How to Choose the Right Outdoor Light Cable for Your Landscape Lighting Project

Low voltage outdoor lighting is safe, easy to install, and costs less than mains 240v. It uses a transformer to power your garden lights, so you don’t need an electrician.

Begin by marking out the space where you’ll place your lights. Then dig a trench for the cable. Once the trench is dug, smooth the soil over it.

Cable Length

Depending on how far you want your lights to run, you will need the appropriate length of cable. Cables for outdoor garden lighting have to be able to stand up to external manipulation like rain, sun rays and temperature extremes. They also have to be able to carry the current that the lights are going to use. This is why they are a little more expensive than normal house electric cable.

To avoid voltage drop, you will need to ensure that the wire has a low resistance. This means using thicker gauge wire or multiple cables in parallel. You will also need to ensure that the wires are not carrying more current than they are designed for, otherwise it can cause them to overheat.

A good way to test the current is by testing it with a multi-meter. You can also try a simple circuit tester.

Once you have the correct length of cable, make sure that it is securely connected to your light fixture with waterproof wire connectors. It is also a good idea to protect the wire from damage by burying it at least 6 inches deep or running it through conduit. You should also make sure that the cable is not near any other electrical wires or water lines. To reduce the risk of moisture entering the connections and causing corrosion, it is important to use silicone-filled waterproof wire connectors.

Connectors

When it comes to landscape lighting, there are many places where wire connections may be exposed to moisture. Whether you have to splice in new fixtures or make a connection at the transformer, it’s important to use wire connectors that will keep moisture out.

You can choose from a variety of outdoor light cable wire connectors that are designed for outdoor use, direct burial, or low voltage. Some of these are also corrosion resistant and come pre-filled with silicone sealant that never hardens. You can find some of these at most big box stores or online retailers.

Another great option is the screw tight connector that doesn’t require pre-twisting of the wires. Simply insert the wires into the connector, turn clockwise and twist until tight. These are perfect for low voltage outdoor lighting and irrigation wires. These connectors are easy to install and are much more reliable than the push or pinch style of connector. You can also find a landscape light connector that is filled with dielectric grease for added protection in wet areas. This connector is ideal for old #12 lead wire or the smaller run wires that we see used with newer LED fixtures. It is also suitable for outdoor high and low voltage lighting, speakers, and irrigation wires.

Soil Trench

If you are planning to bury landscape lighting wire, dig a trench 6 to 12 inches deep in the area where it will run. This ensures the wire will be covered by grass and mulch, preventing accidental contact during mowing or yard work. It also makes it easy to see the wires when you need to repair or relocate them.

For buried lights, it is important that the cable be firmly connected to its metal ground stake with connector halves snapped together. Connectors are available in a variety of sizes and materials, so choose one to match the size of the ground stake in your light fixture. Connectors are available at most hardware stores and can be purchased separately from the light fixture.

It is important to secure a trenching permit before starting any project that requires digging a trench. It may be expensive, but it could save you a lot of time and trouble in the long run. It will also make sure you are following local and state electrical codes.

To prepare for the trenching process, loosen the soil in the area you plan to use with a digging fork and clear M16 large head PVC it of any weeds. Amend the bed area with a two-to-four-inch layer of cured compost to promote healthy soil conditions and help with water retention.

Lights

Whether you are lighting up your garden, illuminating a walkway or making a statement with cable lights in a foyer, the way you wire them is important. Outdoor light cables must be able to resist water damage, extreme temperatures and other environmental manipulations. These cable types have been specifically designed to help you meet these challenges.

Low voltage systems are a safe and convenient choice when you’re wiring your outdoor lights. They use a standard two-core cable that can be connected to a low-voltage switch or fused connection unit. You must always ensure that the timer and breaker are in the off position before you start working with your outdoor lighting system.

Once you’ve figured out how many lights you want to have running, determine the length of cable you need. This will save you time and frustration when you’re on the ladder securing each light to the wire run. Laying out your light strands ahead of time will also make the process go much smoother.

If you’re planning on having a long run of lights (over 20 feet), consider purchasing additional ceiling supports. These will help prevent the weight of the cable from pulling down on your fixtures and creating a hazard. You can also purchase turnbuckles to tighten and secure your wires and add tension for longer runs.