Materials: Wire stripper
One or two screwdrivers
Drill, with drill bits, a masonry bit and driver bits
Lead anchors
Outdoor lighting kit
You can add nighttime curb appeal to your home with low-voltage exterior lighting, which allows you to highlight your landscaping after dark. Low-voltage lighting is easy to install, energy-efficient and safe. Your outdoor-lighting kit will include lights, wiring and a transformer, which converts household current into low-voltage current. Strip the ends of the low-voltage power cable, and connect them to the terminals on the transformer. Place your transformer near an outdoor GFCI outlet, and secure it with screws. If you plan to attach the transformer to a brick wall, drill mounting holes, using a masonry bit (figure A), and place plastic or lead anchors in the holes (figure B).
Most transformers use timers to turn the lights on and off. Some transformers use photocells to turn them on automatically at night. After you set up the transformer, plan your layout. Depending on the style of your light, you can assemble it and press it into the ground or drive the base into the ground and screw the light onto the base. Some lights have adjustable shades that help you direct the light onto specific areas. Connect the light by clamping the wires to the power cable. Turn on the power to check your electrical connections, and make your final adjustments at night. When you're satisfied with the placement of the lights, cover the cable with mulch.
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