Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Layouts

These diagrams show some of the most common low voltage cable/conductor layouts. Your choice of layout can help minimize voltage drop.

In the drawings the square represents the transformer and the circles represents the low voltage lights.

1. Straight run installation. Fixtures run in sequence directly from the transformer.




2. Split run installation Split the load using the recommended maximum cable/conductor length in two or more directions from the transformer. This method is also for use with multi-tap transformers.







3. "T" Installation This methods allows for the equal distribution of power to the center of a run, or to a run some distance away. The cable/conductor running from the transformer should be of a heavier gauge (10 gauge).






Other Thoughts to Minimize Voltage Drop:

The closer your lamps are placed to the transformer, the higher their voltage (and wattage) readings will be. Those farthest away will have lower voltages. If a cable/conductor run is too long, or if too many fixtures are being powered by a single transformer, noticeable voltage drop may occur. Voltage drop causes the lights farthest from the transformer to become dim. Voltage drop can be minimized in several different ways including those suggested in the illustrations above:

A) Use a multi-tap transformer (12-13-14-15)
B) Use multiple transformers
C) Shorten cable/conductor lengths (use multiple runs from the transformer)
D) Reduce individual fixture wattages
E) Reduce the total number of fixtures on a run

A Quick Review of Accent Lighting Techniques

Path and Spread Lighting – provides safety, comfort and decorative accents to your landscape entrances and more.

Accent, Deck and Patio Lighting – provides the interest in your nightscape. Accent lights should be used sparingly to create visual focus.

Spotlighting – an effective technique for highlighting any statue, trees or entranceway.

Grazing – light placed to shine across a surface such as brick or stucco walls, or a natural surface like tree bark to bring out all the texture.

Silhouetting – the silhouette of an object can be created by reflecting light off a vertical surface behind it. The light source should be concealed, usually directly behind and below the object to be silhouetted.

Up Lighting – this technique provides dramatic effects. The light source is mounted or recessed in the ground and angled up to display a tree, artwork or structure.

Cross Lighting – uses two or more light source from below to illuminate an object from different directions.

Classic Elegance with Outdoor Lighting

Picture a rolling European country hill side bathed in afternoon sun. In the distance you’ll see a luxurious Grand Estate with a charming, yet elegant gatehouse. This beautiful setting is the inspiration for out Gatehouse Garden Lighting Collection featuring fine details of classic proportions.

Many of the products are made of durable brass, much like the sculptures found in museums and fountains in your favorite European cities. And like those sculptures, Gate House is beautiful to behold, yet functioning, adding a classic touch to any outdoor area.

The Gate House Collection:
A) Lighted Urn Planter
B) Path and Spread Light
C) Spitter Fish /Pond Light

Backyard Vacation

Enjoy the carefree sensation of a tropical island retreat with our St. Croix garden collection. A pineapple – the universal symbol of hospitality – is the design centerpiece and the elegant leaf and bamboo inspired details are reminiscent of southern plantations.

Made from heavy-duty solid die-cast aluminum, this collection is constructed to last. And with its sand colored beach finish and playful designs, St. Croix provides a backyard vacation every night of the year.

Collectables include:

A) Bird Bath with Downlight and Illuminated Center Piece

B) Path and Spread Light

C) Deck Lighting

D) 2 in 1 Tiki Path Light

Paint a tropical paradise with our landscape lighting expertise.

Lighting the Oak Trail

For the homeowner who wants to keep the outdoor spirit alive, we offer the Oak Trail Garden Collection. Inspired by the great outdoors, perhaps a cedar lodge nestled in the mountains, these outdoor lighting products blend with nature to create a warm and comfortable living space.

And because Oak Trail is made from durable materials, you can be sure its quality and finish will last for years. This collection of landscape lighting comes complete with a nice variety of path lighting, post lighting and deck lighting.

Recreate the Romance

English gardens were a source of refuge, providing the homeowners with a sense of serenity. Ainsley Square recreates the romance of an established, abundant English garden in springtime. Ainsley Square offers deck lighting, path lighting, as well as distinctive items such as an obelisk light and wall art.

Made from durable brass, the Ainsley Square Collection comes with a two-tone, aged look that will continue to patina over time. This helps retain its perfect color with nature while providing the homeowner a complete family of products that will create an inviting landscape and add years of enjoyment to outdoor living space.

Simple Tranquility with Landscape Lighting

Since its humble beginnings, Asian culture stressed a balance between one’s self and the environment to which they belong. Keeping this thought, our Zen Garden landscape lighting collection is minimal in its design yet bold in its presentation.
This family blends design influences from the Pacific Rim to create an updated Asian style with a natural earth tone finish perfect for any backyard sanctuary.

Zen Garden is versatile enough to provide simple tranquility of an Asian garden, yet exotic enough for the affluent homes of the western world. Made from durable materials, this family of path and deck lights, along with a lawn ornament in the shape of a whimsical gardener, ensures a quality appeal for many years. Brass will patina with age.

Modern Outdoor Lighting

One of our hottest new families of outdoor lighting is the Eternity Collection.

The modern design of the Eternity Collection offers a distinctive design that celebrates architectural lines and aesthetics that radiates style and light, creating enviable curb appeal.

The Eternity wall lanterns, finished with a popular brushed nickel, are available in small, medium and large. The medium wall lanterns are perfect for flanking your front door. The large lanterns are great around the perimeter of your home and look great flanking your garage door.

Last but not least, the Eternity outdoor pendant, post lantern and flush ceiling fixtures complete a look that belongs under your favorite porch or illuminating your patio lounge. A+

FAQ: Posts and Post Lantern Lighting

One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to putting together components for outdoor post lighting is:

Can I use a pedestal or pier mount along with a direct burial post for a more decorative finished look?

Generally speaking, this is not done. The universal 3” post will not feed though the pier mount nor will it sufficiently anchor a 72” standard post that is forced into the aluminum pier mount.

If you are using a direct burial post think gravel, grass, bark or another aesthetic ground cover for a nice looking transition.

If you are looking for a decorative post, Good News: Some manufactures are finally producing decorative surface mount posts that won’t break the bank.
The Covington surface mount outdoor post offers timeless style raising the reputation points in yourneighborhood.

Outdoor Lighting: Low or line voltage?

Both, here's a quick guide:

Use line voltage for: Up lighting large trees, statues, long driveways, or anywhere you need a lot of light installed with 3 or less fixtures. Post lanterns, wall lanterns, flood lights, pendant lighting and small runs of path lights are all outdoor lighting types that are good candidates for line voltage use.

Low-voltage is best when:You anticipate changing light locations. People, animals, children, etc. will be digging where there is water close by. When you want to do it yourself installation costs are important you want smaller fixtures the landscaping is already installed. Deck lighting, path and garden lighting, spot lighting, well lighting and brick lights are all very good candidates for low voltage lighting.

Adding landscape lighting improves curb appeal, expands living space and increases the safety and security of your home. The right lighting creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the exterior of your home and your yard.