Is Your Low Voltage Landscape Lighting a Fire Hazard?

Even though landscaping lights are low voltage, they are still capable of producing enough heat to ignite grass if there is not sufficient air space given around the lights to allow the heat to disperse. In addition, that air area can catch fire if it is full of dead leaves and litter. This article will discuss low-voltage landscape lighting problems and important facts about low-voltage lighting. But first, is your low-voltage landscape lighting a fire hazard?

No. Low-voltage landscape lighting is not a fire hazard if the connection is made correctly. It requires a heat source before a fire can start from exposed wiring or other external materials. But there are also dangers and risks associated with low-voltage lighting.

To produce or install perfect low-voltage lighting, you have to remember these points, which I will explain further in this article:  

1. The dangers of Low Voltage Landscape Lighting.
2. The different Varieties of Landscape Lighting.
3. The benefits of low voltage landscape lighting.
4. Essential landscape lighting kits.
5. Using the proper transformer.
6. How to set Up Low Voltage Landscape Lighting.
7. The types of wiring to be used with low voltage landscape lighting.
8. Installation tips.
9. How to prevent fires from starting.

What are the Dangers of Low Voltage Landscape Lighting?

There are risks associated with using low-voltage landscape lighting. There are 120 volts of electricity coming from the house to the lights, but if the low-voltage wiring is exposed and is then damaged by the elements, the safety of the family and any pets within the house is at stake. To get the power down to 12 volts, a transformer must be set up. If the wiring were exposed to the elements, the reduced voltage would minimize the risk to a much less degree. With the reduced voltage, there would be no risk to humans or animals. 

The farther the lights are from the transformer, the darker they can get when the power is lowered. Using a higher transformer or more robust cable wires are two possible solutions. No harm will come to your loved ones, including your pets, from the landscape lights.

There is no risk in using LED landscape lights. The LED is extremely fragile because it has no glass components. However, they contain no harmful substances; you may reuse or recycle them afterward. Thanks to LED landscape lighting, you’ll save money on your electric bill, have a more straightforward wiring job, and have fewer bugs in your garden. In addition, outdoor LED lighting is safer for you and your family than traditional lighting.

Safer alternatives to landscape lighting exist. Get in touch with an expert landscaper if you’re worried that the lights in your yard could endanger your loved ones or your pets. In addition, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with landscape lighting by using alternate wiring, decreasing the power, or installing a more robust transformer.

The benefits of landscape lighting outweigh the risks it poses. Your property will be well-lit for nighttime walks, and you’ll be able to see better thanks to the illumination. In addition, landscape lighting is risk-free and can do wonders for your property’s aesthetic value and security.

Another important thing is the type of low voltage lighting you choose. Different types of low voltage landscape lighting are available on the market, from LED to incandescent.

What are the different Varieties of Landscape Lighting

• Spotlights: Lights that can only be pointed in one direction go by this generic name. It is used to create a certain kind of illumination, like the wall-grazing effect, which directs a spotlight upwards at the wall, transforming the light into an uplight. There is a wide variety of intensity and coverage available with spotlights. 
• Flood Lights: These lights can light up extensive areas like outdoor landscapes, driveways, and patios from above.
• Up/Downlights: They may be used for various purposes like illuminating sculptures, making designs on walls, and enhancing your yard’s aesthetic appeal.
• Illuminated Stairwell Railings: Placement options for step lights include the walls adjacent to the stairs or the stairs’ front, vertical face.
• Garden Lights are common in the garden area and appear reminiscent and glowing. When turned on, the light shines downward and somewhat out. 
• Bollard Lights: These are mostly mounted on the very top of these pillars and can illuminate in every direction.
• String Lights: These can string through trees and across hardscapes to illuminate a stunning landscape with a softer light.

What are the benefits of low-voltage landscape lighting?

Low-voltage landscape lighting offers many benefits for the typical home installer, including:

1. Low-voltage lighting fixtures are less dangerous to set up.
2. They are waterproof for use in the rain.
3. Entirely secure for animals and children that disturb the wiring.
4. Saving more power and resources.
5. Low-voltage systems are simple to set up because no polarity is involved (positive and negative wires).

What are landscape lighting kits?

Everything we needed to set up our outside lights is listed below:

• Transformers
• Connectors 
• Low Voltage Wire
• Wire cutters
• Siding clips
• Electrical tape

Which Transformer Is Right for You?

The most expensive part of this exertion will be the transformers. You can easily calculate your transformer’s wattage (or power) with one of the many available internet calculators. Ensure your lights’ total wattage is at most your transformer’s capacity by adding 1.25 to the sum, e.g., to account for power loss from the length of your cables.

We need three transformers, the Malibu Low Voltage Transformer, to power outside lighting.

Remember that you must meet minimum wattage needs. Dimming lights could signify that you’re getting close to the transformer’s capacity. Most experts advise investing in transformers that can support current needs while allowing for growth.

Malibu Low Voltage Transformer

Transformers features

• Aesthetic
• Protection from the elements
• A photo sensor to automatically turn the lights on at night 
• A timer to control the lights when to come on and off.

