Some landscape illumination systems operate on “line voltage,” the 120-volt present from your own household. For DIY installation, though, we extremely recommend low-voltage systems that run on simply 12 volts. They truly are less costly, better to install, safer, and employ less power.
Key Components
You will find a large number of low-voltage lights and add-ons obtainable in a number of designs, sizes, colors, and finishes. Just about any system, irrespective of its complexity, comprises four fundamental components.
Transformer: the charged energy behind every low-voltage system may be the transformer. It plugs right into a GFCI-protected outside outlet that is electrical actions along the household present from 120 volts to 12 volts. Many transformers are loaded with a timer that is 24-hour permits users to choose if the lights go right ahead and off immediately.
Transformers are ranked based on the maximum wattage output. Versions range from about 44 watts to 900 watts. To ascertain which size transformer you will need, just include up the wattage of the many lights into the system. For instance, in the event that you intend to string together 10 18-watt light fixtures, then you’ll definitely desire a besthookupwebsites.net/cupid-review/ transformer by having a wattage production of at the least 180.
Low-Voltage electric Cable: The cable employed for landscape illumination is especially created for burial underground. It operates through the transformer every single light fixture when you look at the system. Low-voltage cable is usually for sale in 12-, 16-gauge and 14. The lower the quantity, the thicker the cable in addition to greater its capability.
Which cable to utilize depends mainly regarding the size associated with transformer therefore the duration of cable you will need. For instance, a 300-watt transformer can power 100 foot of 16-gauge cable, or 150 foot of 14-gauge cable, or 200 legs of 12-gauge cable. Talk with the illumination maker to look for the proper-size cable to utilize for the certain system.
Path Lights: made for installation along walkways and driveways, this kind of fixture represents the absolute most elegant and stylish of landscape lights. Shiny copper or plated-metal fixtures be noticed, while green-, black colored- or brown-painted fixtures can merge using the environments.
Accent Fixtures: The unsung heroes of every landscape illumination design will be the accent lights. These specialty fixtures, which can be concealed from view, consist of floodlights, spotlights, up lights, and wall-wash fixtures. They are utilized to shine a light on woods, bushes, walls, flower beds, fences, ponds, as well as other landscape features.
Installation Guidelines
Setting up an average low-voltage illumination system calls for three major actions: laying the cable, setting up the transformer, and linking the lights.
Laying the Cable: begin by laying the fixtures that are light the bottom in which you want to install them. Area the fixtures 8 to 10 foot aside. Next, unroll the spool of low-voltage electric cable and lay the cable next to the fixtures. In the event that you arrive at a barrier, such as for example a boulder, tree, or fence, string the cable under or about it.
Now work with a square-blade shovel to cut a 2- to 3-inch-deep trench along the line in which you would like the light fixtures. The trench does not perfectly have to be right, when you hit a stone or root, simply get around it. You do not also have to eliminate any dust through the trench. Merely stomp the shovel to the ground and pull the handle backwards and forwards to open up a deep V-shaped trench.
Set the cable in to the trench and push all of it the means down seriously to the underside making use of a brief, slim little bit of 1/2-inch-thick plywood. Avoid using the shovel or any other tool; you might unintentionally cut to the cable.
Setting up the Transformer: Low-voltage cable is made of two stranded-copper that is insulated stuck together. Peel them apart and that means you have actually about 4 ins free for every cable. Then utilize cable strippers to eliminate about 5/8 inch of insulation from each part. Fall the cables through the keeping band on the rear of the transformer and then place one cable beneath the the screw terminal, plus the other cable beneath the B screw terminal. Fasten the screws to secure the cables.
Next, drive a pressure-treated 2 x 6 stake in to the ground close to a patio outlet that is electrical. Connect the transformer towards the stake with galvanized or screws that are stainless-steel. Protected the cable towards the stake with insulated cable staples.
Link the Lights Attach a plastic “while-in-use” address towards the outside electric socket. This kind of address protects the socket from rainfall and snowfall but enables comfortable access.
Plug the transformer’s cord in to the socket. Then, link each light fixture into the cable. Most landscape lighting fixtures come prewired with easy-to-use connectors that are snap-on. Just pinch the connector on the cable. Sharp prongs within the connectors pierce the cable and work out contact because of the cables. Considering that the transformer has already been connected in, the fixture should illuminate. If it generally does not, pull aside the connector and decide to try once again, or check out the lightbulb.
When you have linked the cable, stay the light fixture up and press its pointed stake deeply into the bottom. Take care not to hit the hidden cable. Always check to ensure the fixture is directly, then proceed to the second. When all of the fixtures are set up, complete the cable that is narrow with topsoil and top with grass seed.