A lot of people work late and can't enjoy their landscape when they come home at night. What good is landscaping if you can't see it? One solution to this predicament is a relatively new product known as low-voltage lighting. Low-voltage lighting systems use 12-volt current, similar to that used for most electric-train sets. Outdoor lighting is great for security, and it can add charm and magic to a walkway, patio or garden. The right lighting can bring your landscape to life at night as well as help your guests see where they're going. These systems are safe and easy to install. Most homeowners can set up a low-voltage lighting system without help from an electrician. Another low-voltage advantage is that new lights can be installed while the power is on. This is especially helpful when you're positioning lights at night. At the heart of a low-voltage system is the transformer, which reduces household current and controls the times that the lights are on. Most transformers feature a timer that can be set for 4, 6 or 8 hours. Some models include a photocell that can be used to turn the lights on at night and off in the daytime. Most lights are easy to assemble. Simply insert the light bulb (figure A), and attach the cover (figure B). Although some lights have separate wires that clamp to the power cable, other lights are clamped directly to the cable (figure C). Metal teeth in the clamp pierce the insulation on the cable and tap into the wiring. After you've connected the light, attach the stake (figure D), and route the power lines through channels inside the stake (figure E).
Lights are usually available in kits that include a transformer, various lights and at least 50' of cable. If you wish, you can add more lights, more cable or a larger transformer. For those who prefer not to deal with cable, solar-powered lights are available. These lights are more expensive, however, and usually require an average of 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to function properly. Next: Security Lighting.
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