Plan Outdoor Lighting

Fix It Up! : Episode FIX-311 -- More Projects »

Outdoor lighting has come a long way since the simple floodlights of 20 years ago. Now outdoor lighting is available for just about any need. Adding low-voltage outdoor lighting offers the benefits of safety and security as well as ambience and architectural interest.

Low-voltage lighting has several advantages over traditional line voltage (household current) lighting. For one thing, there is no need to disturb the landscape by digging deep trenches for installation. Because the lights use low voltage, they are safe to use around pets and small children. The low voltage also makes them energy-efficient.

If you plan to install low-voltage lights, be sure to do your homework and arrange for proper placement. Many people overuse the lights and detract from their home's appearance rather than enhancing it.

In addition, the lights themselves can be used to decorate your yard. You can install decorative globe lights (figure A), tulip lights (figure B), miniature lanterns or copper ivy lights (figure C). If you have a pond, you might consider installing underwater lights.

Begin by developing a layout plan. Think about how you want the lights to work. For instance, you can highlight steps or a walkway. You can also accent trees, flowers or statues. Or you may just want to add atmosphere to an outdoor sitting area. To help with your lighting plan, take a walk around the area and then map it out on paper. This will help you determine how many lights to buy.

For paths, walkways or stairs, you might consider using tier lights (figure D) or bollard lights (figure E), which direct light downward. Some tier lights have removable tops to direct light straight up as well. Well lights (figure F) direct light straight upward to accent trees and provide shadowing effects.

If you don't want to be bothered with cables, or if you plan to move your lights fairly often, you might want to consider solar-powered lights (figure G). Keep in mind that solar-powered lights need approximately eight hours of sunlight every day to function properly.

Low-voltage lights use a transformer (figure H) convert household current into low-voltage electrical current. Most transformers include a timer and photo cell that allow you to set the lights to turn on at a particular time of day.

Materials

shovel
garden trowel
flat-head screwdriver
wire stripper
low-voltage lighting kit, which includes lights, cable and transformer

Steps

* Be sure to call your utility company before you dig. Most utility companies provide a free service that marks the locations of all underground utilities.

Low-voltage lights are easy to assemble and usually require no tools. Simply push the wires into the socket assembly and insert the bulb. Twist on the lens and snap on the tier and cap. Slide the wires through the riser, and push the riser into the light assembly. Then slide the riser onto the stake.

Start the installation by staking your bollard lights and tier lights into the ground according to your design plan (figure I). For a sturdier installation, you can use a base of pea gravel. This keeps the lights from shifting and prevents frost heaving, which occurs when water in the ground freezes and pushes objects upward.
* Position your lights to highlight mature plants, not young ones. That way, you won't have to move the lights as often.

To install well lights, dig a hole approximately four inches deeper than the length of the light. Pour in a four-inch layer of pea gravel, then place the well light in the hole so it is flush with the ground (figure J). Pour pea gravel around the light for added stability, then backfill around the light with soil.

* Consider your neighbors, especially if you're installing bright lights. You don't want to light up their yard as well as your own.

Run your cable to the lights, keeping one end of the cable near the location for your transformer. Connect the lights by pressing the clamps (included with the lights ) onto the cable (figure K). The clamps have sharp metal teeth that penetrate the insulation on the cable and tap into the copper wiring.

Mount the transformer near an outdoor electrical outlet (figure L). The transformer should be at least one foot above ground level.

Separate the wires on the end of your electrical cable and strip off about 1/2 " of insulation. Place the bare wire under the appropriate terminal on the transformer (figure M) and tighten the terminal screw to secure the wire in place.

Turn the transformer on to test your lights. Adjust the placement of the lights after sundown.

Resources
Malibu bollard style landscape light (Model #: CL635)
Intermatic Incorporated
Website: www.intermatic.com

Malibu halogen well light (Model #: CL111B)
Intermatic Incorporated
Website: www.intermatic.com

Malibu low-voltage cable (Model #: ML 122-5C)
Intermatic Incorporated
Website: www.intermatic.com

Malibu power pack (Model #: ML200 TW)
InterMetro Industries Corporation
651 North Washington St.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705
Phone: 717-825-2741
Toll Free Phone: 800-625-6810

Malibu solar lights (Model #: LZ3 4 pack)
Intermatic Incorporated
Website: www.intermatic.com

Malibu three-tier light (Model #: CL191)
Intermatic Incorporated
Website: www.intermatic.com
Guests
Donna Mitchell
Owner, Evening Lights
125 Mansell
Atlanta, GA 30076
Phone: 770-998-6607
Fax: 770-992-6416
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