How to Install Garden Path Lighting

Garden path lighting can help you to use outdoor areas long after the sun has gone down. Installing a low-voltage outdoor lighting system is one of the best ways to illuminate a garden path without having to call an electrician. The low-voltage of the light system makes it easier to install and gives you great illumination using a standard 120-volt current. The low-voltage systems plug into a GFCI receptacle, so make sure you have one before beginning this project.

Low-voltage lighting system control box
Measuring tape
Outdoor-grade PVC pipe
Shovel or spade
Pipe straps
Low-voltage 12-volt outdoor lighting cable
Low-voltage outdoor lights
Connector caps
Wooden ruler

Instructions

- 1
  Find your home's GFCI receptacle. Install your low-voltage lighting system control box near the GFCI receptacle in an area free of obstructions. Connect the ends of the cables to the tabs on the bottom of the control box by sliding the cables over the tabs.
- 2
  Measure the distance from the bottom of the control box to the ground, and cut a piece of outdoor-grade PVC pipe with a hand saw to that length. Below the control box, dig a 6-inch deep trench, 1 foot out from the structure, with a shovel.
- 3
  Pull the control boxes cables through the PVC pipe. Stand the pipe up vertically so that its base is in the trench and its top is covering the control boxes tabs. Pull the cables from the base of the pipe so that they are taunt but not under too much pressure. Fasten the PVC pipe to the structure with pipe straps and screws.
- 4
  Spread the cable out to the location your lights will be.
- 5
  Push the stake sections of the lights into the ground alongside the cable. Use connector caps clamped onto the cable to connect each light to the cable.
- 6
  Plug the control box into the GFCI receptacle, and decide if you need to adjust any of the lights. Make any adjustments.
- 7
  Dig a narrow trench for the cable to be buried in alongside the cable. Make the trench 6 to 8 inches deep with a shovel or spade. Create 6- to 8-inch deep slices in the ground from the trench to each one of the lights for the connector caps to go into. Make sure to move the cable and connector caps to prevent damage when digging.
- 8
  Use a wooden ruler to push the cable and connectors into the trench and slices. Cover the cable and connectors with dirt.

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