Outdoor lighting is an important part of creating a welcoming atmosphere and homely aesthetic – getting this right means choosing the right fixtures for the space, both in terms of functionality and aesthetics – and always paying close attention to outdoor lighting maintenance.

Professionally Installed Architecture Lighting in Fountain Hills AZ

You need to plan carefully, install precisely, and make use of expert knowledge, because it’s about a lot more than just choosing the prettiest lights.

Stay Off the Roof is committed to providing you with the best lighting solutions for your home by means of personalized recommendations and quotes based on your taste and preferences, as well as technical and functional considerations too.

In this article, we’re going to give you a crash course on how professional outdoor lighting companies install low-voltage landscape lighting so that you don’t have to rely on blind trust.

We’ll explain the ins and outs of low voltage landscape lighting, important steps in planning the design, how to prepare for installation, what the installation process involves, how the lighting is tested and adjusted, and finally, the most important aspects of outdoor lighting maintenance and troubleshooting.

A Quick Overview of Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting

pathway lighting

Source: https://gardenlightled.com/gallery/

The most important difference between landscape lighting and standard interior household lighting is high versus low voltage – the former operates at 12 volts, while the latter operates at a significantly higher 120 volts.

The lower voltage is preferable for outdoor lighting because it boasts energy efficiency, enhanced safety, and far easier installation, all of which are especially valuable in an outdoor scenario.

Furthermore, low-voltage lighting, as opposed to high voltage lighting, poses a very minimal risk of electric shock. So, unsurprisingly, this makes it ideal for the outdoors – things like architectural features, pathways, and generally illuminating gardens.

At a glance, some benefits of low-voltage landscape lighting include:

  • Safer to install and maintain
    Reduced risk of electrical hazards
    More energy efficient – therefore, cheaper and a smaller carbon footprint
    Large variety of low-voltage fixtures

Planning and Design of Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting

The process is complicated, but we’re going to break down the initial phases into three steps: assessing the property/space, creating a lighting design and layout, selecting the right fixtures and materials.

1. Assessing the Space

The initial phase of installing outdoor light fixtures involves a thorough assessment of the property.

Professionals like Get Off the Roof will conduct a site survey to identify key areas that require illumination – including pathways, patios, driveways, gardens, and miscellaneous architectural features.

This assessment allows us to determine what kind of lighting is required as well as potential challenges that may arise, like existing structures or vegetation that may obstruct light or create challenges in the installation process.

2. Creating a Lighting Design and Layout

After the assessment has been completed, the next step is to create a detailed lighting plan and design the layout accordingly.

This plan will outline the placement of fixtures, planned wiring routes, and locations of transformers.

Usually, this is done by means of high-tech design software and hand-drawn sketches, depending on the professional in question, in order to properly visualise the final outcome.

The intention is to achieve a lighting scheme that is balanced, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the existing landscape while simultaneously providing adequate illumination for both functionality and safety.

3. Selecting Fixtures and Materials

Once we know what the plan is, it’s time to make some big decisions about the materials and fixtures we’re going to use.

Factors to consider here include the desired lighting effect, the durability of fixtures, and compatibility with the overall design aesthetic.

Some of the most common types of fixtures include path lights, spotlights, and well lights, each of which serve different purposes.

Another consideration is the longevity and resistance of different fixtures for outdoor elements. Indeed, things like climate and weather conditions will play a big role in making these decisions.

Preparing for Installation

There are three important things to consider while preparing to install low voltage outdoor lights: consolidating materials and tools, ensuring electrical compliance and safety, and marking and measuring installation sites.

Gathering Tools and Materials

take measurements to for landscape lightingIt may sound basic, but it’s essential that professionals have gathered all the necessary tools and materials necessary for installation before beginning the job.

This includes things like the lighting fixtures, first and foremost, as well as low voltage wiring, transformers, connectors, stakes, and mounting hardware.

Of course, you can’t do anything without the right tools – you’ll need to have access to specialized tools like voltage testers, wire strippers, and trenching tools, all of which are essential parts of a smooth installation process.

Ensuring Electrical Safety and Compliance

Safety is always at the top of the list when working with electrical systems, so professionals need to ensure that all components meet local electrical codes and regulations.

Among other things, this involves verifying that the transformer is correctly rated for the total wattage of the lighting system, and since we’re talking about outdoor installations, that all connections are secure and weatherproof.

