How to Install Landscape Lighting

Walk your property at dusk and identify where you want light: walkways, entry points, trees or features to uplight, and dark areas that need security lighting. Mark each fixture position with a flag or stake. Count the fixtures and add up their wattage. Your transformer must handle the total wattage with 20% headroom (e.g., 100W of fixtures needs a 120W+ transformer).

Mount the transformer near an outdoor GFCI outlet, at least 12 inches above the ground. Most transformers have a built-in timer and photocell — set the timer for your desired on/off schedule or use the photocell to turn lights on at dusk and off at dawn. Connect the transformer to the GFCI outlet. Some transformers have multiple output terminals for different zones.

Run 12/2 gauge low-voltage wire from the transformer to the first fixture, then daisy-chain to each subsequent fixture. Bury the wire 3-6 inches deep in a shallow trench (use a spade to cut a slit in the turf — no need to dig a full trench). Secure exposed wire runs along structures with cable clips. Leave 12 inches of extra wire at each fixture location for connection.

At each marked position, assemble the landscape fixture per the manufacturer's instructions. Path lights usually have a ground stake — push it into the soil. Spotlights mount on a stake or flat base. Position spotlights 12-18 inches from the feature you're lighting, aimed at a 30-60 degree upward angle. Path lights should be spaced 8-10 feet apart for even illumination along a walkway.

At each fixture location, strip 1/2 inch of insulation from the main wire. Use the waterproof gel-filled wire connectors included with most landscape lighting kits — they pierce through the wire insulation and create a weatherproof connection. Attach the fixture's lead wires to the main cable using these connectors. Tuck the connection underground or conceal it under mulch.

Strip the wire ends and connect them to the transformer's output terminals. Most transformers have screw terminals or push-in connectors. If your transformer has multiple voltage taps (12V, 13V, 14V, 15V), start with the 12V tap. If lights at the far end of the run appear dim, move the wire to a higher voltage tap to compensate for voltage drop over long runs.

Turn on the transformer and verify every fixture lights up. Walk the entire layout at night to evaluate the effect. Adjust spotlight angles to eliminate glare (you should see the light on the feature, not the light source). Reposition path lights that create dark gaps or over-bright pools. Set the timer to your preferred schedule. Bury the wire trench and replace the turf.