How to Set Up Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

The setup is quick and easy, and they are as follows:

1. Set up the lighting in your garden
2. Join the cable to the outside light’s power supply.
3. Stripping wires with a pair of pliers
4. Transformer wire connection
5. Mount the power supplies on the exterior of the house.
6. Hang the transformer on the side of the house using siding clips.
7. Wire all the lights in a row from the transformer.
8. Connect the lights to the extended wire.
9. Positioning landscape lighting wire in the connector.
10. Drive the light spikes into the earth.
11. Put electrical tape over the plugs.
12. Electrical tape-wrapped connector.
13. Hide the cable underground.
14. Program the transformers’ timers.

What types of wiring can be used with low-voltage landscape lighting? 

For low-voltage landscape wiring, you need 10, 12, 14, and 16-gauge cables, frequently used for outdoor lighting. Over extensive spaces, 12-gauge or 10-gauge wire is advised. This is done to avoid a decrease in voltage. When you move away from the transformer and its power source, the voltage drops because of the increased resistance in the circuit.

Tips for safely installing and using low-voltage landscape lighting

Below are essential tips and guides for installing safe and functioning landscape lights.

Use a qualified contractor.

I recommend using a qualified contractor and using the correct type of wire. There is a massive difference between an experienced professional and an amateur. Remember, electricity can harm yourself, your children, and your pets. Hire a qualified professional to avoid causing a fire because of bad wiring. It may come with a cost, but knowing you and your family are safe is worth knowing.

Create a comprehensive strategy

Research and planning are the starting points for any successful home improvement venture. This is particularly important when designing lighting for an outside space. It would be best to plot your approach carefully to get the intended result. Mistakes in lighting design can make a production look unprofessional and hastily put together. But when completed properly, it will be a significant improvement to your dwelling.

Set aside time to think about your goals and build a solid basis for your search. Take a good look at your garden and the rest of the outside of your home to get a sense of what features you want to emphasize. In this comprehensive strategy, you should include the lights’ location, size, intensity, and energy source.

Select appropriate products.

Finding the correct products is the next step once you’ve researched and settled on an overarching strategy. The market is rife with choices catering to individual tastes and practical requirements. Pick professional-grade fixtures if you want your hard work to last. You can drastically alter the atmosphere depending on the lighting standard you employ.

Be sure to think about the outside of your house while shopping for landscape lighting kits/lighting fixtures. Ideally, you’d like the whole thing to fit perfectly, giving the impression of deliberate design. But, unfortunately, the fittings you use can make or ruin a project.

Appropriate Cable

In other words, your project won’t have any illumination if you go with the wrong wiring. The size of your yard is the primary factor. Getting the wiring from the light fixture to the house’s transformer requires precise measurements. The blueprint will help you calculate how big each light fixture needs. It’s preferable to overestimate needs rather than underestimate them.

Wire comes in a variety of widths (gauges), as well. Determine which gauge is ideal for your project and voltage from the options available.

The Transformer

A transformer is required for outdoor lighting because the lights do not require a high voltage to function. The purpose of the transformer is to reduce the voltage from the house to power the lights. In addition, as a filter, it reduces the intensity of the power so that it can use the light safely.

It is essential to connect a transformer for the task at hand properly. Once wired, it may be easily installed on the wall and plugged into an outside outlet. The transformer is not thrilling but crucial to the project’s success.

Plan for the Elements

Since this lighting installation is meant to be performed outside, it will be subjected to the weather. Therefore, you must build it to last through different seasons and elements.

The wire installation is one spot where you must take particular care. You can bury the cables or cover them with gravel or mulch, depending on the weather conditions where you live. You should bury the wires at a depth that will prevent them from being disturbed. 

Precision

Many people who attempt to install outdoor lighting are disappointed when the completed project doesn’t look how they imagined it would. In most cases, this is due to carelessness during installation. You can alter the entire appearance if the light is moved even a few inches to the right or left of where it was planned; this is why you must strategically place each light for maximum effect.

Each lamppost must be precisely positioned by driving stakes at the same depth. Although it may not seem significant, light distribution is determined by height. Therefore, once you’ve chosen the optimal placement for the lights, you should be as precise as possible.

Imagination

Making your house stand out from the rest is a top priority, and the most important thing to remember when installing external lighting is to let your imagination run wild. Do your best if you’re willing to put the time and energy into this undertaking. The purpose of these accent lighting fixtures is to draw attention to your home’s attractive features. Show how much you appreciate it by taking this chance. Various styles, approaches, and aesthetics are available for your perusal and incorporation. 

