Installation Guide

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LandscapeLightingHow-To

Why Install a Landscape Lighting System?

1. Security

2. Functionality at night

3. Increase value of home

4. Safely and easily installed - does not require an electrician

or Inspection

5. Extremely flexible, can be changed or added to very easily

Why Low Voltage?

A common misconception is that low voltage lighting (12V) isn’t as bright as the standard voltage (120v) that runs

through your home. This is simply not true. You can always achieve your desired illumination with a low voltage

system. In fact, most of the bulbs used in low voltage lighting are more than twice the brightness of a regular in-

candescent bulb of the same wattage. Additionally, a line voltage (120V) setup requires an electrician and the

cable must be buried 1.5 - 2 feet (local codes may vary) below the ground. Low Voltage Landscape Lighting does

not require an electrician for install, and the cable only needs to be buried a few inches. This allows for flexibility

later should you decide to move your fixture. Furthermore, because low voltage system cable only runs between

10-13 volts, it is safe to touch and does not pose the safety hazard that line voltage can.

5 Steps to Buying a Low Voltage Landscape Lighting System

III

Design your layout

Choose your transformer

Plan your installation

Installation

Maintenance

Questions or comments?

www.lightingdirect.com - Toll Free: 800 375-3410

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Broughttoyouby:

You may have spent a lot of money on landscaping. You may be meticulous about your yard's appear-

ance. However when night falls you may not be able to appreciate your efforts as you do during the day.

A low voltage lighting system is a surprisingly easy addition to any yard and can bring life to your exterior at

night. In this tutorial, you will learn all of the necessary steps to design and install a professional looking

landscape lighting system. Most small to large yards can be equipped with low voltage lighting, and we

will give you the appropriate considerations to take for any application.

LightingDirect.com Presents

Summary of content (8 pages)

PAGE 1
LightingDirect.com Presents Landscape Lighting How-To You may have spent a lot of money on landscaping. You may be meticulous about your yard's appearance. However when night falls you may not be able to appreciate your efforts as you do during the day. A low voltage lighting system is a surprisingly easy addition to any yard and can bring life to your exterior at night. In this tutorial, you will learn all of the necessary steps to design and install a professional looking landscape lighting system.
PAGE 2
STEP I. Design your Layout With careful planning, you can eliminate any problems that might arise during the installation process. The first step in designing your system is to look at your yard at night and decide where you want more light. Making a detailed sketch of the yard can help. When deciding what to illuminate, consider your existing outdoor lighting (as these areas might not need additional light), then start with lighting your walkways and other functional and transitional areas.
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Types of lighting continued…. Well / Pond Lights —Up lighting through trees out of a well or pond Pond Light Submersible Underwater Light Hanging Lights —Lighting a covered patio or gazebo Hanging Light Hanging Planter Light Deck / Rail Lights—Functional light for decks and patios Rail Mount Column Mount Step Lights Specialty Lights—Miscellaneous lighting for specific functions Barbecue Light Sculpture Lights Birdbaths Brought to you by: Questions or comments? www.lightingdirect.
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STEP II. Choose your Transformer After you have chosen your lights and your layout, add the total watts of all fixtures. The transformer must be equal to or higher than the total watts. If you think you may add fixtures to your system in the future, a higher wattage transformer is recommended. There are many kinds and qualities of transformers. Many are available with an optional photocell for dusk-till-dawn operation and/or timer.
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STEP III Continued... Voltage Drop Voltage drop can be measured with a volt meter at the light source. For example, if you run a 12V line 20ft. with 12 gauge wire, the voltage at the fixture will be approximately 11.9V and is not cause for concern. However, with more lights and longer runs, voltage drop can become an issue if any lights are 10.8V or lower. Things to do to help boost the voltage! 1. Decrease wire gauge – thicker gauge wire can carry more voltage 2.
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STEP III Continued... Wiring Methods Loop: The loop method is similar to the straight method, except there is an extra length of wire connecting the last fixture in the run back to the transformer. Since voltage drop is coming from both sides of the run, it will produce a more uniform light output. It is important that you connect the same wire leads to the same transformer terminals on the same circuit by noting the ridge or marking on one side of the cable.
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Sample Split-T Wiring Method - More Equal Distribution STEP IV. Installation When you have a design and system selected, installation can be a snap if you follow some simple step by step instructions. Note: Remember that landscape lighting is very flexible, so if you are not sure about a location of a light, it is easy to move it at any time. 4 Step by Step Instructions 1. You will first want to choose the location of your transformer.
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STEP V. Maintenance There are a few easy things you can do to increase the life of your landscape lighting system. • Cleaning: We suggest simple maintenance about once every 6 months using a damp cloth, wipe the dust and debris away from each light fixture, including the lens. If your fixture has excess debris around it, you might consider moving it to a different location.