Watched the first ten minutes. I liked it but your video person was fixated on having you completely in every shot so the actual lights and wiring was at the very bottom of the frame. And at times I couldn’t even see the actual action. The reality is we don’t need to see you when we can hear exactly what you’re saying. Otherwise helpful.
This is an absolutely fantastic DIY video. It is very detailed and made this process incredibly simple. Thank you for taking the time to put this together. Very much appreciated.
I'm so thankful that you pros freely share your knowledge with us DIYers. Between TH-cam and Google I can complete almost any project. Liked and subscribed! Great value. Clear explanation. Thank you!
Super helpful. Lots of information, but at a good pace. Thanks for putting this together. Will be using it as a guideline for a lighting system we are doing on our property this coming month.
New subscriber. I am so glad I found your channel. As a female who is typically terrified to mess with electricity, this video has given me the confidence to tackle installing landscape lighting myself. I can't wait to watch more video's from you. thank you for this great tutorial.
I know I am late to the party, but I bought my own high end kit (Volt) and did a weekend install. Your information in this video was invaluable, as well as your other videos. Thank you for taking the time to show us how to do this with confidence - it is very much appreciated. Hope you are doing well and will continue to educate us.
I reached to Cal for help. He responded that he wanted pics of the subject areas so he can answer the questions. His response was profound- in a good way! He made a personal video with my pics and pointed out where i should place what light. HE couldn't have made it any more simple to understand; he even suggested the light i should use. Needless to say it was an easy buy decision! Good content..
Best landscape lighting video. Easy to follow, informative and covered all the questions I had. Thanks for taking your time to make such a great video!
AWESOME! Thanks for the knowledge. I almost paid some fool $3200 to install 10 uplights. Glad I knew that he was insane to charge that much. Once it gets a bit warmer, ill do it myself. Thanks again for saving me thousands.
Bought a new home and need to add landscape lighting. I now have the confidence to let my husband put them in because I know exactly what to do and what not to do😊
Very informative and touching all the right points for a newbie. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain the basics and the nuances. Appreciate very much.
15 volt tap is correct. Low voltahe taps typically ra ge from 12 to 15 volt to accomodate potential voltage drop. Use larger taps for larger runs of lights
Great video. Is there a connector for multiple runs into one pair of wires. The transformer has only one connection, I have four pairs to connect. Thanks
You answered all of the questions I had. This excellent video may have converted me from a low-voltage menace to a semi-knowledgeable DIYer and capable troubleshooter. Or, I'm about to burn my house down .
*I have a 10/2 wire that I will be running for about 200 feet. It will have 12 of 2 Watts each lights hooked up.* *Q1: Should I use the 15 volt connector in the transformer?* *Q2: the first few lights will be closer to transformer - will that burn the lights because of too much power in the wire?*
I'm looking for answers for how to install small voltage in-ground small circumfrance area for lighting up a statue shrine with a small gravel base. I have 6 LED flush ground lights with very thing wires in the pig tails from each light.
2nd video I've seen from this person, last one didn't show any of the finished lights at night and this one shows about 10 seconds. Dude, cmon, show the night scenes, people want to see how the lighting actually looks.
Excellent video. I really learned a lot. Thank you for the video. Do you have any video on how powerful (watts or luminous) the accent lights should be ? Would appreciate some feedback. Thanks.
WOW, Did I need this information. My yard has been in the dark for two years now because I just didn't know what I was doing. But in watching your 27 min. video I've got the basics down and can now go out and complete the task I've been wanting to do for so long. Thanks Guy ! my only question is; where do I get the connectors you mentioned in the video? Is it through you or can I just go to Lowe's or Home Depot?
Great video, we have lived in our home for 20 years. All our landscaping lights are just buried under the pine straw. One night one of the 3 main lines heated up and set the pine straw on fire. We were able to put the fire out, but the issue was NOBODY was able to determine how this happened. Not the electrician nor the fire dept. The thought was the wire got wet over time as the insulation looked like maybe it got chewed up by squirrels and corrosion created the heat for the fire? Anyway, it over heated and set the pine straw on fire. Have you heard of this happening? We plan to totally replace all the landscaping lights and start over with all new LED's. We had the old system of lighting. Thanks,
Thanks so much for this great video! This is my first time doing this, so have a question: I bought 3 each Portfolio 200-Watt Power Pack Transformers and 23 each Hampton Bay LED CCT Low Voltage Path Lights Model JTM1501L-2. Each path light has a weird snap connector attached to the end of the wires on each light. Should I cut that connector off and use the BBS2 Blazing SnapLOC connectors you recommend?
