Landscape lighting is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your home. It improves curb appeal, adds a layer of safety along paths and walkways, and increases overall home security. Best of all, with the right kit and a little preparation, it is a project any homeowner can tackle on their own.
VOLT® landscape lighting kits include everything you need to install a professional-grade outdoor lighting system. Fixtures, a transformer, wire, connectors, and even the bulbs are included. The amount and type of components will vary depending on which kit you choose, but the installation process is the same across the board. Expansion kits are also available when you are ready to grow your system.
Before you begin, take a few minutes to plan where you want to place your fixtures. Identify any irrigation lines or existing underground cables in those areas. A quick walk around your yard with a notepad will save you time and headaches later.
What You Need
Assemble the Parts
Open the box and assemble your LED landscape light fixtures, wire hubs, and transformer. To install the bulbs, unscrew each fixture lens and push the bulb into place. Then attach the ground stakes to the bottoms of the fixtures and wire hubs.
If you prefer not to mount the transformer on a wall, a transformer pedestal stake mount is available as an alternative.
Plan Your Layout
Use the layout plan you created before starting. When positioning the transformer, choose a spot near an electrical outlet and away from any plants or shrubs that might block the light-sensing photocell timer.
Each LED fixture comes with 25 feet of lead wire, which works perfectly with the included junction hubs. Additional cable is also included for longer runs if you need to reach fixtures further out. Keep your wire hubs within 100 feet of the transformer for best performance.
Set the Fixtures
Once you have your layout confirmed, drive the stakes into the ground at each fixture location. The VOLT® Foot Stomper makes this step fast and easy with no bending over and no extra effort. With the fixtures in place, take a moment to adjust the angles on any spotlights so they are aimed exactly where you want them.
Run the Wires
Begin by running the wire from each fixture to the nearest hub. Then run the supply wires from the transformer out to each wire hub.
Dig channels along the wire paths at least 4 inches deep to keep everything buried and protected. When multiple fixtures are lined up along a path, you can run them all through a single channel. Garden staples are helpful for keeping wires in place while you backfill the channel.
Connect the Wires
Insert the wires from each fixture into the closest wire hub and trim off any excess cable. To prepare the supply wire, split the cable apart about 6 inches and strip both ends to expose half an inch of copper. Twist the exposed copper on each end together to create a clean, solid connection.
Flip two opposing orange latches on the wire hub and insert one stripped wire end on each side. Flip the latches back down to lock the wire in place. Repeat this process for all fixtures connected to a hub and for both hubs connected to the transformer.
Turn On, Test, and Adjust
Switch on the transformer and confirm that every fixture lights up. If a light does not come on, check that its wire is seated securely in the hub. If the problem continues, swap in a bulb you know is working to see whether it is a bulb issue.
No need to stress if a fixture or bulb comes out of the box with any issues. Give us a call and we will take care of you. Every VOLT® kit is backed by our lifetime warranty.
Fine-Tune and Enjoy
Set your timer, fine-tune your beam angles, and enjoy the view. You have just installed a professional-grade landscape lighting system with your own two hands.
Congratulations – you have installed a landscape lighting kit! If you have any questions about how to install a landscape lighting kit or about any VOLT® products, please give us a call at (813) 978-3700.