What Kind of Exterior Wiring Is Most Common?

Wiring

• Line-voltage wiring provides the standard 120-volt household circuitry used in many outdoor lighting systems. They often function as line-volt outlets or power receptacles for low-voltage lighting systems that power landscaping lighting and other outdoor fixtures. Low-voltage wiring systems use transformers to convert voltage from line-volt outlets to safer levels. The standard size wiring for exterior wiring systems is 12-gauge double wire. However, 10-gauge and 8-gauge wire can also be used to improvise around multiple fixtures or over long distances. The smaller the gauge or wire, the higher the ampacity or amount of current the cable can carry.

Conduits

• Conduits are essential in exterior wiring systems, since wires can be exposed to water, heat and other extreme conditions. Similar to drip-tight or watertight boxes, conduits enclose exposed wires and cables running along walls or buried underground. Rigid nonmetallic conduits made of PVC cement are commonly used for outdoor wiring since they are waterproof and highly resistant to rust. Other types of conduit used outdoors include galvanized rigid conduits, liquid-tight conduits and high-density polyethylene (hyde). Sometimes, cable is used in place of wires since cable has conduit protection for water exposure and corrosion.

Location

• Sketch the layout of your property to identify potential areas for installing exterior wiring. Walk around your yard to observe how natural lighting affects different areas during the day and evening. This will help you determine how home features such as lighting accents will look and function at night. Surveying the outside of your home will also help you plan where and how to wire your yard around major entrances, natural landscapes and other important elements. For example, you may decide that indoor light switches are most convenient for controlling your outdoor lighting system. Finally, some conduits for exterior wiring offer flexibility when deciding where to install your electrical system. For instance, PVC conduits can be placed both below and above ground.

Considerations

• Research your county or town’s building codes to find out whether you will need a permit to install exterior lighting. Check whether you live near a property line easement, which is an area your municipality is allowed to use for limited purposes. Since city easements are used to build everything from sidewalks to roads, unexpected public construction can derail your outdoor wiring project. Additionally, have a local inspector check for underground gas pipes, cabling or plumbing that could affect installation or performance.