When it comes to setting up your own lighting, you may be confused about which steps to take to do the job safely. Let’s start with the basics. One of the simplest types of lighting is low voltage.
This type of lighting is perfect for landscaping projects, as well as many others. The lower voltage and softer light tone make it more suitable for outdoor use, though.
Whatever you want to use them for, the best low voltage landscape lighting has a few key qualities. Read on to understand what you should be looking for in your lighting before your next project.
If you’re set on using low voltage landscape lights, there are a few tips you can follow to get the best type for you. First, understand the purpose of your lights.
Landscaping lights usually come as floodlights, spotlights, or path lights. Depending on what you want to illuminate, you’re going to buy different models. Take a look at the floodlights first.
This type of light can shine on big sections in one go. These work best for when you want to illuminate or put focus on a large area.
Spotlights are a little different because they only focus on certain small areas. These areas are usually less than 45 degrees wide, so their lights are intense.
Path lights, or walkway lights, are obviously used to light up steps or a walkway. These are very dull in their tone, and they don’t light up big areas well. But they get the job done when you need to light up a garden path at night.
The type of light you choose also depends on the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. If you want to make a bold statement or focus on a certain part of your backyard, high beam or floodlights work best. If you want something subtle and aren’t going for a particular look, you can just use path lights.
After you define the purpose of your lights, you can look into actual models. There are several different types of landscaping lights. You can pick LED, fluorescent, or halogen lighting depending on your needs.
It’s important to also remember your budget at this time. LED lights run for a longer time, but they’re also the most expensive lights out of the bunch. Fluorescent and halogen lighting are more affordable but need to be changed often.
The Best Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
It’s easy to think that all low voltage lighting is the same, but there are some important differences. Different brands and models offer various specs and details for use. Here are some of the best models of landscape lighting you can try.
1. ZUCKEO LED Landscape Low Voltage Garden Pathway Lights
Let’s start with the Zuckeo LED landscape lights. These color-changing lights have a lot to offer to users. They’re perfect for when you want to please a crowd or host a party in your backyard.
The installation process for this brand is very simple. All you have to do is stick the planting spike into the ground and make sure it has a firm hold. It’s also waterproof, so the wires won’t overheat or get destroyed.
Because this is a spotlight design, it is rotatable and has variations for degree angles. The adjustable head allows you to turn the light into any direction that you want. It works great if you place it on higher ground like a fence or wall.
The great part about the Zuckeo LED landscape lights is that they come under a 12-month warranty. There’s also a 3-month return policy with no questions asked. It’s definitely one of the more affordable options on the list with added security.
2. Hypergiant LED Landscape Lights Low Voltage
The next product is the Hypergiant LED landscape light. This product works well as a security measure, as well as a decoration piece. It comes with six lights that have 850 lumens per piece.
You can use this as a floodlight or as a focus light. This is a very safe landscape light to use because it has 12 Volts.
The body and the wires of this product are triple water-resistant, so they can withstand all weather. The only problem with this setup is that it does not include a voltage transformer. You would have to buy that separately, and that would add to the cost.
The Hypergiant LED landscape light is also very adjustable. You can turn the angles around 270 degrees. Installation is also a breeze because you just have to stick the product into the ground firmly.
Price-wise, this is a reasonable item. It’s not one of the most expensive products, but it’s not one of the most affordable either.
Plus, there is no mention of a warranty or return policy. If those are things that you require, then you should look at a different item.
3. MEIKEE LED Landscape Lights
Let’s say you want a product that is focused on just pathway lights. The Meikee LED landscape lights can do the trick for you.
With 800 lumens, they’re very bright and great for lighting up a patio or a walkway. Because this is a low voltage landscape light, it works with 12V or 24V working voltages.
This is another product the requires you to buy a voltage transformer separately. It also doesn’t come with extra colors or light patterns.
Having colorful lights can add some excitement and fun to your backyard. It’s not necessary, but it still adds a touch of something nice.
As far as protection goes, this is a top-notch product. It has a thick aluminum body, so it’s suitable for use in all types of weather. You don’t have to worry about overheating with this product.
