How do you connect outdoor lights to power?

Connecting outdoor lights to a power source is an important part of any outdoor lighting project. Proper connection to power ensures your outdoor lights will be bright, long-lasting, and safe to operate. In this article, we’ll walk through the basics of connecting common outdoor lighting like floodlights, path lights, spotlights, and string lights to power. We’ll cover key considerations like choosing appropriate wire gauge, conduit type, junction boxes, and connectors. Whether you’re wiring lights on your house, in your yard, on your deck, or around a pool, these tips will ensure your outdoor lighting installation goes smoothly and safely.

Things to Consider Before Wiring Outdoor Lights

There are a few key factors to think through before wiring power to your outdoor lights:

Power Source

Outdoor lighting is usually powered in one of three ways:

Hardwired to your home’s electrical system – This involves running wiring through walls, crawlspaces, attics etc. to connect lights to a junction box to an indoor circuit breaker. Hardwired lights become permanent fixtures powered from your main electrical panel.
Plugged into an outdoor receptacle – Many outdoor lights like spotlights or floodlights include plugs that can be simply plugged into an outdoor outlet. This is the easiest connection method but may limit placement or require outdoor cord covers.
Low voltage wiring – Landscape lighting often uses low voltage wiring running from a plug-in transformer to each light fixture. The transformer converts high voltage to a safe 12V or 24V to power landscape lights.

Consider your wiring options and limitations when deciding how to power outdoor lighting. Hardwired and plug-in lights are the easiest but may not be possible in all locations. Low voltage systems take more planning but allow lighting almost anywhere.

Location

Also think about light fixture placement. Consider:

Proximity to power sources – Minimize wire runs by placing lights close to existing electrical boxes, receptacles, etc. Extending wiring longer distances will increase material costs.

Exposure to elements – Fixtures and wiring must be suitable for their environment like wet, dusty, sunny locations. Use outdoor rated materials.
Mounting surface – Ensure surfaces like walls, ceilings, poles, trees, fences, etc. will support the light fixture you want to install.
Light coverage – Factor in light spread, intensity, and glare to light desired spaces effectively.

Select lighting locations that make sense for your space and power sources. This will simplify the wiring process.

Local Codes

Outdoor lighting must follow electrical codes for safety. Key requirements include:

Outdoor junction boxes – Any wire connections must be enclosed in weatherproof outdoor-rated boxes.

GFCI protection – Most outdoor receptacles and lighting circuits require GFCI outlets or breakers.
Wire sizing – Outdoor wiring must be sized appropriately for the length of run and amperage draw of the lights.
Conduit for buried cable – Underground cables generally must run through PVC or other conduit.

Check your local codes before wiring. A permit and inspection may be required for some outdoor lighting projects. Better to do it right the first time than have to redo improper wiring.

Choosing Appropriate Wire

Selecting the right wire gauge (thickness) is important for outdoor lighting. Thicker wires are safer as they can handle more power without risk of overheating and fire.

Follow this general guidance on wire sizing:

Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

12 or 14 gauge for runs up to 100 feet from transformer to fixtures.
10 gauge for 100-200 ft runs.
8 gauge for over 200 ft runs.

Higher gauge (thinner) wire can be used for very short runs under 50 feet. Low voltage wire is insulated for direct underground burial which simplifies wiring.

120 Volt Lighting Circuits

Follow National Electrical Code (NEC) recommendations:

14 gauge for lights up to 15 amp circuit.

12 gauge for 20 amp circuit.
10 gauge for 30 amp circuit.

Outdoor 120 volt circuits are often 20 amps. Use thicker wire for longer runs over 100 feet from power source to light fixtures.

240 Volt Lighting Circuits

240 volt circuits like for pool or backyard lighting require:

12 gauge wire for circuits up to 20 amps
10 gauge for 20-30 amp circuits

8 gauge for 30-55 amp circuits

Follow all wire gauge guidelines carefully for proper power handling and safety. Don’t risk using wire that’s too thin.

Wiring Connection Options

You’ll need to determine how to connect the light fixtures to the power supply. There are a few basic methods:

Junction Boxes

Junction boxes contain wiring connections and terminals. Standard boxes:

Indoor – Use standard metal or plastic electrical boxes to connect fixtures to indoor wiring.
Outdoor – Use weatherproof boxes designed to withstand moisture and UV rays.

Burial – Special boxes to bury underground for low voltage landscape wiring connections.

Junction boxes must be safely accessible for wire connections yet protected from the environment. Size boxes according to the number of wires entering the box.

Lighting Connectors

Simple plastic connectors quickly join wires together:

Wire nuts – These twist-on connectors are common for solid wire connections.
Push-in connectors – Spring-loaded holes allow wires to be pushed in to make contact.
Gel-filled connectors – Reusable gel connectors are extra water resistant for outdoor use.

