How To Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights

You may have purchased the preferred lights, but you'll need to get a few more things before starting with the setup. The following are the items required for this outdoor installation project.

1. Transformers
2. Low voltage wire
3. Wire strippers
4. Connectors
5. Electrical tape
6. Siding clips
7. Screwdriver

If you don't want to buy all the items separately, look for landscape light kits online or in departmental stores. These kits usually have everything you need, and you can even customize them to add more items.

Step 1 - Create A Layout

The first thing you should do is map out the external location and find where exactly you want the lights and how many. If you're not sure, you can look for ideas online and pick an arrangement that can be executed.

Mark your preferred spots and make sure that the lights can be easily connected to the available outdoor electrical sockets.

Step 2 - Arrange The Lights

Once you're done with the layout, place the lights in their final location. Usually, these lights come attached with a stake, and you can lightly push them inside the ground to get an idea of the completed look.

Step 3 - Connect The Wire To Transformers

The number of transformers you’d need will depend on the scale of your project. I got three for mine, so I will explain the wiring bit, keeping that number in mind. In case you're using more than one transformer, I'd suggest taking things one step at a time as this is intricate work and needs some concentration.

Use the wire stripper to cut out about ½'' of the plastic wire casing. After that, insert the stripped section inside the transformer slot and use a screwdriver to tighten the bolt on the back. Doing so will keep the wire securely fastened to the transformer.

Note - there's no polarity in low voltage landscape lights. Therefore, you don't need to keep the positive-negative consideration in mind, as it doesn't matter which strand you insert on which side.

Step 4 - Hang The Transformers

You'll be surprised how well siding clips work when it comes to hanging the transformers. I had a few spare ones from my previous DIY projects and decided to use them for this purpose. I kid you not, they're really sturdy and do not move from their designated place.

Since the installation, there have been strong winds and storms, but so far, all's good with the transformers. Alternatively, you can use a masonry bit to screw the transformers directly onto the building structure.

But if neither works for you, just hide them behind a planter or any other outdoor accessory. Whatever you do, put the transformers in a safe location where there's minimal possibility of damage.

Step 5 - Run The Wire From The Transformers To The Lights

Again I'd like to mention that the length of wire you'll be needing will depend on the distance between the transformers and landscape lights. I estimated this distance and purchased 100 ft. of wire to connect the lights. So, I'll be using that as a reference for this step.

Once you're done with the transformers, uncoil the wire and connect it with the landscape lighting. While laying the wire on the ground, leave some slack as you'll want to have enough flexibility to change the light locations in the future.

However, too much slack is not advisable as it'll only make things more complicated while burying the wire.

Step 6 - Attach The Wire To The Lights

Remember the connectors I asked you to get while listing the supplies? Now is when you'll have to use them. Repeat the same step with the wire; strip about ½'' of the plastic casing on the strands affixed to the lights.

After that, twist the exposed copper wire so as to keep all the strands together. Now, open the connector and place the main wire (from the transformer) inside the slot. Join the two connector pieces and tighten the knob, so the built-in prongs tap into the cord.

If you find it difficult to do it alone, ask someone to hold one of the connector pieces while you maneuver the line. Once you have properly secured it to the mains, push down the pair of buttons on the connector top and insert the two wires from the landscape light. Repeat this step for all the lights you want to install.

Step 7 - Place The Lights In Their Position

After you have connected all the landscape lights to the main line, push them into the ground to ensure firm placement and stability. Make sure that the soil is not too wet or loosely compacted as that will affect the lights' placement.

Step 8 - Test The Landscape Lights

Now that your lights are all set, turn on the transformers one after the other and check them individually. This is an important step as it will reveal if there's a glitch in the system or a disconnection issue. As long as this goes right, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 9 - Run A Night Trial

When you're initially planning the layout, it's more of a working idea that can be altered later. So, once all the connections are made and everything is in place, check out the first look of your landscape lights.

If necessary, adjust the position of the lights and change the lighting angle as per your requirements. This is an essential step to improve overall aesthetics and ensure optimal outdoor lighting in the chosen locations. It's important to conduct this trial at night as you want to experience the full effect.

Step 10 - Wrap All Connectors With Electrical Tape

This may not be a necessary step, but it's more of an extra measure, just in case. Wrap all the connectors with black electrical tape to keep the wires safely in place. Besides, doing so will also prevent water from entering the connectors. It's a simple but effective step that will keep your lights properly connected throughout.

Step 11 - Bury The Wire

By burying, I do not mean deep excavation. All you need to do is clear away some of the top soil to create a channel where the main will be placed. You'll also have to cover the channel with the soil removed earlier. Do not dig too deep inside the ground, as you'd want the wire to be easily accessible at all times.

Step 12 - Set The Timer On The Transformers

Modern transformers come with a range of handy features that streamline the performance of landscape lights. They provide higher control and allow users to program lighting operations as per their requirements.

Some models include a built-in photo sensor, which turns on the light at dusk and shuts them off at daybreak. However, when you have multiple transformers, some may react faster than others. So, if you'd rather that all the lights came on together, use the timer feature instead.

Long story short, once you set the timer on each of the transformers, all the lights will turn on and off at the same time.