Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

What Is Low Voltage Landscape Lighting?

Low voltage landscape lighting only needs 12 volts to power all the light fixtures in the system. By contrast, line voltage systems require 120 volts. The lower voltage makes installation easier and safer, even for the average homeowner with minimal experience.

Benefits of Installing Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

• Energy Efficiency – Most low-voltage lights for landscaping will use as little as 20% of the energy you would use with an incandescent bulb.
• Financial Savings – Overall, low-voltage landscape lighting saves you money compared with line-voltage lightings. The only area in which low-voltage lighting is more expensive is that you must buy a separate transformer. However, the cables for the low-voltage system are more affordable than those for the line system. You also get future savings, thanks to the use of LED lights required for low-voltage systems. LED lights will lower your energy bills and last longer, reducing the amount you spend over time.
• Safety – One of the most common reasons people opt for low-voltage landscape lighting is its safety. Using a system with only 12 volts instead of the traditional 120 reduces the risk of a shock. This is true both during installation and when enjoying the outdoors if someone accidentally comes into contact with a wire or other element of the system. This is especially important for families with young children.
• Lack of Heat – The lower voltage of these lights also helps them remain cool to the touch even after several hours of use.
• Simple Installation – Another advantage of low-voltage landscape lighting is that it is easy to install. Traditional line-voltage landscape lighting requires professional installation due to safety concerns and the need to bury the wires 18 feet or more. By contrast, the average homeowner can install low-voltage landscape lighting themselves after learning the basic setup for transformers, cables, and lights.
• Variety of Options – Because of its many benefits, low-voltage landscape lighting is incredibly popular. This has led to high demand for lighting choices. The result is that property owners can choose from a vast range of lighting styles and designs.

What Are the Different Types of Low Voltage Landscape Lighting?

• Path lights
• Area lights
• Spotlights
• Well lights
• Floodlights
• Deck lights
• Wall wash lights
• Step lights
• Submersible pond lights
• Hardscape lights

Where Is Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Used?

Low-voltage landscape lighting can be used anywhere, and it is common to see them on residential and commercial properties. It appeals to anyone searching for safety, aesthetics, and affordability.

The lighting is versatile enough to be set up in nearly any type of outdoor area. They are suitable for open areas and gardens, on pathways or walkways, and on decks.

How to Choose Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

1. Consider Type of Lighting Based on Use

Start by thinking about the purpose your low-voltage landscape lighting will serve, as this will help you decide which type of light you want. For example, if your goal is to make sure people can see when walking on your walkway, you would opt for path lights. If you want to illuminate a wide area, you will choose floodlights.

2. Consider Type of Lighting Based on Shape of Vibrancy of Light

You will also want to think about how you want the light to appear when choosing between the various low-voltage lighting options. Do you want to illuminate a small area or have a single fixture illuminate most of the space? Do you want the light to come from above or below?

3. Make Sure to Consider the Transformer

As you consider your lights, keep your transformer in mind if you already have one. If you don’t have one, you will have to keep your lights in mind as you select the transformer. This is because the transformer will determine how much total load you can install. Ideally, you want your lighting to load the transformer to just 50-80 percent of its capacity.

4. Consider Appearance and Design

Don’t forget to think about how your lights will look. You will likely want them to complement the appearance of other elements in your landscape. There is a range of styles and options to choose from, and this comes down to personal preference. 

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

1. Start by Laying the Cable

The first step in the installation process is to lay the cable. To do this, lay your light fixtures on the ground approximately where you will install them. Unspool your cable so that it lays beside all of the light fixtures, connecting them to the area where your transformer will be.

To completely lay the cable, you will have to dig a trench that is 3 inches or so deep by the transformer’s location. You will put the cable inside the trench and gently press it down using your hands. Leave the trench uncovered for now.

2. Install the Transformer

Next, you will have to install your low-voltage transformer. You will notice that your low-voltage cable is double-stranded. Peel apart the strands on 5-6 inches of the cable. Grab a wire cutter and remove an inch or so of the insulated cover on the cable by the edges of each strand.

Look for the A and B screw terminals in the transformer. Slide an exposed copper wire from a strand in each of these, and then tighten the screws. Fix your transformer in place using an exterior wall that’s not next to the main house or on a pressure-treated wooden stake.

3. Connect Your Light Fixtures

Your light fixture may have snap-on connectors with pre-wired prongs that you snap onto the cable. These prongs automatically bite into your cable, contacting the copper wire. The issue with this is that the wire will be partly exposed. Instead of using them, cut the connectors off. Adjust the wire so around half an inch of it is exposed from the insulated cover. Now, attach weatherproof wire connectors to them.

Turn on the transformer to test each light.

4. Install the Light Fixtures

After confirming the light fixtures work, you can install them. The exact steps will depend on the type of fixture. So, if you have a path light, you will stick it deep in the ground. If you have a well light, you will dig a hole and place them.

5. Final Steps

Cover the trench with the cable by the transformer with dirt and pack it tightly using your feet. Adjust the transformer timer to adjust the times that the lights will be on. Take a weatherproof cover and place it over the transformer. 

Why Choose Low Voltage Landscape Lighting From RC Lighting

Choosing low-voltage landscape lighting from RC Lighting will give you lights designed to run for a lifetime, thanks to the use of excellent raw materials. You will also have confidence from the efficient, ISO9001-certified production cycle and the testing that all products undergo.

Conclusion

Low-voltage landscape lighting offers a safe, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing option for your property. Contact RC Lights to learn more about the low-voltage options for your landscape.