Really cool (excellent), Thx. BTW, does the transformer you're using have a cover and is it waterproof? What about the timer, is it water proof 💧? Thank you
Nice video and info. FYi, because transformers are so cheap, it's a good idea to go much bigger so that you can expand in the future. The cost difference between a 120 and a 200 w transformer is about 30 bucks... Thanks again
It's the same manufacturer but it's just different branding. Amp is for professional companies, need to register to buy them. Volt is accessible for anyone to buy.
Question: Any advice/ clever tips to keep Ants out of light fixtures? Ant hill dirt is the primary reason for damage and part replacements (FX luminaire up-lights) Caulking them sealed only works for the lazy ants
Thanks for the video! Do you have a way of sampling lighting for clients so that they can see what they like before commiting to an installation? I am thinking of connecting to a marine battery or something?
Great video! going to add some lights to an existing installation that has a large transformer. What is the best way to do this? The lights will be running the opposite direction of the current lights from the transformer...
I have a plant bed that has several lights that are low voltage. I have a small water system. The problem is that solar syetem is the shade causing the system to run only about 2 hour. Do you know if the low volatage is compable. If not do know if someone makes one.
I thought per the NEC, Low Voltage wiring needs to be 6" underground. My only concern with a shallow bury is if someone runs a core aerator through the yard and cuts a wire. Trenchers make a mess, vibratory plows cost a few hundred a day to rent, shovel slicing and poking a wire in is labor intensive on a big job. Your thoughts?
Great question, I always reccomend when putting it in grass areas you definitely want to have deep enough to avoid aerators etc. Its also smart to always try and run wire around perimters too to avoid chances of it being cut
Thanks for the answer. I am doing a big job now and wishing I had went deeper but I did stay within 18” of driveway/sidewalks with my direct bury cable. Lighting not my bread and butter but I enjoy it. One more question if you have time. Not sure I am understanding the voltage loss charts, you posted one for 12 ga wire and I looked up FX LUMINAIRE’s chart for 10 ga. I have a really long run, 400-450’ with seven 5W fixtures. I am obviously off the chart but at 300’ where the chart stops it states I should be dropping around 2-3 volts already. I actually am only dropping 1v for 14v at my very last fixture under load. Seems the chart is assuming everything wired in series which obviously I have 7 parallel paths with current reducing on the path the farther out I go. For planning purposes how do I find a better estimate of my expected ACTUAL VOLTAGE LOSS?
Thanks Andrew, but it is so tough to get good nightime photos without a pro photographer and summers here are light out until almost 11pm but I appreciate the comment and will try and show more completed projects
This was great! You were very informative and easy to follow. Great job!! When I go to do my yard, I will definitely look up your video. I have saved it for future reference!
The front of my home is need of some landscape lighting. I think I can use the transformer that’s being used for the Back. The front of my home is tricky. The left side of my front door is pavers and blacktop. The right side is grass and beds. I’m not sure how to easily eliminate the left side. It’s basically the attached garage and 2nd floor windows above. Is it a good option to go above the garage and mount a fixture in the gutter to aluminate the 2nd floor above ?
Cal, your videos are very helpful, easy to follow. It helped me with my new home project 3 years ago. You’re the best!! My only suggestion is to place the transformer away from evening lighting distractions (neighbors driveway) as headlights after hours seemed to set off my photocell after hours of the evening lighting cycle. I seemed to solve it by putting a short piece of pvc over the photocell to block out unwanted ambient light. Edit: I’ll look to buy one of those smart timers from your website.
By far the best video on DIY landscape lighting. I watched a few other videos (even from some big box stores) and no one explained the wiring portion well enough. You explained that in great detail, and everything else as well -- thank you!
So if I have 3-4 runs of 12/2 wires to my transformer, say 50-100 ft runs , I have to take a wire from each run to put in my common slot on transformer? ?
Watched the first ten minutes. I liked it but your video person was fixated on having you completely in every shot so the actual lights and wiring was at the very bottom of the frame. And at times I couldn’t even see the actual action. The reality is we don’t need to see you when we can hear exactly what you’re saying. Otherwise helpful.
This is an absolutely fantastic DIY video. It is very detailed and made this process incredibly simple. Thank you for taking the time to put this together. Very much appreciated.
I'm so thankful that you pros freely share your knowledge with us DIYers. Between TH-cam and Google I can complete almost any project. Liked and subscribed! Great value. Clear explanation. Thank you!
Apprecaite the feedback!
Super helpful. Lots of information, but at a good pace. Thanks for putting this together. Will be using it as a guideline for a lighting system we are doing on our property this coming month.
