risk of electrical shock, and you can bury the wires in shallow trenches. However, if you are using line voltage (120V) lighting, it must be installed by a licensed electrician. Before starting, please refer to the National Electrical Code® and your local electrical codes.

Also, gather any tools you might require for the job – most importantly, a set of wire strippers and a shovel or trenching tool. Additional tools may be required, depending on the needs of your project.

Tools

Instructions

Step 1: Physically mark any existing cable or irrigation lines, so that they aren’t damaged during the low voltage landscape lighting installation.

Step 2: Unpack and assemble your landscape lighting fixtures. Take everything out of its box, then install bulbs in any lamp-ready fixtures, and attach mounts. There are many ways to mount fixtures, but most fall under one of these three categories. Stake mounting is where a stake is attached to the fixture and then place directly into the ground. Surface mounting is used when a fixture must be attached to a hard surface and it usually requires a power drill. In-ground mounting is when a fixture is mounted directly into the earth, so having a spade, shovel or post hole digger is a big help.

Step 3: Clear a path for your wire runs and place your fixtures based on the project map you created during planning.

Step 4: Mount your low voltage transformer. When choosing a location for your transformer, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Transformers must have 1 foot of clearance in every direction, be at least 30 feet away from water features and be on a surface that can withstand the heat it produces. Learn more: How to Install a Low Voltage Transformer

Step 5: Lay out and dig your trenches for your main wire runs. Most people use a shovel or spade for trenching, but more specialized tools are also available. The exact depth of the trenches is determined by your local codes, but low voltage cable is typically buried at least 6 inches deep. Once dug, place the wires in your trenches and cover them completely with dirt. Be sure to leave at least 5 feet of unburied wire at each end, so that you have room for adjustments lat

Step 6: Begin connecting your system. For a simple connection process, use a clamp connect transformer, which uses levers instead of the screw mechanism to clamp to the wires. Start by connecting your transformer to your main runs. This is done by placing one strand of wire in the com terminal and the other in a terminal marked either 12 volt or 15 volt. The 12 volt tap is for shorter wire runs with fewer fixtures while the 15 volt tap is for longer runs that draw more power. Wire exiting the transformer should be protected with conduit until it reaches the ground.

Step 7: Connect fixtures by splicing their lead wires to your main runs. The most common method is to use twist-on style connectors. These connections are made by stripping the last half inch of wire at each end, then twisting them together in a clockwise direction. Then insert the connection into the cap and twist clockwise until the wire begins to spin with the cap. Another option is to use clamp connect junctions. To use these, simply invert the stripped wire ends into the terminal, push down the lever and close the housing. This protects the connection from moisture and corrosion. If you have a cluster of fixtures, you may want to use a hub (pictured here). Hubs allow you to easily connect multiple fixtures in a single location. Hubs can either be stake-mounted above the ground or buried underground.

Step 8: Once all of your connections are made, you can test your system. Turn on your transformer and then walk around your property to ensure that every fixture is lit. If one is out, it may be that you have a bad connection on your system.

Step 9: If all your fixtures are properly functioning, you can now begin the adjustment phase of your installation. Wait until nighttime before starting adjustment; that way you can clearly see the lighting effects created by each fixture. Now walk your property again and make sure each light is aimed at the desired feature in your landscape. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for glare coming from your fixtures. Glare can be remedied by adjusting the angle of the fixture or the position of its glare guard.

Step 10: Finish your project by burying any remaining wires and programming the timer on your transformer.

Congratulations – you have now completed your installation! If you encountered any issues or have additional questions about how to install landscape lighting, the experts at VOLT® are available 7 days a week to help; call us at (813) 978-3700.

How to Put in Landscape Lighting

Project details

Skill

1 out of 5 Easy Digging shallow trenches for the low-voltage cable takes some work, but installing the light fixtures is a piece of cake.

Cost

$450 to $600 (for an average-size system)

Estimated Time

8 to 10 hours (for an average-size system)

Enhance the nighttime curb appeal of your home—and add a measure of safety and security—with low-voltage landscape lighting. These exterior-grade fixtures are typically placed along walkways and driveways, but they're also ideal for illuminating steps, trees, stonewalls, fences, and other prominent landscape features. And because the system operates on only 12 volts of electricity, it's completely safe for do-it-yourself installation.

At the stately 1930s-something home shown here, we installed 12 Intermatic fixtures in three different areas. Alongside the walkway leading to the entryway are six decorative aluminum fixtures that have a curved shepherd's hook profile.

