How to Install Landscape Lighting?

Installing landscape lighting is an easy do-it-yourself project that most homeowners can accomplish. Low voltage (12V) DIY landscape lighting is a safe and easy project. There is little risk of electric shock with these landscape lights, and you can bury wires in shallow trenches. However, if you use line voltage (120V) lighting, it must be installed by a licensed electrician.

Also, gather any tools you might need 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 the project.

Step 1: Physically mark any existing cables or irrigation lines to avoid damaging them during low voltage landscape lighting installations.

Step 2: Unpack and assemble your landscape lighting fixture. Take everything out of the box and install the bulb in any ready-to-go light fixture with the brackets attached. There are many ways to install fixtures, but most fall into one of these three categories.

Pile installation is where the piles are attached to fixtures and placed directly into the ground. Surface mounts are used when fixtures must be attached to a hard surface and a power drill is often required. The underground installation refers to installing fixtures directly into the ground, so having a shovel, shovel or pile hole digger is a big help.

Step 3: Clear the path for your wiring and place your fixtures according to the project diagram you created during the planning process.

Step 4: Install the low voltage transformer. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a location for your transformer. Transformers must have 1-foot clearance in each direction, be at least 30 feet from water features, and be on a surface capable of withstanding the heat they generate.

Step 5: Lay and trench your main wires. Most people use a shovel or shovel for trenching, but more specialized tools are also available. The exact depth of the trench is determined by your local code, but low voltage cables are usually buried at least 6 inches deep. After digging, place the wire in the trench and cover it completely with dirt. Make sure you leave at least 5 feet of unburdened wire on each end so you have room to adjust

Step 6: Start connecting your system. For an easy connection process, use a clip-on connection transformer, which uses a lever rather than a screw mechanism to clamp the wires. First, connect the transformer to the main run. This is done by placing one wire in the com terminal and the other wire in the terminal labeled 12V or 15V. 

A 12-volt tap is suitable for shorter wiring that uses fewer fixtures, while a 15-volt tap is suitable for longer wiring that consumes more power. The wire going out of the transformer should be protected with conduit until it reaches the ground.

Step 7: Attach the fixtures by splicing their leads to the main run. The most common method is to use twist-on connectors. These connections are made by stripping the last half-inch of wire at each end and twisting them together in a clockwise direction. Then insert the connector into the cap and turn clockwise until the wires start to spin with the cap. Another option is to use a clamp connector. To use these, simply invert the stripped wire ends into the terminals, press the lever, and close the case.

This protects the connection from moisture and corrosion. If you have a set of fixtures, you may need to use a hub. Hubs allow you to easily connect multiple light fixtures in one location. Hubs can be installed above ground or buried in the ground.

Step 8: Once all connections are made, you can test your system. Turn on your transformer and walk around your house to make sure every light fixture is on. If one is broken, it may be that your system is not well connected.

Step 9: If all your fixtures are working properly, you can now begin the adjustment phase of the installation. Wait until evening to start making adjustments; this way you can clearly see the lighting effect each fixture is producing.

Now walk around your property again and make sure each light is aimed at the desired feature in your landscape. You also need to watch out for glare from fixtures. Glare can be solved by adjusting the angle of the light fixture or the position of the glare guard.

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

Congratulations, you are now done installing! If you have any other questions about how to install landscape lighting or want to buy landscape lights, please contact us.

TFB Lighting is a professional custom outdoor lighting manufacturer. The company mainly produces all kinds of garden lamps, floor lamps, lawn lamps, wall lamps, underwater lamps, wall lamps, spot lamps, street lamps, solar energy and landscape lighting, and other products. There are many varieties and high quality and are widely used in decorative lighting in various roads, squares, parks, villas, pedestrian streets, garden communities, and other places.