Installing exposed PVC conduit for your low voltage landscape lighting can provide an attractive accent that blends with your home's architecture. While exposed conduit requires more planning and care during installation than burying conduit underground, the end results are worth the extra effort. Follow this guide to properly and safely install exposed PVC conduit that protects your low voltage wiring while enhancing your home's curb appeal.

Selecting the Right PVC Conduit

Choosing the right type of PVC conduit is the first step for a professional exposed installation. Consider the following conduit options:

Schedule 40 PVC

Schedule 40 is the standard thickness for PVC conduit. It provides durability and protection while still allowing easy cutting, bending, and fittings installation. Schedule 40 PVC is the most common choice for exposed low voltage lighting projects.

Schedule 80 PVC

Schedule 80 PVC has a thicker wall than Schedule 40 and offers extra impact protection. It's harder to cut and bend and generally not necessary for low voltage landscape lighting.

PVC Elbows, Couplings, and Conduit Bodies

In addition to straight PVC conduit lengths, you'll need PVC elbows, couplings, and conduit bodies to connect lengths and route around corners. Match the schedule rating to your straight conduit.

Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit

Flexible nonmetallic conduit, also called ENT, allows easier installation around curved and angled surfaces. You can transition from stiff PVC to flexible conduit as needed.

Planning Your Conduit Layout

Careful planning ensures your exposed PVC conduit enhances your lighting design and landscape aesthetics. Consider the following when laying out your conduit:

Installing Conduit Supports

Conduit supports securely anchor exposed PVC conduit in place against walls and other surfaces. Follow these best practices when installing supports:

Proper conduit support spacing and installation prevents sagging and damage from impacts.

Cutting and Assembling PVC Conduit

With your conduit layout planned and mounting locations prepped, you can start cutting and assembling conduit runs:

Cutting conduits accurately and cementing smooth, aligned connections creates a professional finished look.

Pulling and Securing Low Voltage Wires

Low voltage landscape lighting wires transmit power from your transformer to each lighting fixture. Follow these guidelines when installing wires:

Properly routing and securing wire through conduit prevents hazardous shorts and damage to wire insulation.

Conduit Installation Do's and Don'ts

Adhere to these conduit installation tips to complete your low voltage lighting project like a professional:

Do

Don't

Following best practices for exposed conduit installation results in lighting you can enjoy without worries of damage, hazards, or leaks. With the right PVC conduit mounted securely in place and wired properly, your low voltage landscape lighting will function reliably for many years.