Two 20-watt wall-wash fixtures are used to illuminate the white-painted lattice fence on either side of the walkway. At the base of each of the four evergreen shrubs growing against the house is a 20-watt shrub uplight. The 12 fixtures are connected with a 12-gauge cable and powered by a 300-watt transformer.

Step 1: Landscape Lighting Overview

Illustration by Gregory Nemec

Low-voltage landscape lighting is a simple improvement that can make a huge difference in how your home looks after dusk and in its safety and security as well. Installed along walkways, steps, and driveways, or pointing up at trees, walls, and fences, the typical low-voltage lighting system requires just three components: a transformer, low-voltage electrical cable, and the fixtures. You don't have to be comfortable with wiring—or even have ever done any—to install this type of system.

The transformer steps down the 120-volt house current to just 12 volts. It must be plugged into a GFCI-protected outdoor electrical outlet fitted with a "while-in-use" cover, and oversize plastic box that closes over the power cord. The transformer needs to have enough capacity to support the cumulative wattage of the lights in the system. Between fixtures, the cable is buried in a shallow trench. As long as you have a nearby outlet, you'll be able to give your home and yard a welcoming glow when the sun goes down.

(Click "enlarge this image" to read illustration labels.)

Step 2: Lay out the Components

Photo by Mark Roskams

Set the pathway light fixtures on the ground where they'll be installed — usually about 8 to 10 feet apart.

Lay the low-voltage cable along the concrete walkway, following the line of light fixtures. Use 14-gauge cable for lighting systems that total 200 watts or less and 12-gauge cable for systems that are more than 200 watts.

When you come to an obstacle, such as a fence or shrub, string the cable under or around it.

Tip: Put first fixture at least 10 feet from the transformer.

Step 3: Turn over the Sod

Photo by Mark Roskams

Move the light fixtures out of the way.

Take a flat-blade shovel and slide it underneath the top layer of grass, about 12 inches in from the edge of the walk. Then lift up on the handle to separate the grass from the soil, and fold over this scalped portion of sod. Continue in this manner all along the walkway.

Use the corner of the shovel's blade to scratch a 3-inch-deep trench in the soil where the wire will go.

Tip: If necessary, set the light fixtures on top of the folded sod to prevent it from flopping back down.

Step 4: Bury the Electrical Cable

Photo by Mark Roskams

Set the low-voltage electrical cable in the trench. Leave a bit of slacked cable at each fixture point for making the connection to the light fixtures.

Smooth the soil over the trench, but leave the cable sticking up out of the soil near each fixture.

Make a slit in the detached sod where the fixture will sit and fold the sod back over the soil, keeping the cable for each fixture above the grass.

Tip: Don't bury the cable more than 3 inches or you'll have difficulty connecting the light fixture.

Step 5: Plug in the Transformer

Photo by Mark Roskams

Run the cable up to the outdoor electrical outlet. Then use wire strippers to cut the cable and strip off ½ inch of the rubber insulation.

Slide the stripped wires under the two terminal screws on the bottom of the transformer. Tighten the screws all the way to hold the cable securely in place.

Drive a wood stake into the ground next to the outlet. Then screw the transformer to the stake. (It can also be mounted directly to the wall of the house.)

Lift up the "while-in-use" cover on the outlet and plug in the transformer.

Step 6: Prepare Holes for the Fixtures

Photo by Mark Roskams

Set all the light fixtures back into position, checking to make sure they're equally spaced.

Position the first fixture as close to the edge of the walkway as possible without any part of it hanging over. (If the fixture extends into the walkway, people will constantly be bumping into it.)

Make a hole in the ground for the fixture's stake with a large screwdriver or long steel punch. Never use a hammer to drive the fixture into the ground.

Tip: Don't place a light within 10 feet of a pool, spa, or fountain.

Step 7: Make the Electrical Connections

Photo by Mark Roskams

Slip the two connector halves hanging from the bottom of the light fixture over the cable that's protruding from the sod and pinch them together until you hear a click. This allows the sharp prongs inside the connectors to pierce the cable and make contact with the wires inside.

Since the transformer is plugged in, the fixture should light up, confirming the connection is good. If it doesn't, unsnap and re snap the connector, or check the bulb.

Tip: If none of the bulbs lights up, you may have a faulty transformer or outdoor electrical outlet.