New subscriber. I am so glad I found your channel. As a female who is typically terrified to mess with electricity, this video has given me the confidence to tackle installing landscape lighting myself. I can't wait to watch more video's from you. thank you for this great tutorial.
I know I am late to the party, but I bought my own high end kit (Volt) and did a weekend install. Your information in this video was invaluable, as well as your other videos. Thank you for taking the time to show us how to do this with confidence - it is very much appreciated. Hope you are doing well and will continue to educate us.
Man. This is by far the best video I have seen on this topic. Great job
Absolutely perfect! Love the way you explain how to do this. Such great tips. Doing first install. Can't wait to apply your advice. Thank you so much!
This is the best video about landscape lighting on youtube!
Excellent video! You are very clear with your explanations. Thank you for making this!
excellent tutorial! It anaswered so many of my questions! Thank you!
I reached to Cal for help. He responded that he wanted pics of the subject areas so he can answer the questions. His response was profound- in a good way! He made a personal video with my pics and pointed out where i should place what light. HE couldn't have made it any more simple to understand; he even suggested the light i should use. Needless to say it was an easy buy decision! Good content..
Best landscape lighting video. Easy to follow, informative and covered all the questions I had. Thanks for taking your time to make such a great video!
Thanks Michelle
I second that. Thank you so much!
How is it this video only has 340 likes. If I could I would 👍👍👍 for more. Thank you for this video very informative.
AWESOME! Thanks for the knowledge. I almost paid some fool $3200 to install 10 uplights. Glad I knew that he was insane to charge that much. Once it gets a bit warmer, ill do it myself. Thanks again for saving me thousands.
*I was quoted $5700.00 for 6 lights. Freaking bastards.*
@@khaleefax9553 wow! These f*cking CROOKS!
I'm an electrician. I approve this quotes.
@@kneeltomemotherfuckers666
Yeah, F U too.
@@kneeltomemotherfuckers666 yeah seriously. Those aren't astronomical prices.
This video was immensely helpful-- thanks!
Bought a new home and need to add landscape lighting. I now have the confidence to let my husband put them in because I know exactly what to do and what not to do😊
Very informative and touching all the right points for a newbie. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain the basics and the nuances. Appreciate very much.
Do you mean 15 amp tap? You say 15 volt a lot around 20:33.
15 volt tap is correct. Low voltahe taps typically ra ge from 12 to 15 volt to accomodate potential voltage drop. Use larger taps for larger runs of lights
This is a great video. So helpful and informative.
Great video. Is there a connector for multiple runs into one pair of wires. The transformer has only one connection, I have four pairs to connect. Thanks
What wire stripper are you using? I need to buy one. Thanks.
perfect video
Nice vid, wish there was more detail/better closeup of the connector clips part.
where do u connect the ground wire in the transformer
With low voltage lighting there is not typically a ground wire from the field
What is your recommendation for a high quality residential transformer and in-ground lights?
You can see all our reccomendations at www.lightingdoctor.ca
Thank you very much for your prompt response.
You answered all of the questions I had. This excellent video may have converted me from a low-voltage menace to a semi-knowledgeable DIYer and capable troubleshooter. Or, I'm about to burn my house down
.
Very informal video thank you for all the attention to detail in simple terms for us beginners thank you.
*I have a 10/2 wire that I will be running for about 200 feet. It will have 12 of 2 Watts each lights hooked up.*
*Q1: Should I use the 15 volt connector in the transformer?*
*Q2: the first few lights will be closer to transformer - will that burn the lights because of too much power in the wire?*
Great content, well explained everything. How far the spot light should be from the walls? Any tip would be helpful
12 to 18" approx.
But how is the transformer wires up into the house?
The transformer just plugs into your regular 110volt outlet
I'm looking for answers for how to install small voltage in-ground small circumfrance area for lighting up a statue shrine with a small gravel base. I have 6 LED flush ground lights with very thing wires in the pig tails from each light.
So my low voltage fixture has a white, black and a ground wire. Where does the ground go? Does a 12:2 wire have a ground as well?
2nd video I've seen from this person, last one didn't show any of the finished lights at night and this one shows about 10 seconds. Dude, cmon, show the night scenes, people want to see how the lighting actually looks.
There are more than 500 videos on our channel, several with night pics. Here is just one example th-cam.com/video/yrmKbuPtV7Q/w-d-xo.html
All your videos are super helpful, well presented and nicely filmed. Thank you for doing what you do!
Great video, can i get a 120v garden lights and convert them so it can work with a 12-15v low voltage transformer?
Shared on Landscape Architecture TV. Thanks.
