How to Install Outdoor Lighting

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.

1. 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.