As an important component, landscape lighting cable needs to be properly installed and buried to reduce fire risk, protect against harsh weather conditions, and accidental damage. Burying landscape lighting cable can also provide a nice, clean aesthetic to the outdoor space.
This week’s blog offers tips for concealing and burying landscape lighting cables to protect them from harm and keep a clean and sleek appearance for any outdoor landscape environment.
Importance of Burying Landscape Lighting Cables
Prioritize safety and create a polished appearance that enhances the overall beauty of outdoor spaces with buried landscape lighting cables.
Gardening activities, animals, and exposure to harsh weather conditions can damage the cable jacket and leave the conductors vulnerable to damage or pose a safety risk to people and animals. Burying the cable helps prevent fire and electrical hazards by putting them out of harm’s way.
Burying landscape lighting cable will greatly improve the aesthetic appeal of an outdoor space. A concealed landscape lighting cable gives off a clean, seamless look that lets the lights and focal points shine.
Buried landscape lighting cable ensures a long-lasting and safe outdoor landscape lighting system.
Direct Burial Cable and Protective Measures
The ideal cable type to use in your outdoor landscape lighting installs are direct burial cable. This type of cable has a heavy PVC jacket with parallel construction and PVC insulation. Direct burial cables are protected against moisture, UV rays, and the additional challenges of being in an underground environment.
Direct burial cables do not need to be placed in conduits before being buried, and this can save you on labor and supply costs. However, you can use conduits if the area of installation is a high-traffic area or is prone to pests.
When deciding on a cable for your outdoor landscape lighting projects, you can’t go wrong with direct burial cables which are not only designed for this type of installation, but can save you time and money.
Effective Tools and Installation Techniques
Tools
- Flat spade
- Hand weeder
- Cable
- Landscaping staples
Steps for Burying Landscape Lighting Cable:
- Clear away mulch, leaves, or any other debris from the ground.
- Grab the spade and push it straight into the ground.
- Push up on the spade to widen the gap and create a clean and narrow trench for burying the wire. Note that for low-voltage wires, a depth of 6 inches should be sufficient for most soil types.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the length of the wire run.
- Lay the cableinside the trench.
- Use a hand weeder that has dull points to push the cable deep into the trench.
Optional: You can use landscaping staples to secure the cable in place and prevent it from being accidentally pulled up.
- Go on the opposite side of the trench. Step down on the uplifted dirt to quickly and effectively bury the cable. This should leave a flawless look.
Note: Avoid using heavy machinery like trenchers. This type of machinery is not necessary and can damage irrigation systems, tree roots, and lawns.
7 Additional Tips for Burying Landscape Lighting Cables
Keep these important tips in mind for effective installation and secure burial of landscape lighting cables.
- Call 811 before digging and installing an outdoor landscape lighting system for your clients. They will be able to mark for you any existing utilities before digging and avoid any mistakes or damage. Follow all local regulations to ensure that the outdoor landscape lighting system will be safe.
- Create a plan for where the cable routes are going to be and mark the position of the light fixtures. Having a plan will minimize errors and save on labor costs during installation.
- Avoid high-traffic areas and areas where lights and cable could be damaged by lawn maintenance.
- Plan out how to conceal cables throughout the space. For example, you may want to bury cablesbehind bushes or along fence lines.
- Soil type will determine the depth of the trench. For example, if your client has rocky soil, you may need to dig a shallow trench and put the cable in galvanized conduits.
- Use the correct gauge size for the outdoor landscape lighting system that is to be installed to ensure the outdoor lights will receive the proper amount of voltage.
- Use high-qualitydirect burial cable for reliable lighting performance.
Premium Landscape Lighting Cable Built to Perform at LightCh8in
Following best direct burial landscape practices will lead to successful installation of outdoor landscape lighting systems. A well thought out plan and proper burial techniques ensure the safety, durability, and aesthetic look of outdoor landscape lighting systems and the surrounding outdoor environment.
A LightCh8in account is free and those who register for an account receive multiple benefits including unbeatable prices for not only direct burial landscape lighting cable, but bronze outdoor light fixtures, LED lamps, and more lighting accessories. Install dependable and reliable outdoor landscape lighting systems that your clients will enjoy with LightCh8in.