DIY: Installing Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting

Create a beautiful atmosphere around your home with landscape path lights. Lining the steps to your front door, driveway, or on walkways increases safety on your property while adding elegance after dark.

Low-voltage landscape lighting is a simple improvement that can make an enormous impact on the beauty and appearance of your home after dusk, as well as its safety and security. Installed along walkways, steps, and driveways, or directed up at trees, garden objects and walls, the typical low-voltage lighting system requires just three components: a transformer, low-voltage electrical cable, and the fixtures.

These outdoor lights provide a pleasing alternative to the glare of floodlights. When artfully placed, they can be as beautiful and natural looking as the landscape itself. And since they’re low voltage they are safe to use and install. Check out the instructional video below featuring Jeff Patterson of Home Repair Tutor for all the tips and tricks you need to install your landscape lighting system, and don’t forget to visit LouieLighting.com for loads of low-voltage landscape lighting options!

We have low-voltage landscape lighting options from all of the top brands in the industry, such as Hadco, RAB Lighting, SPJ Lighting, Kichler Lighting, Hinkley Lighting and many more.

The transformer steps down the 120-volt house current to just 12 volts. It must be plugged into a GFCI-protected outdoor electrical outlet fitted with a “while-in-use” cover, and oversize plastic box that closes over the power cord. The transformer needs to have enough capacity to support the cumulative wattage of the lights in the system. Between fixtures, the cable is buried in a shallow trench. As long as you have a nearby outlet, you’ll be able to give your home and yard a welcoming glow when the sun goes down.

Before purchasing your components for this DIY, think about the following tips:

• Call 811 to have your utility company pinpoint the location of underground wires and pipes before digging. The service is usually free—and you’ll avoid dangerous and costly surprises.
• Buy a bigger transformer – Purchasing a larger one than initially needed allows your to add lights later as your landscape (and imagination) expands. For instance, if you’ll be installing 350 watts of lights, buy a 600-watt transformer.
• Don’t go overboard –  Outdoor lights look best as accents. High intensity flood lighting should be used in commercial applications.
• Consider the season –  Install lights where they won’t be easily damaged by landscape work with plows, shovels, etc.  Be creative with which plants you choose to light, as hydrangea bushes, sumac and dogwoods with colorful stems, look lovely when lit at all times of the year.

We hope your Summer home decor projects are going swimmingly. Please stay tuned to this blog for more helpful guides on landscape lighting, product and installation videos and much more! Please call us at 1877 385 2104 or email info@louielighting.com for questions about your next lighting installation. The Louie Lighting Team wishes you and yours a wonderful and safe weekend.

July 10, 2015 | Add a Comment