As far as pricing goes, this is a pretty standard item. You can find several products that range in the same price point as this one. All in all, the Meikee LED landscape light is a good product to get started with.
4. SUNRIVER LED Landscape Lights Low Voltage Outdoor Spotlight
If you want a softer product, the Sunriver LED landscape light is perfect for you. These lights are meant for decoration. So, they have a much softer white light than the other products.
As most low voltage lights are, this is a 12V or 24V compatible product. These lights are great for when you want to achieve a warm atmosphere. You can use them alone or in combination with stronger, brighter lights.
When it comes to quality, this product is made from the finest material. They are built from the cast and aircraft-grade aluminum. You don’t have to worry about the rain messing up your lights, as these are waterproof.
The glass is terrific and won’t get yellow or crack with age, either. The glass for the lens is resistant to high temperatures and high impact.
There’s also a lifetime warranty item, which is something you don’t see on many lights. You can return it without any questions asked within 3 months. The Sunriver LED landscape light product seems like a good place to start but is still a little pricey.
5. GreenClick LED Outdoor Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
The next item is the GreenClick LED outdoor spotlight. This product comes with four pieces that are connected to one long cable. You just have to plug it in, so that makes setup very simple.
The GreenClick LED lights only come with four parts. For this reason, this product is not as cost-efficient as the others. Aside from the cost, it has great storage and set up mechanisms.
The long extension cable allows you to place them at faraway distances. You no longer have to use the traditional wiring method to apply them safely. Gone are the days that you had to use a timer to make sure your wires didn’t overheat.
If you want to use just the lights and not the cable, you can do that as well. Alternatively, you can also buy another extension cable if you want to add more distance.
The GreenClick LED light product is also under a good warranty. You get 18 months of a money-back guarantee policy, but because of its sturdy design, you probably won’t need it.
6. INNERWILL LED Landscape Lights
If you don’t have lots of space to install lights, you might be worried when you have to stick stands into the ground. But Innerwill LED landscape lights work really well with this problem.
They’re very small in size, and you don’t install them into the ground at all. Instead, they are mounted on a wall or fence with small holes on the back of the product.
When you mount the lights, it makes it sturdier than if you just place them in the ground. Like the other lights on the list, this one also comes with all the bells and whistles.
It has triple waterproof seals on all connections of the lights. It also has premium-grade components, such as thick aluminum casting and tough lenses. These are built to sustain any pressure or impact and do not corrode or rust.
The pricing of this product is a little tricky because there are eight lights in one pack and are mountable. The added benefit of being able to mount them makes it more expensive. If you don’t mind paying a little extra, these lights are well worth time and money.
7. JESLED LED In Ground Well Lights
Next is the Jesled LED outdoor light. This product comes with six lights in one pack. The price is more expensive than the others, but the light also shines brighter.
These lights are very small in size, so they are perfect for pathways. You can easily set them up to illuminate stairs or walkways. Their small size gives the perfect amount of light.
It’s easy to install, but it still requires a transformer to change voltage versions. That’s another cost that you have to pay for if you buy this product. Transformers aren’t expensive, but they do cost money.
The Jesled LED outdoor light also comes with a high-quality light chip. This chip has a life expectancy of 30,000 hours, giving you plenty of usages.
One negative trait is that these lights have to be installed in a certain way. The process is simple, but it may take some extra assistance if you’re not familiar with wiring.
The Jesled outdoor light also comes with a two-year warranty that has you covered if there are any problems. It seems like this is the real deal in outdoor landscaping supplies.
8. YGS-Tech LED Landscape Lights
We have the YGS-Tech LED landscape lights for your choices. With six lights in one pack, this is one of the most affordable products on the list. It also has one of the brighter lights than the rest of the group.
Its design makes the light seem brighter with the help of a wide brim and reflective surfaces. They are perfect for reaching far distances during rain or shine.
Speaking of rain, the YGS-Tech light is water-resistant with IP65. That design feature gives you stability for long term outdoor use.
With voltage measurements, this is a 12V product. It’s compatible with most low voltage landscape lighting systems. The swivel mechanism on the light head allows you to change directions to your liking.
