How to Install Landscape Lighting and Boost Home Value

Landscape lighting is a wonderful way to improve the curb appeal of your property with safety and security benefits as well. Many homeowners know quality landscape lighting installation has many benefits but do not know where to begin. Mr. Electric of Atlanta is here to help with some tips on how to install landscape lighting. We have experience installing a host of landscape lighting and we even offer emergency services, but we are also happy to share some information on installing landscape lighting for yourself. If you prefer to leave this work to experienced electricians in Lilburn, then feel free to call Mr. Electric of Atlanta and schedule an appointment.

Types of Landscape Lighting

Lighting is a lot more complex than you might think. There are different colors, intensities, and forms. There are also different types of lighting from paths lights and accent lights to floodlights and spotlights. Here is a quick summary of the options:

Path lights offer safety and aesthetics, guiding guests up and down your walkways while simultaneously enhancing the style of the walkways.
Spotlights allow you to draw attention to and shed light on unique and interesting aspects of your property. Illuminate an architectural feature or beautiful area of your garden with a spotlight.
Floodlights are designed to improve visibility and security. There are even motion sensing floodlights that can light up dark corners when the sensors catch movement in the area.
Accent lighting allows you to, well, accentuate gorgeous parts of your property’s architecture. Show off your gorgeous patio or architectural features with targeted lighting.

The Installation Process

There is actually a lot of planning that must go into the landscape lighting installation. Before you begin, make sure to lay out your installation plan on paper. You do not want electrical wiring to interfere with existing cables and utility lines or get near any water source. Also note that local codes may affect which types of lighting you can install and where they are allowed. Check local building codes before you start such a project.

Next, you should gather the lighting fixtures and necessary mounts as well as the transformer, electrical wiring, and wire connections. With the supplies and tools ready, you can clear a path for your wiring and choose fixture locations accordingly. Then, lay out and dig your trenches for the wire runs. Low voltage cables typically must be buried about 6 inches deep but check your local codes to be sure. Place the wires in the ditches and leave at least 5 feet of unburied wire at the ends.

Finally, you can start mounting and connecting the lighting. Connect the transformer to the main runs and the fixtures to the main runs on the other end. Test the system and adjust fixtures before burying the wires and programming the timer on your transformer.

Need an Electrician?

Electrical work can be complex, complicated, and even dangerous. If you prefer to leave this work to an experienced electrician, then feel free to call Mr. Electric of Atlanta. Our live representatives are ready to take your call and schedule a flexible appointment.