A Guidebook of Outdoor Landscape Lighting – The Final Step

In my previous articles, you have learnt about the types of outdoor lights and their features. I have described how to plan a landscape lighting design layout in paper to determine where to put which light all around your garden. If you have read those articles and have already planned your landscape layout, it is the time to buy the required equipments from market.

It is my suggestion to get the review on those light fixtures online and buying outdoor lighting fixtures online is best for saving time and money. Here is a demonstration video on best solar powered lights recommended for the path and driveway of a house. More information on other forms of light fixtures you may obtain from Best Outdoor Lighting

However, I assume that you have already have purchased your fixtures. Now you have to keep some important facts on the installation of the fixtures. As you are doing a DIY Landscape Lighting, it is not that a high-level expertise is essential, but avoiding the basic may create some problem later.

Installation needs some essential tools and instruments with you. Here, is the list of the minimum requirements of installing instruments those are topmost urgent.

1.Transformers

2.Hand drill or power drill

3.Connectors

4.Recommended cables with appropriate Gauge and length

5.Hand Gloves

6.Voltmeter

7.Hand Shovel

8.Screw Driver

9.Steel Punch

10.Electrical outlet box (if required)

11.Wire Stripper

12.Weather-proof cover

This is the primary list. You may need some more tools as per your requirement.

The process of installation is a systematic process to follow if you need a neat and clean placement and connection of your light fixtures. Carelessness may cause damage of your fixtures as well as risk of electrocution or short circuit. For this reason, I have segmented the whole process in the following parts.

Proper placement of the equipments:

The circuit where you will the transformer, you must place the transformer at the central location of the circuit zone and very close to your electrical outlet. If you place your transformer in an open area, it is safe to cover the transformer with a weatherproof outlet cover.

Fix the transformers on the wood block with screws for more safety.

If your transformer are with solar cell place the transformer in such a way that the direction of the photocells facing west.

Distribute the wires from the transformers to the fixtures maintain a proper length so that you can easily bury them in the ground later. Don’t fix any fixture to its required place before a test.

Connect the fixtures as directed by the manufacturers. Every modern light fixture has its individual instructions on connectivity and you must follow it strictly. Most of the connectors are made in such a way that if you properly connect them, it will be ensured by a clicking sound.

Test the connection and fixtures:

As soon as you will finish the connections of all the fixtures to the transformer (if you have used low-voltage light fixtures), plug in the transformer to the main power source and switch on.

If all the lights glow properly, then all the connections are OK. However, if not, then you have to check the connection of each fixture and the connection of the wires to the transformer. Take the voltmeter and test each fixture to be ensured that all of them are individually running under 10-12 volts. If not then there must be a wrong connection or you have not followed the connection procedure properly, as I have described in the previous article or overloaded something. Check and make it correct.

Fixing the lights:

Fix the light fixtures according to the direction given in the manuals. You may have to use the steel punch and the screwdriver for making holes in ground to insert the fixture base. Screw the fixtures firmly to prevent any damage. The fixtures with stands or poles must be firmly in the ground and place enough soil around it. The top of the stake should flush on the ground. Keep all the poles straight on the ground and should not tilt.

Now take the shovel and dig trenches. Depth of the trenches should be six to eight inches is safe for the wires. Place the wires in it and keep some extra wire for each fixture that will help you in shifting the fixture later.

Make all the connections sealed with weatherproof wire connectors. Cut off any press-on connections those come with the fixtures and insulate them with strips at least half inch of its insulation.

Place all the wires in the trench and replace the soil over it. Pour water on the soil to push the soil more firmly. Keep everything even. Place some stone slabs or decorated pebbles along the length to mark it as well as to make the trench line under a camouflage.

The above installation process is void for the low voltage light fixtures. If you need to use the solar lights, there is no need to wire anything put the lights fixed firmly on the ground or any other place where there is a proper availability of direct sunlight and enjoy.

Final Check:

When all the above process becomes complete, plug the transformer again and switch on all the lights. Switch on again at night and adjust the effects, redirect the fixtures. Are you pleased now? Enjoy friend.

This is the end of your entire task and my duty is over as well. In the next article, I will discuss on some common problems on installing a DIY Outdoor Lighting along with their remedies. Till then, Good-bye…