Connecting your low-voltage outdoor deck lighting system to a power source is a safe and relatively simple task for any do-it-yourself-er. Before you begin this step, though, be sure you’ve first taken the time to draw out a rough plan of your deck and chose the locations of your light fixtures and wiring. To be prepared for all eventualities with this project, you’ll need these tools:
• Hammer
• Shovel
• Circular saw
• 4-in-1 screwdriver
• Cordless drill/screwdriver
• Pliers
• Wire stripper/cutter
• ½ in. and 1-in. drill bits, 1-1/2in. hole saw
For materials, of course, you’ll need:
• Your low-voltage lighting fixtures
• Enough cable to get the job done (estimate extra, plan for the unexpected)
• A transformer selected, with capacity 25% greater than the intended wattage usage
• Waterproof wire connectors
• Insulated wire-staples, assembly and wood screws
If you’ve been through our “Planning your outdoor patio lighting” article, you’ll have an idea of the total length of cable needed to run your wiring. You can buy it as one piece, and plan on cutting out specific lengths when you’re on the job.
Firstly, lay your cabling, do you best to always keep it out-of-sight. Most of it can be run under the decking, but you might need to use the hole-saw in discrete locations on the deck posts or the railings to help funnel wiring around to hidden areas. If a cable must be visible, try stapling it into inconspicuous corners for maximum camouflage.
To secure the cables, fasten them against the wood at 2ft intervals with the insulated staples. If the wiring is run along the ground in any spot, it must be buried at least 6in deep underground.
When connecting multiple outdoor deck lighting fixtures to one circuit, you’ll use the waterproof wire connectors to splice each fixture’s cable into the main line running to the transformer. Be sure you use the proper gauge of cable. Here’s a quick chart to judge what you’ll need, allowing for connecting fixtures with a combined total up to 150 watts:
• 0-50’ of cable, use at least 12-gauge
• 50’-100’, use 10-gauge
• 100’ or more, use 8-gauge
Now you can secure your wiring to the transformer. Remember, when choosing the size of the transformer, to add in another 25% to your wattage requirement total to make sure the transformer can handle the workload.
For wattage estimates, add up all your fixtures, and keep in mind that:
• Each step light will be about 12 watts
• Post lights – 20 watts each
• Rope light – 5.5 watts per ft.
• Floodlights – 20 watts
Finally, transformers come with a variety of options for switching. You can choose automatic timers, or photo-eyes to switch on in darkness, or physical switches to turn the circuits on and off by hand. Be sure to select one that offers the features you’ll need most.
If you’ve found this article to be helpful, you really must check these other great ideas in our outdoor tree lighting article.
And that’s just about it. Congratulations. You’ve successfully finished wiring you OUTDOOR DECK LIGHTING!
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