How to prevent fires from starting

• Using low voltage landscape lighting following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• As soon as you find a loose outlet, fix it or replace it. Tightening the wire nuts is one possible solution, but you’ll have to swap out the plug if that doesn’t fix it.
• Ensure all of your home’s wiring is up to code by having an inspection performed by a licensed electrician.
• Have a professional inspect your home’s electrical components, including switches, outlets, and wiring, to ensure everyone’s safety.
• You should invest in high-quality smoke detector alarms and fire extinguishers.
• For every use, go with a heavy-duty extension cord. Place the cord safely so you won’t tread on it. 
• Never place cords under rugs because this might cause them to overheat. 
• Never rely on extension cables indefinitely. Have an electrician put in more plugs if you find yourself in need of them.
• Take care of your home electronics. You should check the overheating or exposed wires of an electrical cord. 
• Be sure to fix or replace an appliance that is making unusual noises or not working correctly before the cable catches fire.
• Invest in well-built home appliances that adhere to all applicable safety regulations.
• Ensure the correct wattage bulbs are used in the appropriate lighting fixtures. Replace any bulbs that get too hot when lighted, and avoid using too many in a single fixture.
• Only use wires to power lights. When a cord begins to fray or show signs of damage, you should replace it immediately.
• If the light switches aren’t the issue and the lights are flickering or going out, it’s time to replace the fixtures.
• You should never use flammable paper or fabric to adorn a lamp, and you should also keep lighting fixtures at least three feet away from any fabric, such as sheets or drapes.
• If you’re using a portable space heater, ensure it’s kept at least three feet away from anything flammable. Even better, avoid starting fires with your hands by using radiation heaters.
• Use only a modern, fire-safe portable heater to lessen the chances of an accident. Check that the unit’s dimensions suit the space you intend to heat. Keep the heater out of high-traffic areas and far from combustibles like furniture, drapes, and bedding.
• You should plug it directly into a wall outlet like any other gadget. Never leave a heater unattended or while you’re not there; always check the manufacturer’s instructions before using it.

Conclusion

Low-voltage landscape lighting is not a fire hazard if connections are properly made. However, before a fire can start, there must be a heat source, which you should always look out for and avoid or prevent. Some dangers of Low-voltage landscape lighting include exposed wiring and using the right transformer to reduce the voltage to a safe level for landscape lighting. In addition, there are other landscape lightings like spotlights, flood lights, stairwell railings, garden lights, bollard lights, and string lights. 

There are also benefits associated with using landscape lighting, including increasing home value and saving energy. Remember also to use the right landscape lighting kits for your installation. I have also listed some steps in installing landscape lighting, including setting it up, types of wires to use, the safe way of installing landscape lights, and how to prevent landscape fires.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What is low-voltage landscape lighting?

Low-voltage landscape lighting is designed for low voltage and is typically powered by a transformer that reduces the standard voltage to 12 volts. These systems are easy to install and move, safe to work with, and efficient in energy use. They are connected to a GFCI outlet located in the backyard.

How do landscape lighting systems work?

The line voltage in a home or business is typically 120 or 277 volts, but a transformer will decrease that down to a safe of 12 or 24 volts for use in low-voltage lighting systems. It’s popular for accent, task, landscape, and display lighting. It shines brightest when illuminating a small, inconveniently located space.

What is the difference between low-voltage wiring and regular electrical wiring?

To plug into a wall or cable outlet, you’ll need a voltage of 120V or 240V. However, standard household electrical outlets, fixtures, and switches do not operate at the same voltage as low-voltage wiring. Electrical currents of 50 volts or less can be safely transmitted over low-voltage wiring. 12V, 24V, and 48V are typical low voltages.

The definition of low voltage wiring. Wiring intended to transport fewer than 50 volts is also referred to as low-voltage wiring since anything with less than 50 volts is considered low voltage. Its electricity is lower than that generally found in a home, where outlet voltages are typically 120V or 240V.

What is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter and how does it work?

Any circuit equipped with a GFCI will have its current flow continuously monitored. Power is cut off in the blink of an eye by the GFCI to prevent a potentially fatal shock if the incoming current is slightly different from the returning current (as little as 0.006 amperes).

Unlike a typical home fuse, the GFCI is built into the wall outlet. The GFCI outlet detects when a high-current appliance, like a hair dryer, is plugged into it. The GFCI will detect the break in current and immediately turn off the power, perhaps saving your life if the device is dropped into a sink full of water.

Is there a way to tell if a plug outlet has GFCI protection? The outlet will have a Test and Reset button (along with indicator light).

Do I need thicker wire for my low-voltage landscape lighting system?

For outside lighting, 12/2 cable is the standard. However, a thicker cable, such as 10/2 or even 8/2, may be preferable for running wires over greater distances or when connecting multiple lights in series. This way, your lights won’t go out from a voltage drop.

The choice of wiring is often overlooked when installing landscape lighting, even though most individuals will spend considerable time arranging which lights they intend to add and carefully selecting the appropriate transformer.

You can only run the line as far or add as many lights as you want without worrying about the voltage dropping; both depend on the outdoor lighting cable you use.

Sources:

• https://www.virginiaoutdoorlighting.com/dangers-aware-landscape-lighting
• https://justagirlandherblog.com/install-low-voltage-landscape-lighting/
• https://premierpond.com/types-of-outdoor-lighting/
• https://www.allumiax.com/blog/the-top-6-causes-of-electrical-fires-and-how-to-prevent-them
• https://www.thehardscapeexchange.com/blogs/blog/7-tips-for-installing-low-voltage-lighting-for-new-homeowners
• https://blog.1000bulbs.com/home/planning-low-voltage-landscape-lighting
• https://home.howstuffworks.com/question117.htm