How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Installing Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

Installing low voltage landscape lighting can greatly enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor spaces. However, there are some common mistakes that many homeowners make when installing landscape lighting for the first time. Avoid these common pitfalls with these tips for a successful landscape lighting installation.

Planning the Layout

• Carefully plan where you want to place each light fixture before installation. Consider what areas you want to highlight or illuminate for safety and ambiance.
• Draw a layout of your landscape lighting plan to visualize positioning and connections. This will help you purchase the correct amount of lighting and accessories.
• Determine if you want the lighting focused in specific areas or evenly distributed. Focus lighting on features like trees, pathways, or seating areas.
• Choose the right lighting for the right areas. Use path lights and step lights for safety near walkways. Up-lights work best to illuminate trees and bushes.

Selecting the Right Fixtures

• Choose fixtures rated for outdoor and landscape use. Look for quality materials like brass, copper, or stainless steel.
• Pick lights with the appropriate brightness and beam spread. Wide flood lights work best to illuminate large areas. Spotlights focus light in a narrow beam.
• Make sure fixtures are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified for safety.
• Purchase extra lighting fixtures to allow for future expansion or replacements.

Using the Proper Low Voltage Wiring

• Choose outdoor-rated, UV-resistant, direct burial low voltage landscape wire. 12-gauge and 10-gauge are common sizes.
• Run wire underneath plants, rocks, or pavers for a hidden look. Use conduit for above-ground wire runs.
• Prevent wire damage by digging trenches at least 6 inches deep and 2 inches wide.
• Connect fixtures in a "daisy chain" from light to light for fewer wire runs back to the transformer.
• Leave slack where wire exits the ground to allow for plant growth or adjustments.

Proper Transformer Selection

• Choose a transformer with enough watt capacity to power all fixtures, calculated by adding all wattages. As a rule of thumb, add 20% more.
• Pick a transformer with a volt output that matches your landscape lighting system, often 12V or 15V.
• Install the transformer in an indoor, protected area out of the elements.
• Set timers or photosensors on the transformer to control when landscape lights turn on.

Finishing Touches

• Test that all fixtures are properly connected and working before burying wires.
• Use gel filters to change light color for different effects.
• Dim or intensify lights as needed with transformers that offer adjustability.
• Add spreader plates at fixture heads to focus light where you want it aimed.
• Disguise above-ground wires by covering with flexible conduit painted to match your exterior.

With good planning and by avoiding these common mistakes, you can have professional-looking landscape lighting that makes your yard spectacular at night. Take your time installing fixtures and wiring neatly to create an outdoor lighting system you'll enjoy for years.