How to Bury Electrical Landscape Wiring

Low-voltage landscape lighting creates a warm glow around the yard and garden of any home. Landscape lights are practical for use along walkways, making the path safer during the evening hours. Low-voltage lighting operates at 12 volts, which makes its wiring safe to bury just a few inches below ground level. The light kit includes the transformer that supplies power, and the wiring insulation is designed for direct burial. You can bury the wiring for your landscape lights with basic home improvement skills.

Small garden shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Position the landscape lights and their wiring on the ground where they will be installed. Leave approximately 8 feet between each light. The first light in the arrangement should also be 8 feet from the low-voltage transformer.
- 2
  Assemble the light fixtures and connect the wiring to each fixture. Landscape lights usually have quick-connect terminals to simplify installation. Follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your landscape lights.
- 3
  Plug the transformer into its power supply and test the lights to ensure they work properly. Once you've done that, unplug the lights from the outlet.
- 4
  Dig a shallow trench line approximately 5 inches deep in which to bury the landscape wiring, using a small garden shovel.
- 5
  Place the wiring in the trench, leaving a small amount of slack at each light.
- 6
  Fill the trench in with soil or mulch to cover the wiring. Tamp it firmly by hand and add fill material as required.

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