Hello there. Can I run the lights with a comun on/off switch instead of the transformer box?
What a great video. Thank you so much for putting this awesome video together!!
Thanks, glad it was helpful👍
Thank you so much for this great information 👍
Excellent video! I am a few months away from taking on this project and doing some initial digging. Yours was the best I found by a longshot.
I appreciate the feedback. Be sure to checkout our Amazon store at LightingDoctor.net
9:32
How will you know which is side is the positive your cable? when connecting
why not put the wire in conduit?
Its a lot of very unnecessary work which is not required with direct burial low voltage cable. But you certaily can.
I didn’t like your video, not enough instruction why so many wires
Excellent video. I really learned a lot. Thank you for the video. Do you have any video on how powerful (watts or luminous) the accent lights should be ? Would appreciate some feedback. Thanks.
Thanks, you may find this video helpful th-cam.com/video/yrmKbuPtV7Q/w-d-xo.html
WOW, Did I need this information. My yard has been in the dark for two years now because I just didn't know what I was doing. But in watching your 27 min. video I've got the basics down and can now go out and complete the task I've been wanting to do for so long. Thanks Guy ! my only question is; where do I get the connectors you mentioned in the video? Is it through you or can I just go to Lowe's or Home Depot?
You can find many types of connectors at www.Lightingdoctor.ca
w
What's the name of the transformer you're using?
I want to install 24 5watt LED to a 300 watt transformer ,can I do that ?
Great video, we have lived in our home for 20 years. All our landscaping lights are just buried under the pine straw. One night one of the 3 main lines heated up and set the pine straw on fire. We were able to put the fire out, but the issue was NOBODY was able to determine how this happened. Not the electrician nor the fire dept. The thought was the wire got wet over time as the insulation looked like maybe it got chewed up by squirrels and corrosion created the heat for the fire? Anyway, it over heated and set the pine straw on fire. Have you heard of this happening? We plan to totally replace all the landscaping lights and start over with all new LED's. We had the old system of lighting. Thanks,
Do you recommend putting the landscaping wire into pvc conduit to prevent accidental cutting by a yard maintenance crew?
You can but it is a lot of extra work and not really necessary if you can just get the wire burried in the ground 6 to 8"
Thanks so much for this great video! This is my first time doing this, so have a question: I bought 3 each Portfolio 200-Watt Power Pack Transformers and 23 each Hampton Bay LED CCT Low Voltage Path Lights Model JTM1501L-2. Each path light has a weird snap connector attached to the end of the wires on each light. Should I cut that connector off and use the BBS2 Blazing SnapLOC connectors you recommend?
Really cool (excellent), Thx. BTW, does the transformer you're using have a cover and is it waterproof? What about the timer, is it water proof 💧? Thank you
Yes everythingnis outdoor rated for extreme weather and waterproof
Thank you for your great video - this is the best video. You did an excellent job with step-by-step instruction. Well done!
Nice video and info. FYi, because transformers are so cheap, it's a good idea to go much bigger so that you can expand in the future. The cost difference between a 120 and a 200 w transformer is about 30 bucks...
Thanks again
Have you used AMP Lighting and what do you think of it compared to VOLT lighting?
It's the same manufacturer but it's just different branding. Amp is for professional companies, need to register to buy them. Volt is accessible for anyone to buy.
Some connectors don't require you to cut the main line right? I've seen some connectors that look like they just clamp onto the main line. ?
Those type of connectors are not recommended, since they allow moisture to go inside the wires.
I would not recommend any piercing connectors as they will allow moisture to get in
Good info. Will probably watch again!
Thanks
Question: Any advice/ clever tips to keep Ants out of light fixtures? Ant hill dirt is the primary reason for damage and part replacements (FX luminaire up-lights)
Caulking them sealed only works for the lazy ants
Is your transformer output AC or DC in this demonstration?
AC
I can totally do this! Thank you for such great instruction.
Thanks for the feedback and you can also check out our reccomended supplies in Amazon at www.LightingDoctor.net
Thanks for the video! Do you have a way of sampling lighting for clients so that they can see what they like before commiting to an installation? I am thinking of connecting to a marine battery or something?
Wow! Awesome! Thank you.
Thanks! I’m inspired to DIY! Q: how to wire from house GFI circuit to transformer?
Great video! going to add some lights to an existing installation that has a large transformer. What is the best way to do this? The lights will be running the opposite direction of the current lights from the transformer...
What about a 24v light system, more efficient..
But tougher to find parts
I have a plant bed that has several lights that are low voltage. I have a small water system. The problem is that solar syetem is the shade causing the system to run only about 2 hour. Do you know if the low volatage is compable. If not do know if someone makes one.
