Low Voltage Lighting Installation Guides

Low voltage deck lights are a great way illuminate your outdoor spaces. There are various styles and options so you can add the perfect amount of lighting for ambiance and safety: post cap lights, side-mounted rail lights, recessed step and stair, strip lighting, and more. 

Deck lights can be installed by DIY method or by hiring a contractor or an electrician. Before starting a project check your city's local building and safety department for guidelines and requirements. Additionally, always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for a successful installation.

What you will need: Below are some other products you will need to install your lights, plus tools if you choosing a DIY installation.

  • Lights: Post Cap Lights, Side Mounted Rail Lights, Recessed Step Lights, or Strip Lights
  • Transformer plugged into a GFCI outlet--this is your power source. Transformers converts a 10-volt of electricity from your home to a 12-volt low-voltage electricity.
  • Timer: (optional) This allows you to program your lights to turn on and off automatically each night. Some transformers have a built in timer that you can program. Some have photo-eye sensors so your lights will turn on at dusk and off at dawn, or the amount of time you set. Without a timer you can connect your lights to a switch.
  • Dimmer: (optional) Dimmers allow you to adjust the brightness of your lights. Some have remote controls so you can manually turn your lights on or off, as well as adjusting the brightness.
  • Low-Voltage Wiring: Usually 18 gauge or 12 gauge wiring, depending on the manufacturer's requirements. Measure the linear distance from the transformer to each light, including the length of each post, fence or step.
  • Pigtail Connectors (optional): These connectors make installation and any future repairs or updates easier. The light plugs into the connector (at the top of the post) the remaining wire will run down your post and connects to the main wire. Measure the length of your post to order the correct size. This reduces the total amount of low voltage wire you will need.
  • Wirenuts: If not using pigtails wirenuts are needed to connect your lights to the  main wire. 

 

Below are low voltage installation guides by our manufacturers:

Low Voltage Lights by Aurora Deck Lighting

  • Read and understand the instructions completely. 
  • Be sure electrical current is turned off.
  •  If you have any doubts about how to install fixture, please contact an electrical contractor.

Installation

1. Connect Deck light only to a 12 volt power source.
2. Connect wires from “12 volt supply line” to the Deck light
(Push connectors together, if using the DLE4410.19) or if
using standard wire attach with wire nut.
3. Attach Deck light to post using screws provided.
4. The Deck light includes (1) 12 Volt, 1.6 Watt Led Bulb or
panel (for most lights).
5. Turn on power to confirm light is on

Main low voltage wire: Be sure to use a minimum of 12-gauge, UV protected, exterior grade wire. To determine the amount of wire required, measure the distance from the furthest light, in series, back to where the transformer will be mounted. Each light is wired “daisy chain” style to the main low voltage wire, using the DLE4410.19 pigtail. The wire is typically sold in 100’, and 500’ coils. The wire can be run above ground, under the joist or under the handrail, through the vinyl, or under ground. It is low voltage, so it need only be buried 3” or so underground. Wiring should not exceed 200’ runs. If 200+ feet is required, please refer to transformer instruction sheet for additional wiring options.

Transformer: Transformers are specified per the installation. Always size the transformer as close as possible to the required wattage draw, without going over. The wattage output of the transformer is important; you do not want too much or too little output on the transformer. To determine the size of the transformer, add up the total number of light-watts. This is the wattage of the fixture times the
number of fixtures.

Example:

  • 6 each RLA6040 = 6 lights x 1.6 watts = 9.6 watts.
  • Then select the next larger size transformer, in this example 12 watts (1 Amp) DC transformer.
  • With a switched exterior outlet your transformer can be controlled from indoors.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

  • How many lights can I install on a transformer? Up to 30 lights. See transformer section. For further detail, read the transformer instruction sheet included with the transformer.
  • How do I install wire in a wood post? Simply cut or route a channel vertically on the face of the post. Once wire is installed, cover with a batten strip or cut a filler piece to match the slot size. Additionally, the wire can run under the handrail. In this application, drill a hole from the top of the 4x4, on an angle, to meet the underside of the handrail. Run wire from post to post, under the handrail.
  • Can I put the lights on an inside switch? Yes. To do so, the outlet that the transformer plugs into must be wired to the desired switch.
  • Can the light output be reduced on the low voltage light? A Dimmer is available for use with our DC Transformers that can be used to dim the output of our LED lights.
  • Some lights appear dimmer than others, what do I do? This is a result of wiring issues. Primary due to longer distances from the transformer (200 or more feet Depending on the Gauge or main wire used for the lights). There are several different wiring schemes to address and/or correct this. Please refer to the transformer instruction manual to correct.

 

Click on the links below for additional installation information:

Installation Instructions for Recessed Fixtures by Highpoint Deck Lighting

Installation Instructions for Railing Fixtures by Highpoint Deck Lighting