Step 8: Install the Light Fixtures

Photo by Mark Roskams

Insert the light fixture into its metal ground stake.

Using both hands, push the fixture and its stake into the ground until the top of the stake is flush with the ground. Eyeball the fixture to make sure it's not tilted to one side.

Tuck the cable and connector under the sod and stuff them into the soil, about 2 inches deep.

Continue installing the remaining fixtures in the same manner.

Step 9: Replace the Sod

Photo by Mark Roskams

Once all the light fixtures are installed and working properly, smooth out the sod around the fixtures.

If necessary, cut the sod around the light fixtures with the shovel.

Firmly press down on the sod, then use a garden hose to soak the area with water.

Tip: In regular use, promptly replace a burned-out bulb or it will shorten the life of the other bulbs.

Tools:

Tools & Materials

Tips on the topic "How to install a garden lamp" - ideas for home improvement

Expert: Head of the BasicDecor configuration department Kharis Shakirov

Author: interior journalist Kristina Krapotina

mistakes: choose unsuitable fixtures, incorrectly lay the cable or place supports, go too far with the number of lamps or interfere with neighbors. We will tell you in the article how to avoid these and other mistakes. nine0007

Luminaires by mounting type

Landscape designers emphasize functional and decorative garden lighting. Functional light is set to illuminate paths, gates, doors. Decorative lighting includes architectural lighting of the facade of the house, landscape lighting of plants in the garden.

Depending on the design, the luminaires are mounted on the wall, ceiling or installed on the ground or in the ground.

Outdoor wall lamps are most often used for decorative design of the facade, functional lighting near the gate or doors. nine0007

Expert:
Head of the configuration department BasicDecor
Haris Shakirov

Author:
interior journalist
Christina Krapotina 9000 lamps are used for lighting, verandas or gazebos.

NovoTech Opal 9 outdoor wall and ceiling lamp0007

Ground lamps illuminate the local area: paths, landscape elements. The design feature is a powerful foot bed for stability. By design, high and medium street poles are distinguished. The lowest ground lamps are searchlights.

LED landscape lamp NovoTech STREET ROCA

Degrees of protection of lamps from water and how to choose the right one

Before buying, it is important to pay attention to the degree of protection of the lamp: IP. The IP rating helps determine how well the luminaire is protected from moisture and foreign particles. This indicator is printed on the product in the form of marking IPXY, where X is the number of protection against solids, Y is the number of protection against moisture. nine0007

IP protection table. For the X scale, the value range is from 0 to 6, for the Y scale, from 0 to 8

- IP23 protection is sufficient for a terrace or gazebo under the roof of .

- In the garden and on the facades , the lamps are exposed to precipitation. For open places, devices with protection of at least IP44 are needed.

— On footpaths, fixtures are subject to mechanical stress: they can be accidentally hit or flooded with water from a garden hose. Therefore, for such luminaires, the degree of protection must be at least IP67. nine0007

Luminaire types by energy source

Luminaires can be powered by one of two energy sources: electricity and solar panels.

Solar panels cannot be an alternative to electric lamps. Electric lamps give a bright, sharp light that allows you to see all the details. Solar-powered lamps have a soft and subdued light.

Solar lamp SOLAR

It makes sense to combine two types of lighting depending on the purpose. Above the porch of the house, you should hang an electric lamp and equip it with a motion sensor. For the garden, paths, lawns, solar-powered lamps are suitable. nine0007

How to choose a motion sensor for street lighting

Globo Solar Street Light Solar Dragonfly

Features of electric lamps:

- resistant to temperature changes from -50 to + 50C,

- dangerous if installed incorrectly,

- sensitive to voltage drops. nine0007

Features of solar-powered lamps:

- work without electricity,

- simply installed without the participation of specialists,

- they are easy to move,

- environmentally friendly: they do not emit harmful substances during operation,

- useless during operation short light day,

- they shine dimly over time, as the battery wears out.

Installation of wall and ceiling street lamps

The installation of street lighting and indoor lighting is fundamentally different, since outdoor electrical equipment is exposed to precipitation, wind, and temperature effects. Therefore, the requirements for it are different: protection from moisture, sun and other weather conditions, wear resistance. nine0007

How to install correctly

The installation of outdoor lighting depends on the electrical supply. The first stage of outdoor lighting installation is the thorough preparation of the external electrical circuit. The most important thing here is safety.

Exemplary electrical circuit for outdoor lighting

You can connect the power of street lamps from a common distribution board.

