Repair & Improve

Some Illuminating Ideas When Using Outdoor Lighting

by Tom Kraeutler

Landscape designers try to achieve a look that is natural, multi-dimensional and dramatic when using outdoor lighting. A quick read-through of the following points will help you create designer-quality results when installing lighting yourself. But bear in mind that it is easier to add lighting than to take it away -- so don’t overdo it.

It is also useful to think about how long are you going to be in your house. If this home is a short-term investment (2-5 years) then you don’t want to over improve. If you plan to be there for many years, then you should make improvements that will really satisfy you.

Lastly, take your skill level into account to determine how long your installation will take.  You need to gauge the degree of difficulty and your skills to understand what is involved in the installation.

PLANNING - First, be aware that you are installing low voltage lighting and NOT line voltage.  Low voltage lighting is easy to install and safe to use. For line voltage you need to meet national electric codes and you will need to have experience to install it, or hire an electrician.  For low voltage, you need to know the state code for your installation.  Once you know the parameters and you’ve mapped out what you want to do, you can begin.

Determine where you want the lights to go and where you’ll need to run wiring.  This will help you determine if you can do the work with hand tools or if you’ll need special equipment to bore under concrete driveways and pathways.

Always test the outlet you’ll be using for the transformer with a voltage meter so you know exactly how many volts you’re working with.  This is very important.  A voltage meter can be purchased at any DIY retailer.  Low voltage must be under 15v.  The most common is 12v.  If you’re running at 120 to 125, you’re running low voltage to 12v.  Low voltage is less expensive than line voltage and safer for the DIYer to install. The formula for determining voltage is: watts x length ¸ wire constant = voltage. If you are running at 15amps to 25amps, the new transformers will trip circuit breakers.

 
TRANSFORMERS - You will need a transformer to run your lighting.  The best transformers are purchased from landscape lighting suppliers and lighting distributors that are easily found in the yellow pages.  It is very important to invest in a good transformer.  One of the biggest mistakes people make is to buy a transformer that’s underpowered and may mean the voltage to the outer reaches of your light design can drop off.

If you have to, choose, spend more money on a good transformer and install fewer lamps.  If you are on a restricted budget, start by lighting the front of your home first.  When you can, light the back areas and deck. Having a big enough transformer will allow you this flexibility. Transformers usually provide 80 percent of the power that they are listed as having.  For example, a 300v transformer offers a 240v return.
Use a stainless steel transformer box for outdoor installations to avoid rust and corrosion. All transformers need to be UL listed. The transformer can be installed in various locations and should be installed at least two feet above ground, especially for northern climates where you might get extensive snow.  You will need to use Schedule 80 conduit to install the transformer.  This is available at any DIY store.
If you install in an area where there is shrubbery, make sure you face the door of the transformer away from the bushes so you can access it easily as bushes grow.

It is important to label all wires to the transformer very carefully.  Make sure as you do your splicing that you know which wire goes where.  When using cramp on installation, you want the wiring to have the shortest path possible to the transformer which is why you may need to go under concrete.  The longer the wire from the transformer, the dimmer the light conductivity is.

INSTALL - Before your install, you need to check local regulations for wiring code.  Overall, it is recommended that you bury wires 6” to 8” in the ground.  Most states require this.  In Southern climates it is currently code to lay wiring under pine needle mulch although this regulation may change.  You will also need to know soil type, and irrigation systems before you begin.

The night before your installation, thoroughly wet the area that you will be digging in. Wet soil is easier to work with than dry.

When you are ready to begin, take your wires and fixtures and lay them out where you want them to go. This will create an above ground map before you begin to dig. Embed the fixtures into the ground when they are positioned correctly.

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