The Landscape Light Installation Diaries

The Landscape Light Installation Diaries

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The 2-Minute Rule for Landscape Light Installation

So with no major electrical experience I took place the quest for simple to mount low voltage landscape lights. That meant no circuitry or minor construction. Roger had his uncertainties however calmly (well, virtually calmly) he viewed from the sidelines. Low voltage landscape lights are powered through a transformer, that connects to the cord, that lowers the voltage from routine 120 volts to 12 volts.


30 minutes was all it took to provide our cottage an enchanting glow at evening.


I most likely could have gotten by with fewer lights but the 4 light set was the tiniest one readily available. After I tightened down my options I searched for lights that had terrific reviews.






The concept was to put three on either side of the front patio. I figured that that would be enough. Once I obtained them and laid the lights out I knew the 3 and 3 arrangement would not work. Although I got a great deal of wire with the collection, I would certainly have needed to dig under the pathway in order to hide the wire.

Our Landscape Light Installation Statements

While I figured out a fix I simply mounted all 6 by the guest bed room to see exactly how they would look. We are just connecting in lights it's essential to be safe and use caution when working with electrical power.


After I unpacked the spotlights I screwed each light into a ground risk. After that I simply stuck the risk right into the ground and adjusted the light. I proceeded to the next light up until all 6 were together and in the ground. There was a black wire that ran to each limelight so I rolled up the unwanted from each light and tie wrapped it using the black spin tie that came with the set.


Now the landscape lights turn on and off automatically at established times each evening. As soon as the sun collection and my lights transformed on I went outdoors and modified them to hit the front of the residence.


Like I claimed, the tiniest set I can obtain was 4 lights so that's what I ordered. Once they arrived I mounted them following the very same steps as the first set of lights.

Some Ideas on Landscape Light Installation You Should Know

He wouldn't confess that I was right butI was right.


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


Set up lights where they will not be conveniently harmed by rakes or shovels (Landscape Light Installation). Not all plants need to be evergreens, some plants such as hydrangea, dogwoods and sumac are fascinating lit up even when leafless.


It's a totally free service and you'll stay clear of dangerous and expensive shocks. click over here now Use 10-gauge wire for the major lines from the transformer to where the lights begin, then change to 12-gauge cable between the lights. To bury the wires where they go across the lawn, use a flat-nosed shovel to cut a slot and layer back the turf.

The Best Strategy To Use For Landscape Light Installation

Considering that the transformer will certainly constantly be plugged in, you need to replace the conventional electrical outlet cover with an in-use weatherproof cover, readily available at many significant home renovation facilities and hardware shops. The ground stakes that include most upright illumination components are not strong enough (or go deep enough) to maintain them good and straight over time with altering soil conditions, erosion, and so on.


Utilizing the PVC pipe, construct and hide a footer that will certainly house the wire connections and sustain your pole extensions (suggested to be constructed from 1/2- inch copper pipe). Link the cords with weatherproof cord connectors. These cable connectors have a guard under and a blob of sealer inside that make them weatherproof.


If you're not sure where to begin with landscaping lights, you're in the best place! Right here is our handy outdoor illumination guide, where we will walk with where to position landscape lighting, what kinds of lights to make use of, and exactly how to make use of light for the ideal result.

Not known Details About Landscape Light Installation

Install lights where they won't be conveniently harmed by plows or shovels. Bear in mind, as well, that the plants you illuminate will experience seasonal changes. Not all plants have to be evergreens, some plants such as hydrangea, dogwoods and sumac are fascinating lit up even when leafless. When you have your products, your devices and your strategy, it's time to call 811.


It's a free solution and you'll prevent unsafe and costly surprises. Use 10-gauge cable for the main lines from the transformer to where the lights begin, after that switch over to 12-gauge wire between the lights. To bury the wires where they cross the yard, use a flat-nosed shovel to cut a slot and fold back the turf.


Since the transformer will certainly constantly be plugged in, you need to replace the typical electrical outlet cover with an in-use weatherproof cover, offered at helpful hints most major home renovation centers and hardware shops. The ground risks that feature most vertical illumination fixtures are not strong sufficient (or go deep enough) to maintain them nice and straight with time with altering dirt problems, erosion, and so on.


Using the PVC pipe, construct and bury a footer that will house the cord connections and sustain your pole extensions (suggested to be constructed from 1/2- inch copper pipeline). Connect the cables with weatherproof wire connectors. These cord adapters have a guard under and a blob of sealer inside that make them weatherproof.

The Best Guide To Landscape Light Installation

If you're not sure where to begin with landscape design lights, you're in the ideal location! Right here Check This Out is our useful outdoor illumination overview, where we will walk through where to position landscape lighting, what types of lights to utilize, and just how to utilize light for the best result - Landscape Light Installation.

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