30 mA differential protection is required at the beginning of the circuit. It is important to protect the new circuit with one or more circuit breakers of the appropriate amperage. For lighting networks, this is 10-16 Amperes, for electrical circuits and sockets - 20 Amperes. nine0007

Parallel connection of several external lighting fixtures

It is worth separating the electrical circuits and making independent circuits for each lighting zone if there are many lighting fixtures. In this case, it is important not to exceed the permissible power values.

Electrical connections may only be made inside the lighting fixtures, the cables must be in the ground.

Safety precautions when installing luminaires

— before laying the cable and installing the luminaire, turn off the mains voltage: unscrew the fuses or press the button on the machine; nine0007

- check on the wires if the current is turned off;

Do not touch more than one wire, even when the power is off.

Installation of ground lights

Before installation, clear the area from excess and prepare:

  1. Wires. Street lighting wiring requires cables with a double insulating layer. The cores of such cables are covered with a common PVC layer. The conductors must be copper, as they do not wear out when bent. nine0152
  2. Luminaires with closed hermetic body.
  3. Lamps.
  4. Automatic fuses. If a short circuit occurs, they will help not to de-energize the whole house.
  5. Metal switch boxes for splicing wires.

How to create an outdoor lighting scheme

First you need to determine the number and type of lamps in the suburban area, and only after that start drawing up the scheme. The easiest way is to use the site plan, which indicates its area, as well as garden buildings and communications. On a copy of this plan, you can put your scheme for clarity. nine0007

Scheme marked on the site plan

When designing the scheme, you should follow a few rules:

How to lay the cable underground

There should be several groups of wires from the main switchboard in the yard. The first group - in the house, the second - for street lighting of the site, the third - for garden buildings such as a bathhouse and a utility block. From the shield to the devices, the cable can be laid in two ways: underground and overhead. The first is more preferable, as it does not spoil the landscaping and keeps the wiring from mechanical damage. It is better to use a copper cable as it is more wear-resistant. nine0007

Underground cable laying diagram

When laying the cable, several safety rules must be observed:

  • The distance between the cable route and the sewerage and water pipes must be at least 50 cm, between the cable and the gas pipe - at least 2 meters.
  • Cable for street lighting must be separated from other cable lines by at least 50 cm.
  • The trench for laying the cable must be dug at least 70 cm: if you dig a trench higher, there is a risk of touching the cable when weeding the earth, which is life-threatening.
  • The cable line must be put into a protective box or a regular or corrugated pipe to protect the wires from moisture and accidental mechanical damage.
  • At the bottom of the trench, crushed stone should be poured, and then a layer of sand; this is especially important if the groundwater is close to the surface. nine0152

    How to install the support

    First, you need to prepare a place for installing the supports, that is, dig a trench and pour the foundation. This will require the following tools: a brace, a trowel, a bayonet shovel, a container for mixing the solution, cement, sand, clean water, plywood, formwork bars.

    The installation of supports must be done using a spirit level. Even a small misalignment can have a negative effect on the efficiency and durability of the backlight. nine0007

    Installation of vertical supports is done in the following order:

    - dig a well with a brace,

    - sprinkle sand on the bottom and compact it thoroughly,

    - install a wooden formwork,

    - place a plastic pipe inside the formwork with a hole. Through this hole, through the foundation, it will be possible to lay a cable to the lamp,

    - glue the ends of the pipe so that concrete does not get inside during pouring,

    - pour the formwork with concrete mortar,

    - before the concrete has hardened, install the anchor strictly vertically in the center for fixing the post,

    - wait until the concrete hardens,

    - install the support and mount the street lighting fixture.

    Conclusions

    1. According to the type of installation, street lamps are divided into wall, suspended ceiling and ground.
    2. Street lights must be protected from water and foreign particles. The minimum acceptable degree of protection is IP44, but most models comply with IP-55 standards. Luminaires with a lower degree of protection will not be suitable for the street. nine0152
    3. According to the source of energy, lamps are divided into electric and solar powered. They solve different problems, and therefore they should be combined. For bright light, you need an electric lamp, for a muffled one, solar-powered.
    4. Installation of street ground and ceiling lamps must be done in compliance with safety rules: lay the cable as deep as possible, ground the lighting devices, place the switches in places protected from moisture, position the lamps so that they do not interfere with neighbors. nine0152

    Street Lights and Luminaires: Smart Outdoor Lighting Installation

    Outdoor lighting installation includes a wide range of activities, from equipment selection, system design and wiring to lamp installation. It is important to understand all the nuances so that the result lives up to expectations.

