Landscape lighting installation: fixtures, transformers, and cable runs

Landscape-lighting proposals are easiest to compare when the lighting plan comes before the fixture count. List the paths, steps, trees, walls, and entry areas that need light, then specify fixture type, beam, color, control, transformer, cable route, connectors, and restoration. Lowe’s installation guide says to plan the layout, test before burying cable, connect fixtures according to manufacturer instructions, and use a GFCI outlet for the power pack (Lowe’s landscape-lighting guide).

Turn the lighting goal into a plan

Mark each path or feature and decide whether the purpose is wayfinding, steps, accent, or security. Ask the installer to show fixture positions, aiming, glare control, cable route, transformer location, and spare capacity. “Ten lights installed” does not say whether they are path lights, uplights, or wall washes, or whether the farthest fixture will be bright enough.

Cable length and total wattage affect the design. One manufacturer installation guide provides a gauge chart that varies with combined wattage and run length, and warns that voltage drop can make distant fixtures dim or inoperative (Portfolio landscape-lighting assembly instructions). Use the selected fixture and transformer manuals as controlling documents; the chart is an example, not a universal electrical rule.

Quote line	Questions
Fixtures	Type, material, lumen output, beam, color, and replacement parts
Transformer	Watt rating, control, weather location, and spare capacity
Cable	Gauge, length, runs, connectors, and voltage-drop assumptions
Power	Existing outdoor GFCI outlet, mounting, and line-voltage scope
Burial	Route, utility marking, depth per product/local rules, and protection
Commissioning	Night aiming, timer/photocell setup, and brightness check
Restoration	Trench backfill, lawn, beds, hardscape, and cleanup

Lowe’s says product cost and availability vary by market and recommends calling 811 before digging. Its guide also describes testing before covering the trench (Install Landscape Lighting). Treat any trench-depth or cable-gauge number as a source- and code-specific requirement, and have line-voltage work handled by a qualified electrician where required.

Compare the transformer and controls

Ask whether the transformer is sized for present load plus planned fixtures, and whether the photoeye can see daylight at its mounting location. Require the model number, rated capacity, timer or smart-control features, and warranty. A cheaper transformer can erase the benefit of better fixtures if it lacks capacity or creates an awkward cable layout. Ask for separate zones when path, accent, and security lighting need different schedules.

Before bids, photograph the outdoor outlet and sketch routes around paving, roots, irrigation, and beds. Have providers return the same fixture schedule and cable plan. At handoff, test the system after dark, record the timer settings, and receive a diagram showing transformer, runs, connectors, and any future spare cable. The finished cost is the visible light plus a serviceable low-voltage system and repaired landscape.