The 9-Minute Rule for Landscape Light Installation

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Without any kind of major electrical experience I went on the quest for very easy to set up low voltage landscape lights. Reduced voltage landscape lights are powered through a transformer, that affixes to the wire, that reduces the voltage from normal 120 volts to 12 volts.


I constantly believed I 'd have to dig ditches and run all type of cables yet the low voltage outdoor spotlights that I found were so simple to mount. Thirty minutes was all it took to provide our cottage a wonderful glow during the night. I got 2 of these light sets for the front of our residence.


I probably can have obtained by with less lights yet the 4 light collection was the smallest one readily available. When I began looking for exterior spotlights my very first top priority was to discover something that was easy for me to set up and connection. After I limited my options I looked for lights that had great testimonials.






As soon as I got them and laid the lights out I understood the 3 and 3 configuration would not function. Also though I obtained a great deal of cable with the collection, I would have had to dig under the sidewalk in order to hide the cable.

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Bear in mind, I desired this to be very easy with no excavating and no rewiring. While I determined a fix I just installed all 6 by the visitor bed room to see exactly how they would look. A fast word of care. We are just connecting in lights it's crucial to be risk-free and make use of care when functioning with electricity.


I simply stuck the risk into the ground and adjusted the light. There was a black cable that ran to each limelight so I rolled up the extra from each light and tie wrapped it utilizing the black twist connection that came with the set.


Now the landscape lights transform on and off immediately at set times each night. When the sun set and my lights turned on I went outdoors and adjusted them to hit the front of the house.


Like I said, the tiniest collection I might obtain was 4 lights so that's what I ordered. Once they arrived I installed them adhering to the very same steps as the initial collection of lights.

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He would not admit that I was best butI was right.


# 10 gauge outdoor wire # 12 gauge outside cable 1-1/2 in. x 12-in. PVC pipe 1-1/2-in. PVC cap with -in. women thread -in. copper pipe For each and every ground light: 1-1/2-in. PVC coupler with -in. tee for cord opening Lights One box of weatherproof wire ports Transformer Two -in. sweat-to string copper adapters Extension ladder Yard rake Level Posthole digger Shatterproof glass Voltage tester Wire stripper/cutter Wrench setvolt me Volt meter A garden spade Aluminum outdoor tents stakes.


Install lights where they won't be easily damaged by plows or shovels. Keep in mind, as well, that the plants you illuminate will certainly go with seasonal adjustments. Not all plants should be evergreens, some plants such as hydrangea, dogwoods and sumac are intriguing brightened even when leafless. When you have your products, your tools and your plan, it's time to call 811.


It's a cost-free service and you'll stay clear of hazardous and expensive shocks. Usage 10-gauge cord for the major lines from the transformer to where the lights begin, then change to 12-gauge wire in between the lights. To hide the cords where they go across the lawn, make use of a flat-nosed shovel to reduce a slot and layer back the sod.

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Since the transformer will constantly be plugged in, you need to change the common electrical outlet cover with an in-use weatherproof cover, readily available at most major home renovation facilities and equipment stores. The ground stakes that come with many vertical lights fixtures are not strong enough (or go deep sufficient) to keep them wonderful and straight in time with changing soil problems, erosion, and so on.


Using the PVC pipe, construct and bury a footer that will certainly hop over to these guys house the cord connections and support your post expansions (suggested to be constructed from 1/2- inch copper pipe). Connect the cables with her explanation weatherproof cable connectors. These cable ports have a shield under and a blob of sealant inside that make them weatherproof.


Having a strong plan regarding landscape lighting is more vital than you might visualize. Effectively lighting up areas in your lawn and your home during the night not only offers a great view of your home but can likewise discourage potential mischief-makers or burglars. If you're unsure where to begin with landscaping lights, you're in the ideal location! Here is our useful exterior lights overview, where we will go through where to put landscape lights, what sorts of lights to use, and exactly how to use light for the finest result.

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Mount lights where they won't be easily damaged by plows or shovels. Not all plants should be evergreens, some plants such as hydrangea, dogwoods and sumac are appealing lit up even when leafless.


It's a free solution and you'll avoid hazardous and costly surprises. Usage 10-gauge cord for the primary lines from the transformer to where the lights start, then change to 12-gauge cable between the lights. To bury the wires where they go across the lawn, utilize a flat-nosed shovel to cut a port and fold back the sod.


Considering that the transformer will certainly constantly be plugged in, you need to replace the typical outlet cover with an in-use weatherproof cover, offered at most major home improvement centers and hardware shops. The ground risks that come with a lot of upright lights you can try these out components are not strong enough (or go deep enough) to maintain them great and straight over time with transforming dirt problems, disintegration, etc.


Making use of the PVC pipeline, construct and bury a footer that will house the wire connections and support your post expansions (suggested to be constructed from 1/2- inch copper pipe). Connect the cords with weatherproof wire adapters. These cord ports have a shield on the base and a blob of sealer inside that make them weatherproof.

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If you're not sure where to begin with landscaping lights, you're in the right location! Right here is our useful exterior lighting overview, where we will stroll with where to position landscape illumination, what types of lights to use, and exactly how to utilize light for the ideal result - Landscape Light Installation.