Do you want to add lovely soft light to your home landscaping to help highlight certain features or accents? Or perhaps you would like outdoor lighting to enhance home security. One of the top rated and safest outdoor light is low voltage lighting. Low voltage lights use less energy and are far safer to install and to use as outdoor lighting. Burley Electrical Services will share how to install low voltage lighting outside your home.
Benefits of Low Voltage Lighting
With the aid of a transformer, you can reduce the typical home’s electrical supply from 120 volts down to 12 volts for outdoor lights. Additionally, low voltage lights are easy and safe to install. For those who want to install their own outdoor lighting, it is strongly recommended that you use low voltage lighting.
Installing Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting
When installing low voltage lighting there are a number of different kits that have a variety of color, style and size. When shopping around for low voltage lights, we recommend kits that include 100 foot low voltage cables along with a transformer that lowers the current flow.
Step 1. Before installing low voltage lights make sure you have a GFCI outlet for the transformer. You will want to install the transformer outside near where the lights will be installed.
Step 2. Most outdoor lights will require some assembly. Follow the assembly directions to put together the lights.
Step 3.The next step is to decide on the layout for the lights and where you want to put them. String the wire on top of the ground as you decide on the lights final placement.
Step 4. With the layout of the lights finalized, next you will mount the transformer on the wall near the GFCI outlet in the vicinity of the low voltage lights, of course. Make sure you mount the transformer at least one foot off of the ground. Make sure the transformer is well secured to the wall.
Step 5. Dig a trench for the cables. Low voltage cable only requires a shallow trench. If preferred, you even can leave the cable on the surface and skip the trench. However I think we can all agree that it looks much better to put the cables underground.
Step 6. Once the trench is dug connect the cables and the lights together. Most will use clamps with metal teeth. This will hold the cables together more strongly. Once all the cables are connected, connect the cables to the transformer. Before burying the cables, turn on the transformer to make sure all of the lights turn on and are working correctly. Make any needed final adjustments and then bury the cables.
Step 7. Next program the lights and set the time when you want them to turn on.
Step 8. You may want to consider water proofing the transformer with a plastic case to ensure water or physical damages are prevented. Now enjoy your new outdoor lighting!
Electrical Wiring & Lighting Services in Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Fort Lauderdale & South Florida
If you want professional help in installing exterior or interior lighting, contact Burley Electrical Services for all of your electrical needs.