Low-voltage landscape lighting can add beauty and elegance to your outdoor spaces after dark. Using flexible PEX tubing makes installing low-voltage lighting an easy do-it-yourself project. With some planning and basic materials, you can create a customized landscape lighting system to highlight trees, pathways, and architectural features in your yard.

Selecting the Lighting Fixtures

When working with low-voltage lighting, the fixtures typically run on 12V power. This makes them safe to install outdoors, even in damp conditions. There are numerous fixture styles to choose from:

• Path lights - Illuminate walking paths and steps. Small and lightweight to place along pathways.

• Spotlights - Focus light on specific landscape features. Adjustable heads let you aim the light.

• Flood lights - Provide broad illumination. Good for open areas like patios.

• Deck lights - Recessed fixtures that mount to wooden decks. Subtle accent lighting.

• Step lights - Line steps for visibility and safety.

• Tree uplighting - Light pointed up into trees to create dramatic effects.

Consider factors like fixture brightness, spread of light, and finish to find options that suit your needs. Outdoor-rated LED bulbs are the most durable and energy-efficient choice.

Planning the Layout

Carefully plan where to place the lighting fixtures for the best effects. Here are some tips:

• Illuminate pathways - Ensure safe navigation after dark. Place path lights about 5-10 feet apart.

• Highlight architectural features - Spotlight interesting details on buildings, fences, and decks.

• Accent vegetation - Shine spotlights on ornamental plants and uplight larger trees.

• Light gathering areas - Use flood lights to brighten seating areas, pools, and patios.

• Create depth - Place fixtures at varying distances from boundaries to make landscapes appear larger.

• Mix fixture types - Use path, spot, and flood lights together for depth and interest.

• Consider angles - Position fixtures to reduce glare and light pollution. Focus lighting downward.

Using PEX Tubing for Wiring

PEX, or crosslinked polyethylene tubing, makes installing low-voltage landscape wiring much simpler than burying individual wires.

Benefits of PEX tubing

• Flexible - Easy to snake through gardens and around obstacles.

• Durable - Resists moisture, mildew, and UV rays when used outdoors.

• One conduit - No need to dig multiple wire trenches.

• Neat appearance - Tubing won't leave visible above-ground wires.

How to work with PEX

• Purchase UV-resistant 1/2" PEX tubing to run low-voltage lighting wire through.

• Determine the tubing routes between your transformer and each light fixture.

• To go around corners, use angled PEX fittings. You can also coil extra tubing length underground.

• At each fixture, leave an access coil of tubing to splice wires.

• Use PEX elbows and tees to create branches to multiple fixtures.

• After pulling wires through, cap the ends so moisture won't enter.

Electrical Requirements

Low-voltage lighting systems have three basic electrical components:

• Transformer - Converts 120V household current into 12V power. Select a transformer with enough wattage for all fixtures.

• Wiring - Typically 16 or 18 gauge, 2-conductor cables tailored for low-voltage systems. Run through the PEX tubing.

• Fixtures - The path lights, spotlights, deck lights etc. Should be 12V models compatible with the transformer output.

Calculating electrical load

Add up the wattage of all fixtures to determine the total wattage needed from the transformer. Generally, allow 20-30% extra capacity. Also consider:

• Cable length - Longer wire runs create more resistance and reduce voltage.

• Future expansion - Size the transformer to add more lights later if desired.

• Dimming - Many transformers have dimmers to lower light levels. This reduces wattage.

Safely connecting components

• Choose an appropriate outdoor location for the transformer and mount it to a wall or post.

• Run the PEX tubing from the transformer to the light locations. Leave access coils.

• At each fixture, splice the wires between the main cables and the light wires with gel-filled connectors.

• Use wire nuts to join wires at the transformer. Follow the instructions for the output connections.

• Test the lights and troubleshoot any issues before burying the PEX tubing underground.

Installing the PEX Tubing

Once the lighting plan is complete, it's time to start the installation:

Trenching

Dig trenches about 6-12 inches deep along the planned PEX tubing routes using a shovel or trencher.

Laying the tubing

• Carefully unroll the PEX tubing and lay it into the trench.

• Position any turns and elbow fittings as needed.

• At light locations, leave a few feet of coiled access tubing above ground.

Running the wire

• Use gel-filled wire nuts to connect the main low-voltage wire ends to the transformer output.

• Carefully pull the main wires through the PEX tubing so they extend to each light fixture.

• At each light, pull about 12" of wire from the access coil and splice it to the light wires.

Finishing up

• Test all lights and adjust any fixtures or splices as needed.

• For an invisible look, bury the access tubing coils. Leave wires exposed at fixtures.

• Backfill the trenches with dirt, slope the surface for drainage, and restore any disturbed grass or plants.

Proper planning is crucial for a successful and attractive low-voltage landscape lighting system. Take time to carefully design the lighting layout and select the perfect fixtures before beginning the installation using PEX tubing. With some patience and attention to detail, you can create beautiful and functional outdoor lighting to enjoy for years to come. Let your imagination and creativity shine!