Wiring for Exterior Landscape Lighting
Show Off Garden Flowers, Illuminate Walkways, Add Home Security
Jan 3, 2009
It's a popular move to incorporate walkway lighting at the same time the exterior landscape light system is installed. This is an outdoor remodeling project that is well within the ability of the average homeowner.
In some areas, an electrical building permit and construction inspections aren't even required. Just to be sure, be certain to check the local electrical building code. How long will it take to complete this project? In most cases, it can be completed in one day or over the course of one or two weekends, depending on the scope.
Develop a Lighting Game Plan
As with other DIY home remodeling projects, the most important step is the planning phase and comes before the actual wiring. Here are some points to consider:
- Choose lighting accents. Draw a scale sketch of the property including the landscaping to be lit.
- Choose the type of technology to use. Low voltage lights are very popular and energy-efficient.
- Consider security. Many homeowners find this a great time to incorporate security lighting.
- Consider Christmas lights. Is this a tradition in the home? If so, plan on a separate circuit for the new illumination.
Decide on Which Electrical Switches to Use
There are four basic types of switches. Decide which one fits the circumstance:
- Standard switches. Turn these on and off at will.
- Timers. Timer switches can be set to come on when it's convenient and can be changed.
- Photocells. They're as automatic as timers, but they activate/deactivate when the sun comes and goes.
- Motion-sensor switches. These lend themselves to security lighting and surveillance cameras. A crook may feel comfortable sneaking up under dimmer accent lighting, but when that halogen puts him in the spotlight, he's going to make tracks!
Choosing the Conduit
Since exterior circuits is exposed to the elements, special precautions must be taken. Two types that are commonly used are PVC conduit and metal. As a general rule, PVC works well when the conduit will be buried. Metal is a great choice for un-buried situations since it stands up well to knocks. Once again, local code may dictate the choice.
Exterior Lighting Installation Steps
- If there's no outside receptacle, install a receptacle box. It should be one rated for exterior use and should be mounted so that it's safe from the elements and the odd bump.
- Find a power source in the home and run electrical cable to the box, if a box was installed.
- In either case, this circuit must be GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected. If the circuit run to the box is already protected, all is well and a regular receptacle may be used. If not, install a GFCI receptacle.
- Since the lighting layout has already been determined, the next step is to install a receptacle post in a convenient location. Decorative ones are available. It should be set in cement.
- Install a receptacle box and GFCI receptacle on the post.
- Before trenching for the conduit, have the utility companies identify underground utilities. (The conduit is best buried under them.)
- With a shovel, trench the most convenient route from the home receptacle to the post receptacle.
- Lay the conduit and connect to the two boxes with code-approved waterproof connectors.
- Pull UF electrical cable from the home box to the post box using a fish tape and make the connections.
- Install the outdoor receptacle covers using gaskets.
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