You can focus the light on a certain area or allow it to cover larger parts. You can also just use this as a pathway light, but it might be too big depending on your yard size.
The only negative part of this product is that there is no product warranty. Almost all the other products have some kind of return or refund policy, but this one has none. If you can live without it, this is a great light to add to your yard.
9. Hykolity Low Voltage LED Landscape Pathway Light
These low voltage garden lights from Hykolity are a great way to add some style to your walkway or garden. With 150 lumens and a 139-degree beam angle, these lights provide a lot of coverage, and the brown/bronze finish and sleek design look great in front of your home.
The durable cast-aluminum design and iP65 waterproofing are strong enough to stand up to rain and snow so you don’t have to worry about normal weather conditions, no matter what climate you live in. Plus, they’re great at dissipating heat, which extends their lifespan.
Installation is easy thanks to the heavy-duty stake design and quick-install wire connector. The LEDs are estimated to last about 50,000 hours which works out to about 23 years if you run them for six hours a day. They’re also covered by a five-year warranty.
10. Sterno Home GL22627BK Paradise Low Voltage Path Light
This light from Sterno Home is a great choice if you’re looking for something to line a path or walkway. It’s 5.2 inches wide and sits 8.6 inches tall above the ground which is a perfect size for illumination and a nice accent without overwhelming your lawn. Each light puts out 20 lumens and has a 360-degree angle for maximum coverage.
These lights are made of heavy-duty plastic that is strong and durable enough to stand up to just about any weather, including rain and prolonged sun exposure. They won’t rust and are covered by a one-year warranty.
Installation is easy and requires no tools or maintenance. Just place the fixture in your garden then clip it to the landscape wire and you’re done. If you change your mind about placement, repositioning them is really easy, too.
11. Moonrays 95557 Low Voltage LED Light Fixture
When it comes to landscape lighting, sometimes you want more of a spotlight than an ambient glow. If that’s the case, take a look at this two-pack of lights from Moonrays. They have adjustable heads so you can put the focus right where you want it to be.
The sleek, simple design blends into your landscaping easily. Each light is made of black, diecast aluminum and are extremely durable. They’re water-resistant and the glass lens cover protects from dirt and dust getting it.
When these lights are installed, their above-ground height is about four inches which is just the right amount to allow you to make the adjustments you need without the lights being too intrusive. These one-watt LED bulbs are expected to last around 100,000 hours and the lights themselves are covered by a one-year limited warranty.
12. LEONLITE Low Voltage LED Landscape Light
If you’re looking for a set of low voltage garden lights that offers a lot of flexibility, this one might be the right set for you. You can choose from a pack of six or twelve as well as three different light colors – cool white, warm white, and daylight.
The simple style of these lights makes them a great accent to a path, flowerbed, or even along the front of your house. They’re made with tough aluminum housing that’s resistant to corrosion and dissipates heat effectively to extend the lifespan as long as possible.
Installation is quick and easy, too. It’s compatible with both AC and DV 12V low voltage and the LEDs have an expected lifespan of 50,000 hours. It also comes with a five-year warranty.
How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lighting?
Before installing your low voltage outdoor lighting, there are a few things you should do. The first thing you need to consider is your current setup. Understanding what you already have in place gives you a good base.
You should check if there are already lighting fixtures installed. You also need to find out which new fixtures or connections you need for your desired outcome. Make a note of any ports or cables you require for your future lights.
Lots of new homes in residential areas have outdoor lighting sources on the sides of the house. If you don’t have a basic setup like this, you should hire an electrician to find one.
That makes it easier and safer for you to find a source of electricity. Once you figure out what you’re working with, you can proceed with installing the lights.
If you’re setting up pathway lights, it’s a good idea to place the lights on the ground where they should go. Don’t plug them in yet; just lay them down.
Usually, it’s best to keep them 8 to 10 feet apart. You should also try to put the first fixture 10 feet from your transformer or power source.
When you are lining up the lights, use a 14-gauge cable for lighting systems that have 200 Watts or less. If you have more than 200 Watts, use a 12-gauge system.
When you come to an obstacle during lining, it’s best to string the cable around or under it. Don’t go through a shrub or fence.
