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Tips & Tricks
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By following some simple steps and basic guidelines, anyone can master the art of installing landscape lighting. Whether you’re a novice, or you’re handy with tools, the benefits of adding these decorative accents will create an ambiance of charm to any outdoor setting. Landscape lighting can add a subtle glow to trees, shrubs, pathways and patios. They can illuminate any dark zones in the backyard, artfully accentuate your property’s best features, or highlight your home’s architectural design. Low voltage lighting can also provide added safety features near steps, rockery, or around the pool area.
Consumers have many choices today because landscape lighting is very popular. There are many options to select from, such as durable plastic or corrosive-resistant metal. The lights come in a variety of color finishes, so finding a set to suit your taste, and budget, is relatively easy. Unlike solar fixtures, which require a certain amount of exposure to sunlight daily, low level landscape lighting provides a consistent output of light in all different types of weather conditions.
Step 1
This is the most important step because it will set the stage for the rest of the project. Plan your outside lighting layout by using a simple diagram of the area that is the focal point of your design. By doing a layout first, you will have a better sense of the quantity of materials that you require before moving on to the next phase.
Step 2
Check around at your favorite retailer for a boxed set, and style, that you like. Whatever you decide, these kits provide you with everything that is needed, like the transformer, the outdoor lighting cable, the fixtures, and the low voltage light bulbs. You can also start from scratch and purchase the necessary items separately. If you decide to go this route, you need to determine the size of the area for the correct size transformer. The size of the transformer is based on how many lights you are going to use and their wattage. Add up your total bulb wattage and multiply by 1.3. Use the same equation for estimating the length of cable that is needed for the run. A 12 gauge cable is recommended for most layouts. When creating a longer run, or runs with a higher wattage load, then a thicker gauge, such as 10/2 or 8/2 should be used.
Step 3
Assembling the variety of tools that you need is relatively simple because most homeowners have them stashed away either in the house, or the garage. They are:
- Wire cutters
- Electrical wire strippers
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Flat shovel
- Drill -transformers generally come with the screws, so size the drill bit accordingly
Step 4
When you have everything assembled, use the flat shovel to trench out the cable run on the ground. Proceed by clipping each of the fixtures to the cable according to the diagram. Use the pliers to secure the metal contact pins, and ensure that they are making a complete connection. When you are finished connecting the fixtures, cut off any excess cable with the wire cutters. Separate the wires at the end of the cable by simply pulling them apart. Splice off the rubber coating with the wire strippers, and connect each contact to the transformer, using the screwdriver to secure the pins. Mount the transformer, using the drill and screws, in an area near any standard outside outlet. Plug in the transformer, and turn on the lighting system.
If there are any minor variations that you would like to change, make the adjustments now. Cover the laid in cable with soil or mulch, then stand back and admire the great results. Once this property upgrade is accomplished, you can rest assured that landscape lighting will enhance your home’s beauty for many years to come.
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