    Contents

    1. Types of street lights: what stores offer
    2. Preparing to install equipment: getting started
    3. Installation of supports for floor lamps
    4. How wall lamps are attached
    5. Recessed lamps: installation details

    Types of street lamps: what do the shops offer?

    Outdoor lighting is an effective way to rid your backyard of total darkness. Street lights perform a number of important functions: they improve visibility on the site, provide comfortable movement of people and cars, and allow full use of surveillance cameras. Luminaires also take an active part in the implementation of interesting solutions in landscape design. nine0007

    A modern light supply system is a complex "mechanism" consisting of diverse equipment. When arranging outdoor lighting, it is important to understand how to install different types of street lights.

    The method of fastening lamps is significantly different, the range of stores offers:

      • Floor lamps - a classic of outdoor lighting. The design of the devices consists of a high rack topped with a ceiling.

      • Wall lamps - products that are mounted to the facades of buildings.

      • Suspension luminaires - models are fixed to a horizontal plane. The plafond of devices is held on a strong suspension.

      • Recessed lamps - an innovative type of lighting. The housing of the fixtures during installation is completely "immersed" in the surface. The value of the products lies in the fact that they are almost invisible during the day, and at night they become a bright light accent. nine0152

    The choice of equipment is an individual thing. Part of the consumer audience is limited to only one type of lamps, others combine lamps. When buying lighting equipment, you should remember that it will be placed on the street and constantly exposed to adverse conditions. The main indicator of the reliability of the device is the protection class. The higher its value, the more durable the body of the lamp.

    Back to content

    Preparing for equipment installation: where to start?

    The installation of outdoor lighting devices is preceded by the creation of a project. At the development stage, the total power of the lamps is determined, equipment is selected, the length of cable lines is calculated, and the placement of lamps is planned.

    Before you install street lights in the country, you need to provide an automation system. Special motion sensors will provide independent switching on / off of devices when necessary. nine0282

    This approach will reduce electricity consumption. When the design work is completed, proceed to the laying of electrical wiring. Experts give the following recommendations:

    • The cable is laid in a trench at a depth of 70-80 cm. Beforehand, the electric wire is placed in a protective metal hose.
    • When filling the channel with earth, lay a plastic mesh. During earthworks, she will notify of the danger of damaging the wiring.
    • Trenches are dug at a distance of more than 0.5 m from buildings. nine0152

    Use a double insulated cable for safety reasons. If outdoor lighting consists of several subsystems, then each must be powered through a separate electrical wire. In the place where it is planned to install lighting fixtures, the cable is brought out by a loop.

    Back to content

    Installing supports for floor lamps

    Previously, floor lamps were used to illuminate parks, squares, squares, today they have migrated to home gardens. Lamps give a powerful stream of light directed upwards, which allows you to illuminate a large area. For this reason, lamps have become very popular. nine0007

    How to install a street lamp so that it is windproof and resistant to mechanical stress? During installation, the support must be concreted, increasing its reliability and endurance.

    Make a foundation as follows:

    1. Dig a square hole, fill the bottom with sand and carefully tamp down.
    2. Install the formwork, inside which you will place the tube for the electrical cable.
    3. Pour concrete, wait for it to set. nine0152
    4. Pass the power cable through the tube.
    5. Drill holes for anchor bolts - they will help attach the post to the foundation.

    When everything is ready, connect the power to the lamp through the terminal clamps.

    Back to content

    How are the wall lights attached?

    Lighting of building facades, gazebos, terraces is organized by wall lamps. For the installation of products, the services of a specialist are not required; every man can do the work. nine0007

    Before installing outdoor lighting in this format, look at the quality of the fasteners included. If in doubt, select a similar high strength bracket.

    Now you can start to work:

    • A place is marked on the wall for fixing screws - for this, the case is applied to the surface.
    • Using a power tool, make holes, the depth of which should be slightly greater than the length of the dowels. nine0152
    • Fix the back of the lantern with screws.
    • After connecting the wires, mount the front of the luminaire.
      • For the lighting device to work, you only need to screw in the lamp.

    Back to content

    Recessed lamps: installation details

    Recessed lamps help to mark the boundaries of the paths on the site, decorate and illuminate the pool.

    Learn more