Outdoor lighting is a simple method to prolong the duration of time you can relish Your outdoor spaces.Pathways, steps, trees, patio devices, architectural components, waterfalls, and decks call all be accentuated through pathway lighting. low-voltage lighting is easy and because it only requires 12 volts of electricity to operate, is safe for the do-it-yourselfer to install. In this article we will talk about the most popular type of low-voltage lighting which is pathway lighting.

Garden lighting consists of 3 main components: light fixtures, a transformer, and low-voltage electric cable. The transformer must be plugged into an outdoor GFCI wall plug fitted with a “while in use” cover. This cover is an large plastic box that blankets the electric outlet and has a notch for the electrical cord to go through. These are inexpensive, simple to install, and can be obtained from The hardware store. The transformer allows you to weaken the 120 volt electricity to a stable, functional 12 V system that we will be using.

The first step is to lay out the components. Leave the wire loose as we will be encircling each fixture with a small loop of wire before burying it.Use 14 gauge cable for jobs totaling less than 200 watts, and twelve gauge cable for systems that exceed two hundred watts. The lights are typically around 6-10 feet apart and your first light should be at least ten feet from the transformer.

The second step is to dig your trench. You need to use the edge of the flat-blade spade to make a trench about 3 inches deep where the cabling will lay. If you don’t want the dirt to tumble back in the best thing to do is to place something heavy over it.

Your 3rd step is to sink the wire. Place the proper gauge of low voltage wire into the freshly dug trench and remember to leave it some slack. Also make sure that you make a hole in the grass to stick the wire up into.

Your fourth step is to make holes for the fixtures. Set the outdoor lights in the grass in their proper position, checking to make sure they are equally spaced. Using a long steel punch or a screw driver, make a hole in the ground to accommodate the fixtures stake. Never use a hammer to drive the fixture into the ground as harm may happen to the cable and to the light fixture.

Wiring the lights in is the final step. All light fixtures are different but with most you just take the connector at the base of each light and slip it around the electrical wire until you hear a snap. There are other ways to do this of course so check your light’s manual if you’re not sure.

And finally it’s time to enjoy your hard work. Anyone can enhance their night-time curb appeal with attractive, functional landscape lighting with a little hard work and advance preparation. low-voltage lighting requires very little maintenance. Just remember to change the light bulbs shortly after they go out or you will shorten the life of the remainder of bulbs. Other than that, just sit back and enjoy a job well done!

Tags: family, garden, gardening, home, home-improvement, interior-design, lighting, lights, outdoors, recreation, society

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