Low Voltage Patio Lighting

How to Install Low-Voltage Patio Lighting

1. 1 Determine Area to Install Transformer

   

   Determine where you will install the transformer(s)— either in the garage, on an exterior house wall, or on an outdoor post buried in the ground with concrete. If installing the transformer in the garage, mount it on a wall within 24" of a GFCI receptacle and at least 12" above the floor.

2. 2 Drill Hole for Low-Voltage Cable + Sensors

   
   

   Drill a hole through the wall or rim joist for the low-voltage cable and any sensors to pass through (inset). If a circuit begins in a high-traffic area, it’s a good idea to protect the cable by running it through a short piece of PVC pipe or conduit and then into the shallow trench (see step 9).

3. 3 Attach Low-Voltage Wire Ends to Transformer

   
   

   Attach the end of the low-voltage wire to the terminals on the transformer. Make sure that both strands of wire are held tightly by their terminal screws.

4. 4 Set Automatic Timer Optional

   
   

   Transformers usually have a simple mechanism that allows you to set times for the lights to come on and go off automatically. Set these times before hanging the transformer.

5. 5 Feed Wires + Wire Connector into Base

   
   

   Many low-voltage light fixtures are modular, consisting of a spiked base, a riser tube and a lamp. On these units, feed the wires and the wire connector from the light section down through the riser tube and into the base.

6. 6 Insert Fixture Wires + Cables into Connector Box

   
   

   Take apart the connector box and insert the ends of the fixture wire and the low voltage landscape cable into it. Puncture the wire ends with the connector box leads. Reassemble the connector box.

7. 7 Feed Wire Connector into Light Base

   
   

   Feed the wire connector back into the light base and attach it according to directions that came with the lamp. In this model, all that was required was pushing the connector into a locking slot in the base.

8. 8 Install Bulb + Assemble Fixture Parts

   
   

   After the bulb is installed, assemble the fixture parts that cover it, including the lens cap and reflector.

9. 9 Lay Out Light Pattern + Cut Sod with Spade

   
   

   Lay out the lights, with the wires attached, in the pattern you have chosen. Then cut the sod between fixtures with a spade. Push the blade about 5" deep and pry open a seam by rocking the blade back and forth.

10. 10 Force Cable into Slot Formed by Spade

    
    

    Gently force the cable into the slot formed by the spade; don’t tear the wire insulation. A paint stick (or a cedar shingle) is a good tool for this job. Push the wire to the bottom of the slot.

11. 11 Stabilize Lamp + Tuck Extra Wire into Slot

    
    

    Once the lamp is stabilized, tuck any extra wire into the slot using the paint stick. If you have a lot of extra wire, you can fold it and push the excess to the bottom of the slot. No part of the wire should be exposed when you are done with the job.

12. 12 Push Light into Slot in Sod

    
    

    Firmly push the light into the slot in the sod. It the lamp doesn’t seat properly, pull it out and cut another slot at a right angle to the first and try again.