Although designing an installation plan for a low voltage landscape lighting system is not too difficult, it is useful to have some knowledge beforehand. These are the primary actions.
A landscape lighting system has four main components:
Make the appropriate Low Voltage Transformer choice. Add up all of the wattages of the integrated fixtures or bulbs to determine the overall wattage of your system. This is the amount of power you used. Next, choose a low frequency transformer whose wattage is more than the amount of power you are using. Finally, multiply the wattage of the transformer you have chosen by 80%. This is because, as advised by most manufacturers, you need to maintain a buffer of at least 20 percent of your maximum capacity. You can utilise the transformer if you are still within its capacity. Go up to the next size if not.The system’s power supply is a transformer. The transformer should ideally be fixed to a stand next to the house or fastened directly to the building; nevertheless, the transformer’s bottom must be at least 12 inches above the ground. As an alternative, the transformer could be found inside the home, typically in the garage or basement. However, because particular codes apply, putting the wires through the wall requires the expertise of an electrician. For DIY installations, outside installation is recommended.
Fixtures. Naturally, these are the ones who create light. The transformer provides them with electricity. Every lighting fixture has a light source, which can be an interchangeable lamp (bulb) or an integrated (built-in) LED source. The lamp may be an LED lamp or the more traditional incandescent (often halogen) variety. We shall talk about the importance of the voltage supplied to the fixtures below.
Wire. This is the cable that powers the fixtures by connecting to the transformer. The size of the wire’s conductors determines its rating. One of the most crucial parts of the lighting design is choosing the right size wire, which we’ll go into more detail about below.
Wire Connections. The transformer’s wire must be connected to the fixtures’ wiring. There are multiple methods for making these connections, using different kinds of connectors. Once more, these are explained below.
Next we introduce the specific steps to assemble them:
1. Start a Sketch. The majority of landscape lighting designers start by rough sketching out the layout of the property, noting the locations of each fixture. Use a different sheet of paper for each lighting zone (area) on larger properties. Since your sketch will be used to help estimate distances for wire runs, try to be as accurate as possible with it. Graph paper or a blank sheet of paper might be used. Put this on a clipboard so you may sketch while you explore the site.
2. Set the UL Transformer Location. Usually, it is better to position the low voltage transformer in a discreet spot close to the house—behind a garden bed, next to air conditioning equipment, etc. It must to be as near as feasible to the locations of the fixtures. Using multiple transformers makes sense in some situations, particularly if the fixtures are dispersed throughout a vast area of the property. Make separate plans for each transformer if more than one is being used. Put locations of transformers on your sketch.
3. Set Fixture Locations. Before you install any fixtures in the property, mark their approximate positions in the landscape using small flags or pencils. Indicate the positions on your sketch and mark what fixture types will go at each location. As you walk the property, make rough measurements to indicate the distances between fixtures and the transformer, and between the fixtures themselves.
4. Determine Wire Runs. Now, the task is to plan how to provide power to the fixtures. There are many wiring methods available. You don’t want to run a single wire from each fixture to the transformer – 20 fixtures, 20 wires all ending at the transformer – that would waste a lot of wire. Instead, we minimize the total amount of wire by using one of the following wiring methods.
Post time: Dec-01-2023