For an extra layer of safety, professionals may choose to install a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet for the transformer.

Taking Measurements

Taking accurate measurements is absolutely crucial – not only does it ensure a professional finish, but it’ll help you avoid wasting time and money on unnecessary resources.

To do this, professionals make use of things like flags, stakes, and sometimes even spray paint to mark the locations of fixtures and wiring routes.

In the simplest sense, taking the time to carefully measure the distances between fixtures and the transformer helps to determine the appropriate wire lengths.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Installing Low Voltage Landscape Lights

Once you’ve planned your design and done all your preparation, here are the most important steps to the actual installation of outdoor light fixtures.

1. Setting up Electrical Connections and the Transformer

The process begins with setting up the transformer – this is what reduces the standard 120-volt household current to 12 volts which, as we’ve established, is ideal and far safer for use outdoors.

The transformer is normally mounted near an outdoor GFCI outlet and connected to the power source from there.

Then, low-voltage wiring runs from the transformers to the locations of the designated fixtures, ensuring that everything is weatherproof and secure.

2. Installing the Actual Light Fixtures

The fixtures are installed and connected to the wiring by means of waterproof connectors, and they’re secured by means of mounting hardware or stakes.

3. Running and Concealing Wiring

Wiring is concealed by means of burying them in shallow trenches or tucking them under gravel or mulch.
The purpose of this is to protect the wires from damage and to enhance aesthetic appeal.

Sometimes, wiring might be secured even more by means of staples or clips to try and enhance their longevity and durability.

Testing and Adjusting the Lighting

Once your outdoor lighting has been successfully installed, it’s time to test it out and adjust it accordingly.

Ensure Proper Functionality

Once everything is installed, it’s time for the moment of truth – checking that everything works as it’s supposed to and then making any necessary adjustments.

The first step is to check every fixture individually to ensure that it’s functioning properly and that the connections are secure.

To do this, the transformer is switched on to check all the lights illuminate as they’re intended to. Here, professionals are looking out for full-on faulty lights, as well as flickering or dim lights.

Making Adjustments to Fixture Positions and Angles

Once you’re happy that the lights are working, the next step is to make sure you’ve achieved the perfect lighting effect by means of angles and positions of the fixtures.

During this step, the placement of things like spotlights, path lights, and other fixtures may be fine-tuned to ensure even coverage and eliminate any dark spots.

Final Adjustments for Optimal Illumination

Once you’re sure the lights are functioning and that they’re positioned properly, it’s time for the last bit of fine-tuning.

Professionals consider things like the spread of the beam, the intensity of the light, and the colour temperature – that is, warm or cool, yellow or blue, and so on.

Even though these things have been planned in the initial stages of the process, sometimes seeing everything in action results in some changes or even new inspiration.

The purpose of this is to ensure that the aesthetics are perfectly enhancing the beauty of the landscape while simultaneously providing adequate visibility and safety.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

The key to anything staying in good condition for an extended period of time is to provide regular maintenance. For outdoor lighting systems, this may include:

  • Regularly cleaning fixtures to remove dirt and debris
    Frequently checking wiring and connections for wear and ear
    Replace burnt-out bubs
    Adjust fixtures as necessary to ensure optimal functionality

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

Even if the installation process is seamless, there are some issues that may arise over time. We’re going to tell you about some of the most common issues and how to solve them:

  • Burnt-Out Bulbs: Frequently check the functionality of all light bulbs and replace them as soon as it’s necessary.
  • Loose Connections: Conduct periodic checks of connections to make sure everything it secure. Contact a professional as soon as you find anything that may resemble a loose connection.
  • Damaged Wiring: If exposed to harsh weather, wiring may become damaged. Check your wiring regularly, especially after intense weather, and don’t be afraid to spend the money on replacing damaged wiring – if you don’t, it’ll cost you more in the long run.

Final Thoughts on How Professional Outdoor Lighting Companies Install Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

There you have it – an overview of the processes professional outdoor lighting companies go through to install high-quality low voltage landscape lighting.

It’s an extensive, complicated process that requires a large amount of skill and knowledge to achieve properly and safely.

If you’re considering enhancing your garden and accentuating landscaping elements, contact Stay Off the Roof and get a quote today for all your outdoor lighting maintenance and installation needs.