How to Wire a Simple Path Light System

Introduction

Installing path lights along walkways, driveways, or landscape beds is a great way to enhance the ambiance and safety of your outdoor space. With some simple wiring knowledge and materials, wiring a path light system is a relatively straightforward DIY project for any homeowner. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk through all the steps involved and considerations to keep in mind when wiring your own path lighting system.

Planning Your Layout

The first step is deciding on the layout. Here are some tips for planning:

• Determine the area you want to light - this may be a front walkway, driveway, pool area, garden beds, etc. Measure the space to understand the scope.

• Decide on path light spacing - a general guideline is placing lights 10-15 feet apart. Think about key locations you want lit.

• Mark light locations with spray paint or stakes. Space evenly for consistent lighting.

• Consider light output - low voltage path lights emit approximately 50-100 lumens. Make sure this is sufficient for your needs.

• For larger areas, supplement with higher wattage lights at key locations to increase overall brightness.

• Check for buried lines - call 811 before digging to avoid hitting any underground wiring or plumbing.

Choose Path Lighting Kits and Fixtures

The two main components you'll need are:

• Low voltage lighting transformer - converts 120V household current into 12V output for the lights. Select a wattage to match your lighting needs.

• Path light fixtures - low voltage, direct burial lights. LED lights last the longest. Ensure a UL listing for safety.

• Kits with everything bundled make this choice easy. Or you can buy components separately.

• Pick lights you like visually - options like brass, stainless steel, mushroom top, etc.

• For driveways, use lights rated for vehicle traffic. Avoid glass lenses.

Additional Materials Needed

Beyond the lighting kit, you will also need:

• 12/2 Landscape low voltage cable - this has two insulated wires to deliver power to lights. Purchase length to run from transformer to farthest light.

• Cable staples - to tack wiring in place every 1-2 feet along cable run.

• Wire connectors - used to join wire between lights and at the transformer. Get direct burial style.

• Shovel and garden tools - makes installing much easier than just using your hands.

• PVC conduit - optional to run wiring underground for added protection.

• Outdoor timer - mounts to transformer box to control when lights turn on/off automatically.

Installation Steps

With your materials gathered, now it's time for the fun part - installing your low voltage path lights:

1. Mount the Lighting Transformer

• Determine location - ideally within reach of a GFCI electrical outlet. The transformer can mount directly to the outlet box.

• Alternately, mount to wall or post and run electrical cable to nearest outlet.

• Follow manufacturer instructions for securing transformer.

• Ensure it is mounted vertically for proper heat dissipation and is sheltered from direct rain/snow.

2. Run the Low Voltage Cable

• Starting from transformer, run cable to first light location, leaving some extra at each end.

• Use cable staples every 1-2 feet to secure. Avoid over-stapling which can damage wire insulation over time.

• For conduit installs, pull cable through minimum 3/4" PVC. Deburr cut ends to avoid cutting cable jacket.

• Use sweeping curves for turns - never make sharp 90 degree bends.

3. Install Path Lights

• At each marked location, dig a roughly 6" deep hole and drop in the path light base.

• Leave some slack in the cable to avoid strain on connections.

• Connect wires from cable to fixture wires using gel-filled wire connectors.

• Ensure all connections are tight and waterproof.

• Bury extra cable length under ground. Backfill soil and pack firmly to hold lights in place.

4. Connect to Transformer

• Run cable back to transformer, leaving slack loops for connections.

• Use gel-filled wire connectors to join low voltage cable to transformer wires.

• Install a GFCI receptacle if not already present.

• Energize the transformer and test lights - troubleshoot any issues before backfilling.

• Consider installing a photocell or outdoor timer to control lighting automatically.

Safety Tips

When dealing with electrical wiring, be sure to keep safety in mind:

• Shut power OFF at the breaker before doing any work

• Follow local electrical codes for outdoor wiring

• Avoid underground hazards like irrigation, gas lines, wiring etc when digging

• Use gel-filled connectors rated for wet locations

• Insulate all connections and junction boxes to prevent shorts

• Have a professional handle the 120V electrical connections

With attention to planning and safety, installing your own path lighting can be an enjoyable and fulfilling DIY project! The ambiance and charm it adds to your outdoor space makes it well worth the effort.