Installing outdoor lighting and outlets in your backyard can enhance your landscaping, enable entertaining, and add safety and security. While it may seem daunting, with proper planning and precautions, you can successfully wire your backyard without hiring an electrician.
Research Local Building Codes and Permit Requirements
Before wiring anything, it's crucial to research your local building codes and permit requirements. Many municipalities require permits for outdoor electrical work to ensure it meets safety standards.
I researched my town's building department website and called their permit office to learn:
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A permit is required for installing new outdoor circuits and wiring.
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All electrical work must follow the National Electrical Code (NEC).
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A final inspection of my work is needed before the power can be turned on.
Knowing the rules and requirements ahead of time ensures your DIY wiring project follows proper safety protocols and passes inspection. Failure to obtain a required permit could also lead to fines.
Map Out Your Lighting and Outlet Layout
Carefully planning the outdoor lighting and outlet placement is key to a successful wiring project. Here are some tips:
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Draw a diagram of your yard and where you want lights and outlets. Mark pathways, seating areas, trees, gardens and other landscaping to visualize placement.
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Decide which areas need illumination such as paths, patios, pools, or gardens. Place lighting strategically to provide visibility and ambiance.
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Determine how many outlets you need and where, such as on a patio or in a shed or garage. Having enough outlets prevents the need for extension cords.
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Mark where you will mount exterior lighting fixtures. Consider both security and decorative lighting.
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Note any underground elements like irrigation lines to avoid disturbing when digging.
Thorough planning at this stage will make the wiring installation go smoothly and efficiently.
Choose Suitable Outdoor Lighting Fixtures and Hardware
Selecting high quality lighting fixtures and electrical components designed for outdoor use ensures they will hold up against the elements.
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For pathways and general illumination, affordable solar path lights inserted into the ground provide an easy lighting solution without wiring.
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For patios and porches, hanging or wall-mounted LED pendant lights or sconces are attractive options. Choose fixtures rated for damp or wet locations.
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To brighten garden beds and accent landscaping, consider low-voltage LED spotlights on spikes that can be inserted into the ground.
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For large trees and architectural elements, landscape lighting works well. Floodlights illuminate fences, sheds and garage exteriors effectively.
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Outdoor light timers or photocells provide automatic control to turn lights on/off at set times.
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Use weatherproof boxes, conduit and GFCI outlets.
Getting lighting fixtures and hardware designed for exterior use will ensure safety, code compliance and long-lasting performance. Check manufacturer ratings before purchasing.
Determine Power Source and Run Electrical Supply
How you get power to your new outdoor circuits depends on your existing electrical setup:
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If you have an outdoor panel or existing receptacle on the other side of an exterior wall from where you need power, tapping into those is the easiest option.
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For running wiring underground to feed remote yard areas, hire an electrician to safely connect to your main indoor panel and install a new subpanel outdoors.
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For areas beyond reach of panels, standalone solar panels with batteries provide renewable off-grid power.
Other considerations when planning electrical supply:
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The wire gauge ampacity must match circuit breaker amp rating. For lighting, 12 AWG wire and a 15 or 20 amp breaker is common.
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Wiring must be buried at the proper underground depth per code. Use Schedule 40 PVC conduit for protection.
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GFCI protection is required on all outdoor outlets. Have GFCI breakers installed in your panel.
Thinking through how to get power to your planned outdoor circuits is vital to code compliance.
Safely Install New Circuits and Wiring
When ready to start the electrical work, follow these safe installation techniques:
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Turn off power at the main panel before wiring anything new. Verify it's off with a voltage tester.
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Use a flat shovel and dig carefully when burying conduit to avoid hitting existing underground pipes or wires.
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Run wiring through Schedule 40 PVC conduit underground and through exterior walls for protection.
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Make sure outdoor boxes and fixtures are caulked and sealed to prevent water intrusion.
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Use wire nuts and cable clamps properly in boxes for secure connections.
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Label all circuits clearly in the panel with the areas powered.
Taking precautions when wiring will help create professional looking, compliant, and safe outdoor electrical. Thoroughly inspect all work before reconnecting the power.
Have an Electrician Double Check Your Work
Once complete, have an electrician inspect your DIY electrical work before flipping the breakers back on. They can catch any wiring issues or code violations.
Paying an electrician for 1-2 hours of time can give you peace of mind that your project is safe and ready for use. They can also handle any electrical work you didn't feel comfortable doing, like connecting to the main panel.
Pass Final Inspection and Enjoy Your Lit Backyard!
As a final step, have an official inspection completed by your municipality to get approval before re-energizing any new circuits. Provide your permit number and have all your completed work ready to review.
Once you get the green light, flip those breakers and control switches and start enjoying your newly illuminated backyard! Take pride knowing you successfully wired it yourself safely and legally.
With proper planning, precautions, and permitting, you can tackle a DIY backyard wiring project to add beauty, flair and function to your outdoor space. Just be sure to call in electrical pros if any aspect has you stumped or concerned about safety. With adequate care, research and preparation, you can wire your yard like a pro!