How To Install Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting Transformer

And since it s low voltage lighting it s safe to use and install even for beginners.

How to install low voltage outdoor lighting transformer.

Installing low voltage outdoor lighting is a big impact diy project. Because the power comes from a transformer which lowers standard 120 volt household wattage to 12 volts. Most low voltage lighting systems include a transformer that is plugged into a regular outdoor electrical outlet. Low voltage electrical cable comes in several gauges 12 14 16 are the most common.

Cables used in installing landscape lighting is typically buried underground. We used light fixtures from volt lighting because we preferred them but we also saw similar low voltage outdoor lighting at both home depot and lowes. The lower the gauge number is the thicker the wire will be. We think you will also love our posts on 12 inspiring backyard lighting ideas and our own diy water feature for less than 30.

Would you like to install outdoor lighting diy. Why is it safe to install. The voltage that the light fixture needs is the same as the voltage supplied from your wall. Once your landscape lighting design is complete you can figure out what size of low voltage transformer you need.

Low voltage lighting systems require lower voltage to operate than the typical power source supplies. The cable runs from the transformer to each light fixture to give them power. Grab a shovel and follow this step by step guide for installing low voltage outdoor lighting. So if the power source in your wall outputs 120 volts low voltage lighting fixtures require an input of just 12 or 24 volts.

Most transformers are rated to handle a load of 100 to 300 watts. The transformer reduces or steps down the 120 volt household current to 12 volts. The most common problems when trying to install low voltage landscape lights are poor wire connections too many fixtures on one transformer i e. The power behind every low voltage system is the transformer.

Outdoor lighting can be used to illuminate paths steps and dark zones plus it can add artfully dramatic emphasis to your yard s best features. It plugs into a gfci protected outdoor electrical outlet and steps down the house current from 120 volts to 12 volts.