How to Properly Bury Electrical Wires for Your Garden Lights

Introduction

Installing low voltage garden lighting can add beauty and functionality to your outdoor space. However, burying the wiring improperly can lead to damage and safety hazards. In this article, I will provide a step-by-step guide on how to properly bury electrical wires for garden lights.

Reasons to Bury Wires

There are several benefits to burying wiring for garden lights:

• Aesthetics - Buried wires help keep your garden looking neat and tidy. Above ground wires can look messy and detract from your landscape design.

• Protection - Running wiring underground protects it from damage. Accidentally hitting above ground wires with the lawnmower or hedge trimmer could ruin your lighting system.

• Safety - Exposed wires pose a risk for pets, children or anyone walking through your yard. Burying wires reduces tripping hazards.

• Longevity - Underground wires are shielded from the elements like rain, snow and sun exposure. This protects them and prolongs their lifespan.

Planning the Layout

Proper planning is crucial when installing garden lighting. Here are some tips:

• Map it out - Draw up a layout of where you want your garden lights placed. Indicate paths, planting beds, trees and any other fixtures.

• Mark underground utilities - Use utility flags or spray paint to mark any underground gas, water or electrical lines. Avoid digging near these areas.

• Choose wire gauge - Select the proper wire gauge based on run length. Longer wire runs require thicker gauge wire.

• Calculate voltage drop - Make sure your transformer can supply adequate voltage for the number and length of lights.

Digging the Trenches

Once your layout is planned, it's time to start digging. Follow these steps:

Gather Materials

• Shovel and spade
• Trenching shovel (optional)
• Garden hose
• PVC conduit pipe
• Warning tape

Dig Trenches

• Depth - For most landscapes, bury wires 6-12 inches below grade. Deeper is better for protection.

• Width - Trenches should be 2-6 inches wide depending on conduit size.

• Along paths - Dig trenches along paths and borders where lights will be installed.

• Avoid roots - Prevent damaging tree roots by digging around them.

Install Conduit

• Run PVC conduit in trench to protect wires.

• Conduit should have sweep elbows, not 90° angles.

• Use wire pull string to easily pull wires through later.

Backfill and Compact

• Partially backfill 6 inches over conduit.

• Lay warning tape above conduit to alert future diggers.

• Complete backfilling and compress soil.

• Mound extra dirt over trench to allow for settling.

Running the Low Voltage Wires

Here are the steps for running your low voltage landscape lighting cable through the conduit:

Gather Materials

• Low voltage outdoor lighting wire
• Wire pull strings
• Wire strippers
• Voltmeter

Pull Wires through Conduit

• Use wire pull string to feed wires from light fixtures through conduit to transformer.

• Lubricant can help wires slide through conduit more easily.

Connect Wires to Fixtures

• Leave 12-18 inches of wire above grade at each light fixture.

• Strip off insulation and connect wires to fixtures.

• Seal connections using silicone filled wire connectors.

Connect to Transformer

• Run wire from lights to 12V transformer location.

• Allow 12-18 inches of slack wire for connections.

• Connect wires to transformer terminals.

Test Lights

• Turn on transformer to test lights and make any wiring corrections.

• Check voltage at fixtures with voltmeter to ensure adequate power.

Tips for Success

Follow these tips to get the best results when burying wires:

• Use quality, outdoor-rated wiring and connectors.

• Avoid burying splices to reduce failure points.

• Label wires at both ends for easy troubleshooting.

• Place lights every 4-6 feet around paths for even illumination.

• Angle fixture heads to direct light where needed.

• Consult an electrician if unfamiliar with low voltage lighting systems.

Properly burying your low voltage garden lighting wires takes planning and care. But it's a worthwhile endeavor to keep your landscape illuminated with beauty and safety. With the steps above, you can successfully install wires that will last for many seasons.