How to Put in Landscape Lighting

By: Joseph Truini, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. 100-FOOT COIL OF CABLE

2. 300-WATT TRANSFORMER WITH 24-HOUR TIMER

3. METAL GROUND STAKE
screws onto bottom of light fixture

4. 18-WATT PATHWAY LIGHT FIXTURE

5. 20-WATT SHRUB UP-LIGHT FIXTURE

6. 20-WATT WALL-WASH LIGHT FIXTURE

7. WOOD STAKE
to hold transformer; optional

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Flat-blade shovel
- Wire stripper
- Phillips head screwdriver
- 12-inch-long steel punch,
  to poke holes in ground for light fixtures
- Small sledge,
  to pound in wood stakes that hold transformer
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Product Gallery
Product selections for this project
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laying out the components of landscape lighting

Photo Mark Roskams

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
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1. Lay out the components

Set the pathway light fixtures on the ground where they'll be installed — usually about 8 to 10 feet apart.

Lay the low-voltage cable along the concrete walkway, following the line of light fixtures. Use 14-gauge cable for lighting systems that total 200 watts or less and 12-gauge cable for systems that are more than 200 watts.

When you come to an obstacle, such as a fence or shrub, string the cable under or around it.

Tip: Put first fixture at least 10 feet from the transformer.