How to Safely Bury Underground Wires for Landscape Lighting

Introduction

Installing landscape lighting can greatly enhance the beauty and security of your outdoor space. However, running electrical wires underground is often necessary to keep everything looking neat and tidy. Though it may seem daunting, burying wires is a straightforward DIY project if you take the proper safety precautions. In this guide, I'll walk through the complete process to help you safely bury underground wires for your landscape lighting.

Planning the Wiring Layout

Careful planning is crucial when burying landscape lighting wires. Here are some key steps:

• Map out wire locations - Sketch a layout of where you want your lighting fixtures and mark where you'll run the wiring underground. Measure the distances to determine how much wire you need.

• Choose appropriate wire gauge - Outdoor landscape lighting usually uses 12 or 14 gauge low voltage wire. Choose the right gauge to handle the length of your wire run and power load.

• Select trenching depth - Wire must be buried at the proper depth to be protected and up to code. Usually 12-18 inches is appropriate, but check your local regulations.

• Call to locate utilities - Contact your utility companies to identify any buried electric, gas or water lines. You must avoid them when digging trenches.

• Rent a trencher - Renting a gas-powered trencher makes quick work of digging long, narrow trenches for wiring.

Digging the Trenches Safely

Digging trenches improperly can lead to damage and dangerous mishaps. Follow these guidelines:

• Wear protective gear - Use safety glasses, gloves, long pants and boots when trenching. A dust mask is also recommended.

• Mark trench locations - Use spray paint or flags to mark the path of your trenches before digging.

• Call 811 to locate utilities - Have professional utility locating done so you avoid puncturing gas or water pipes.

• Hand dig near utilities - Use a shovel instead of a trencher within 2 to 3 feet of marked utility lines when digging.

• Shore up trenches - Brace deep trenches with plywood and shoring boards to prevent hazardous cave-ins.

Running & Burying the Wires

Here are some tips for properly installing your low voltage landscape lighting wires:

• Lay wires in trenches - Place your low voltage cable in the bottom of trenches. Provide a bit of slack to prevent damage.

• Avoid sharp objects - Take care not to lay wires on rocks or roots that could slice through the insulation.

• Connect lighting fixtures - Follow manufacturer instructions to connect your wires to fixtures. Use gel-filled wire connectors.

• Backfill and compact soil - Rake any large debris from trenches before backfilling with soil. Tamp down periodically so soil is firmly packed.

• Cap ends of wire - Seal the ends of any unused wire with vinyl caps to prevent water damage.

Safety Tips

• Turn off main breaker - Switch off the main circuit breaker so there's no live power while you work.

• Never bury 120V lines - Only low voltage outdoor wiring should be buried. Never bury 120V lines.

• Avoid digging near other utilities - Take extreme care when trenching near gas lines or plumbing. Accidentally puncturing one can be deadly.

• Inspect wiring condition - Look for nicks, splices or cracks in wire insulation and replace any degraded wiring.

• Use GFCI circuits - Connect your landscape lighting system to a GFCI protected circuit for added shock protection.

Conclusion

The key to safely running underground low voltage wiring for landscape lights is careful planning, proper soil precautions, and safe digging techniques. Make sure to call 811, hand dig near utilities, shore trenches, and use extreme care when burying wires. With some diligence, you can install a beautiful and hassle-free landscape lighting system.