How To Install Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting Transformer

The transformer reduces or steps down the 120 volt household current to 12 volts.

How to install low voltage outdoor lighting transformer.

It plugs into a gfci protected outdoor electrical outlet and steps down the house current from 120 volts to 12 volts. Overloading and cables that are too small for the load. Most low voltage lighting systems include a transformer that is plugged into a regular outdoor electrical outlet. Would you like to install outdoor lighting diy.

So if the power source in your wall outputs 120 volts low voltage lighting fixtures require an input of just 12 or 24 volts. Low voltage lighting systems require lower voltage to operate than the typical power source supplies. Why is it safe to install. The voltage that the light fixture needs is the same as the voltage supplied from your wall.

Cables used in installing landscape lighting is typically buried underground. Low voltage electrical cable comes in several gauges 12 14 16 are the most common. Because the power comes from a transformer which lowers standard 120 volt household wattage to 12 volts. Landscape lighting adds safety security and aesthetic appeal.

We think you will also love our posts on 12 inspiring backyard lighting ideas and our own diy water feature for less than 30. And since it s low voltage lighting it s safe to use and install even for beginners. Outdoor lighting can be used to illuminate paths steps and dark zones plus it can add artfully dramatic emphasis to your yard s best features. Most transformers are rated to handle a load of 100 to 300 watts.

The power behind every low voltage system is the transformer. The cable runs from the transformer to each light fixture to give them power. We used light fixtures from volt lighting because we preferred them but we also saw similar low voltage outdoor lighting at both home depot and lowes. Grab a shovel and follow this step by step guide for installing low voltage outdoor lighting.

The most common problems when trying to install low voltage landscape lights are poor wire connections too many fixtures on one transformer i e. The lower the gauge number is the thicker the wire will be.