Next, it’s time to prepare the ground for your outdoor lighting. Start by digging a 3-inch trench next to the walkway where your lights are going to go. This is where you’re going to place the electric cable.
Once you have dug out that area, make sure to keep that soil. You’re going to place it back once you’ve installed the lights. Now, take the time to install the transformer and make the electrical connection.
This is where you may need the help of an electrician. If you’re not familiar with how a transformer is set up, you may need to ask for help. Different models and different products have different transformers attached to them.
Either way, the transformer, and your lighting system need to be attached to a power source. Once you have the electrical wiring sorted out, then start digging holes for the stands. When you’re making the hole, you just have to dig about two or three inches where the stake should be.
After the holes are made, you’re ready to put everything back where it belongs. Start by putting the electric wire in the 3-inch trench that your dugout. Next, place the light stands in the holes where they belong.
Cover everything up with the dirt that you took out before. Make sure that the lights are properly connected to the electric source and to each other before you cover it. If your holes are too deep, it’s going to be tricky to make the electricity run through.
Once everything is in place and firmly patted down, it’s a good idea to go over it with a garden hose. Adding a little water allows the soil to mix together and become firmer.
You should also change any old bulbs or fused wires as soon as you find out. Keeping them there too long reduces the life of the rest of the bulbs, as well.
How to Test Low Voltage Landscape Lighting?
Once your electricity and light system have been running for a few weeks, it’s a good idea to keep checking on them. This lets you know your products are working as they should be.
First, you need a voltmeter and ammeter for testing. There are two areas that you should be looking at when it comes to testing: the transformer and the lights.
If you’re testing the transformer, start by locating the device. Put a voltmeter head on one output lead of the transformer. Do the same with the other tip.
The number you see is the amount of voltage you currently have. Take an ammeter, and close it around one of the transformer’s leads. Note that number again.
This number is the number of amps taken from that lead. Compare these numbers to your user’s manual for your transformer. If they’re lower than what they should be, the problem is in the transformer itself.
If you’re testing your lights, the method is a little different. Start by removing the bulb from the socket you’re testing. Test the socket with a voltmeter, and note the volts being given.
Next, put the bulb back into its spot. Take the ammeter and connect it to one of the leads giving power to the fixture. This is the number of amps being taken.
Again, compare these to your manuals. If they’re too low, that means the problem is between the transformer and this light.
You can do routine checkups on your systems in this way. This lets you know of any weak lights or transformers before they become a bigger issue.
Conclusion
Installing outdoor lights may seem tricky, but it’s actually very simple. Once you understand the different parts of the process, you can easily put it together. Keeping an instruction manual for your products also helps.
Using outdoor lighting gives your yard a sophisticated and polished look. It also increases your curb appeal, not to mention increasing your yard security. Low voltage landscape lighting is definitely a project you should try.
This content is very informative for me actually I’m looking for best fence led light in my house, garden and I think solar powered led lights will be the best option for me.
Thank you for the review. Very informative. Would be difficult to check light voltage if the fixtures are sealed units. Would like it to state if ok to use existing 240 volt cabling if changing from 240v to 12v/24v.
Great read. I would love something like this in my yard, these really make the scenery of a landscape pop out. Low voltage is great but is it possible to use an Wi-Fi LED bulb to control the color of the lights? Thanks for the article.
Thank you, I’ve been looking for a nice accent to add to our pathway, and my fave has got to be the LEONLITE Landscape Light. I love the old school vibe it gives off.
This content is very informative for me actually I’m looking for best fence led light in my house, garden and I think solar powered led lights will be the best option for me.
Thank you for the review. Very informative. Would be difficult to check light voltage if the fixtures are sealed units. Would like it to state if ok to use existing 240 volt cabling if changing from 240v to 12v/24v.
Great read. I would love something like this in my yard, these really make the scenery of a landscape pop out. Low voltage is great but is it possible to use an Wi-Fi LED bulb to control the color of the lights? Thanks for the article.
Thank you, I’ve been looking for a nice accent to add to our pathway, and my fave has got to be the LEONLITE Landscape Light. I love the old school vibe it gives off.