Great Video. Thanks for all the work you put into this..! Well produced!
I thought per the NEC, Low Voltage wiring needs to be 6" underground. My only concern with a shallow bury is if someone runs a core aerator through the yard and cuts a wire. Trenchers make a mess, vibratory plows cost a few hundred a day to rent, shovel slicing and poking a wire in is labor intensive on a big job. Your thoughts?
Great question, I always reccomend when putting it in grass areas you definitely want to have deep enough to avoid aerators etc. Its also smart to always try and run wire around perimters too to avoid chances of it being cut
Thanks for the answer. I am doing a big job now and wishing I had went deeper but I did stay within 18” of driveway/sidewalks with my direct bury cable. Lighting not my bread and butter but I enjoy it.
One more question if you have time. Not sure I am understanding the voltage loss charts, you posted one for 12 ga wire and I looked up FX LUMINAIRE’s chart for 10 ga.
I have a really long run, 400-450’ with seven 5W fixtures. I am obviously off the chart but at 300’ where the chart stops it states I should be dropping around 2-3 volts already. I actually am only dropping 1v for 14v at my very last fixture under load. Seems the chart is assuming everything wired in series which obviously I have 7 parallel paths with current reducing on the path the farther out I go. For planning purposes how do I find a better estimate of my expected ACTUAL VOLTAGE LOSS?
What monthly cost on my electric bill am I looking at to run a 10 light Led low voltage system from dusk til dawn?
20:35 Voltage drop measurements
Would have been nice to show the finished product.
Thanks Andrew, but it is so tough to get good nightime photos without a pro photographer and summers here are light out until almost 11pm but I appreciate the comment and will try and show more completed projects
This was great! You were very informative and easy to follow. Great job!! When I go to do my yard, I will definitely look up your video. I have saved it for future reference!
What is the waterproof connector that you are using? Any recommendation?
Awesome video. I needed to learn more about the transformer. Well done!
great video! Is there any benefit to running the lights in series vs parallel? ...maybe depending on how many lights you're using?
In series?? Really? Tow 12 volt lamp in series only get 6 volt each... (!) They are in parallel
First time watching
Well explained
Thanks
The front of my home is need of some landscape lighting. I think I can use the transformer that’s being used for the Back. The front of my home is tricky. The left side of my front door is pavers and blacktop. The right side is grass and beds. I’m not sure how to easily eliminate the left side. It’s basically the attached garage and 2nd floor windows above. Is it a good option to go above the garage and mount a fixture in the gutter to aluminate the 2nd floor above ?
Nice video, great job……
Really appreciate the clear instructions! Off to do mine!
Thanks
Great info, thanks for sharing. Any tips on how to choose spot locations for lights?
Awesome! Can you tell me the distances between the wash lights to cover the area?
how do you know if the lights are compatible with the transformer?
Great video
Brother
You are amazing!!!!
Thank you for your well explained and professional information
Keep up the with great videos
Great and very detailed instructions. Thank you
Great job!
Great explanation. very detailed. thank you!
Awesome thank you, best tutorial on TH-cam
Hey buddy thanks for putting out a str8 forward video like this ….very helpful for us…..
Cal, your videos are very helpful, easy to follow. It helped me with my new home project 3 years ago. You’re the best!! My only suggestion is to place the transformer away from evening lighting distractions (neighbors driveway) as headlights after hours seemed to set off my photocell after hours of the evening lighting cycle. I seemed to solve it by putting a short piece of pvc over the photocell to block out unwanted ambient light. Edit: I’ll look to buy one of those smart timers from your website.
By far the best video on DIY landscape lighting. I watched a few other videos (even from some big box stores) and no one explained the wiring portion well enough. You explained that in great detail, and everything else as well -- thank you!
Thanks👍
Great video
Thank You!!!!
Great video! Thank you
Wow.. just wow! Amazing explanation. Love it. Thank you sir.
Great channel . Good explanation !!!!
Is cutting the wires necessary?
Awesome video and instruction!! Thank you very much.
Great video , is 16/2 gauge wire good enough for long runs ? ? Thx 👍⚾️
I wouldn't reccomend it, you could easily run into voltage drop issues depending on length of the run and amount of lights.
Thx , appreciate the advice , would you just recommend 12/2 or 14/2 then for all your runs ? ?
Yes 12/2 would be your best bet to reduce voltage drop
Thx 👍
So if I have 3-4 runs of 12/2 wires to my transformer, say 50-100 ft runs , I have to take a wire from each run to put in my common slot on transformer? ?