One of the most critical components of an outdoor lighting system is having secure, waterproof wire connections. We will demonstrate how to make a low-voltage wire connection for direct burial applications using waterproof wire nuts.
Direct burial connectors are the most commonly used connectors in outdoor lighting applications. Wire nuts, in particular, are filled with silicone gel to seal the connection and protect against ground moisture.
Cable connection points are often the point of failure of outdoor lighting systems, so it is critical to ensure the connection is secure the first time. In a landscape lighting system, the cable will have two conductors per wire, which connects the fixtures to the low voltage transformer and provides the power.
Supplies |
Tools |
Step-by-Step Instructions
 |
Step 1: Turn Off the PowerStart by turning off the outdoor lighting transformer. Make sure that the timer and breaker are in the off position. Additionally, you can unplug the power to the transformer. |
 |
Step 2: Pull Apart Cable WiresTake the cable lead wire and pull it apart about six inches. Since low-voltage outdoor lighting only has two conductors, you do not have to worry about polarity. |
 |
Step 3: Strip the WireUse the wire strippers and expose about ½ inch of the wire. |
 |
Step 4: Twist the Ends of Each WireTake the exposed copper ends and twist them (clockwise) tightly together. Then take one of the mainlines from the transformer and securely fasten it with a lead fixture wire. |
 |
Step 5: Insert the Wires into the ConnectorsInsert the wire connections firmly into the DryConn® waterproof connectors and twist them clockwise. Continue to twist them in the same direction until the wires cross each other from the force. It is crucial to rotate them in the same direction to avoid creating loose connections. It is normal for some of the silicone to come out. Simply wipe it off with a cloth. |
 |
Step 6: Test the ConnectionTest the connection by turning the power back on to the outdoor lighting transformer and checking if the fixture turns on. |
 |
Step 7: Bury the CablesOnce the connectors are successfully installed, then bury the cables. |
How to Choose Landscape Lighting Wire Connectors
Wire connection points are one of the most vulnerable parts of a landscape lighting system. VOLT offers a wide selection of high quality connectors for the purpose.
Lighting professionals tend to have their favorite connectors that they use and trust. For those with less experience, we suggest the following types.
Hub Connectors: These include our Zone Control Junction Box, a hub-type connector used to connect several fixtures in a region to a single connection point. This junction box uses silicone-filled wire nuts to connect the wires. A newer version of this is the VOLT® Pro Junction Hub. This innovative product uses clamp-type connectors so wires can be added or removed during and after installation. The third hub connector is the VOLT® Pro Micro-Junction Direct Burial Connector – a revolutionary hub connector that features micro-clamps and a silicone reservoir – especially useful for situations where the hub must be buried.
Wire Nut Connectors: There are a number of wire nuts filled with silicone that provide a perfectly acceptable direct burial connection. They come in different sizes based on how many (and type of) wires to be connected. The best ones are the DryConn Black & Blue and the DryConn Black & Grey.
Crimp and Barrel Styles: Many pros prefer connectors that use small thin tubes that house the wires and are then crimped and/or secured with set screws. Some of these also employ heat shrink tubing that encloses the junction rendering it waterproof. Visit our Wire Connectors & Hubs page to view VOLT’s large selection of the connector types.
Shop for Landscape Lighting Cable and Connectors
Shop for Landscape Lighting Tools
Congratulations – you have made a low voltage wire connection! If you have any questions about how to make a wire connections or any VOLT® products, please give us a call at (813) 978-3700.
