How to Hook Up Lights That Are Safe on a Deck

Hire a professional to install a low-voltage transformer on the side of your deck or in another unobtrusive spot. They work well for a few lights that don’t have a high wattage. These transformer boxes are usually installed with screws and a screwdriver, and they connect to the home's power source. Your transformer will tell you how much wattage it will hold.

Hang your lights. The lights should come with screws. Use your electric screwdriver to connect the lights to the deck.

Cut the ends of the low-voltage cable so that you remove some of the insulation. Use insulation strippers to safely and easily remove the insulation over the wire.

Unscrew one end of the wire connector and place it on the cut wire. Screw the connector back so that the wire is tightly bound to the connector. Unscrew the other side of the connector and screw it to the light's wires. Black wires should connect to black wires, and white wires should connect to white wires.

Run the wire from the lights to the transformer box by stapling it with insulated staples across the deck. Keeping the wires out of sight will make the deck look nicer. If you decide to run the wires underground, you'll need to check your local codes for rules about underground wiring.

Connect the low-voltage cable to the transformer box.

Turn the lights on.