Low-voltage landscape lighting can add value to your home, increase curb appeal, and save you money. You only need the correct lights, the transformer, and cables to install your system. Here are some tips to help you select the best products for your landscape lighting.
There are many options for lighting your outdoor space, depending on how big or small it is. Landscape lights can be categorized according to their usage, style, and type. For example, path lights are great for lighting your sidewalk while spot or flood lights make a striking accent on your trees or home. There are many options for energy-efficient LED landscape lighting, including modern or traditional designs. In-ground lights can cast a unique beam upwards from any location where they are placed.
When defining the boundaries of an outdoor pathway, it is a smart idea to set up landscape lighting.
It is important to consider what you want: Security? Safety on walkways? Ambient decorative lighting? It is simple to find the right landscape lighting for you once you have identified your goals.
Low voltage transformers have a maximum wattage rating. A 150-watt transformer can provide power for a circuit that requires 150 watts. Start by drawing a sketch of your yard and how your lighting will be distributed. You’ll then have a better idea of how many lights will be used.
Each landscape light has a maximum wattage rating. This simple formula will help you choose the right transformer for your lights once you know how many you have.
Extra tips: Pad your numbers. It’s okay to give yourself more room for your lighting system. If you plan to add additional lights in the future, a transformer with a larger maximum wattage will be a good investment. LED lights are also cheaper! You can save on both your monthly electric bill and transformer prices by opting for low-wattage LEDs.
You will need enough wire to connect the transformer to your outdoor lighting.
Lay out all cables and components. Make sure you have enough cable to reach each light so that you can easily reposition them if necessary. Find an outlet near your lighting needs to save money on cable. It is also a good idea to run your cables along a ground line and then place them behind plants or lightly cover them with dirt or mulch. This will make it easier to adjust them as needed.
It is easy to connect outdoor lighting by plugging in a cord to an existing outlet. Connect all cables to the transformer and plug it in. Additional tip: Check your lighting placement right at night to fine-tune it. With just enough daylight remaining, you’ll be able to see how things will look at night.
What are the three disadvantages of low-voltage lighting?
How many lights can you put on a low-voltage transformer?
There’s no absolute maximum limit on how many lights you can add to a low-voltage transformer. You can add as many as you like, providing the total Wattage doesn’t exceed 80% of the capacity of the transformer.
How far can you run low-voltage landscape wire?
about 100 feet
Lighting Tip: You can run 12-gauge about 100 feet without voltage drop issues as long as the total wattage of the fixtures on the wire is 100 Watts or less.
What voltage is best for landscape lighting?
12V
For most residential applications, 12V landscape lighting is superior, preferred, and more common than 120V outdoor lighting
Can low-voltage landscape lighting cause a fire?
Even though landscape lights are low voltage, they can still produce enough heat to ignite mulch if enough air space is not provided around the lights to dissipate the heat. If that air space is filled with leaf debris and mulch, it can ignite.
To speak with one of our friendly, professional Lighting & Home Decor consultants, call us today! We are happy to help you plan your landscape lighting system, whether by phone or in person.