Always join wires properly matching wire size and type. Connectors used outside must be rated for wet locations.

Outdoor Receptacles

Many outdoor lights simply plug into outdoor receptacles. These have weatherproof covers and GFCI protection. Use heavy-duty outdoor extension cords rated for outdoor use to connect lights far from receptacles.

Splices vs. Pigtails

You can either splice fixture wires directly to power supply wires, or use pigtails. Pigtails have short 6-12″ wire lengths to connect fixtures to junction boxes for easier maintenance. Splicing without pigtails makes disconnecting harder.

Running & Securing Wires

Properly securing wires is critical for safety and longevity:

Conduit

Conduit encloses and protects wiring:

PVC – Plastic PVC is inexpensive but can be brittle.

Metal – Stronger protection but more expensive and harder to install.
Flex tubing – Flexible plastic tubing is good for tight spaces.

Use conduit approved for outdoor use. Secure firmly in place.

Direct Burial

Some outdoor wire is insulated for direct underground burial:

PVC insulation
Waterproof gel-filled outer sheath

Bury wire at proper depth according to code – usually 6 to 8 inches below grade.

Clip to Surfaces

Use UV-resistant clips, hangers, and ties to securely attach wiring to walls and other surfaces:

Wall clips

Hangers
Cable ties

Do not let wiring dangle loose where it can be damaged. Stapling wire can damage insulation.

Conceal Wire Runs

For aesthetic reasons, you may want to conceal outdoor wiring:

Run through walls, ceilings, attics, crawlspaces
Hide behind trim or siding

Bury underground
Cover with decorative well lights or drainage pipe

Getting creative with routing and concealing wires keeps things looking clean.

Installing Light Fixtures

The final step is installing the outdoor light fixtures:

Mounting

Ensure mounting locations or hardware can support the weight of the light fixture:

Wall anchors and brackets

Ground stakes or concrete bases
Pole or column mounts
Hanging pendants

Proper support prevents damage and sagging over time.

Weather Sealing

Seal all connections and mounting holes to prevent moisture damage:

Caulk around mounts and penetrations

Use gaskets provided with fixtures
Apply silicone sealant or rubber washers

Check manufacturer instructions for sealing guidance. Preventing water entry will make fixtures last.

Make Wiring Connections

Connect fixture wiring to supply wires securely using connectors suitable for damp locations. Follow minimum bend radius guidelines for wires. Test operation once connected before permanently mounting fixtures.

Connecting Specific Light Types

Here are some tips for wiring common outdoor lighting:

Hardwired Floodlights

Steps for wiring hardwired floodlights:

Run wires from interior breaker box to outdoor junction box located close to floodlight mounting location.
Secure floodlight to wall or pole mount.
Insert supply wires into junction box from breaker panel.

Connect hot, neutral, and ground wires to matching wires on floodlight using proper outdoor connectors.
Seal all junction box connections with silicone.
Attach junction box cover with integrated floodlight mount.

Caulk around backside of floodlight and mounting holes to prevent water entry.

Ensure wiring is suitable gauge for the wattage of the floodlight(s). GFCI protection recommended.

Plug-In Path Lights

Plug-in path lights are easy to connect:

Layout path lights along walkways, driveways, or steps at desired spacing.
Determine closest outdoor receptacle to path light locations.
Purchase suitable outdoor extension cord for rated outdoor use.

Run extension cord from receptacle to first path light.
Plug first path light into cord.
Connect next path light to first using provided connector cords.

Repeat to daisy chain all path lights back to receptacle.

Use heavy duty extension cord for longest run back to GFCI receptacle.

Hardwired Deck Lights

For deck rail or riser lighting:

Plan locations for deck light fixtures at posts, steps, or evenly spaced across deck.
Run wiring underneath deck surface or behind trim pieces.
Drill holes in deck boards to pass wires below to fixtures.

Connect wires to fixtures under deck using outdoor-rated wire nuts.
Attach fixtures to deck with screws or adhesive.
Caulk around mounting holes to prevent moisture damage.

Connect to nearest GFCI outdoor receptacle or directly to indoor wiring.

Low Voltage Landscape Lights

Low voltage landscape lights involve:

Deciding on lighting locations – paths, trees, flower beds, steps, etc.

Selecting appropriate low voltage fixtures for each area.
Locating plug-in transformer near receptacle to power system.
Running 2-wire low voltage cable from transformer to each light location.

Splicing wires to fixtures or using quick connectors.
Securing wiring underground or along surfaces.
Testing light operation before burying cable.

Proper planning ensures cables reach all lighting placements.

Swimming Pool Lights

Special considerations for pool and spa lights:

Most pool lights run on 12V AC transformers.

Very specific NEC codes apply for pool light wiring.
GFCI and bonding required for safety.
Underwater lights require watertight connections and sealing.

Hiring an electrician experienced with pools is recommended.

Improper pool light wiring can risk electrocution. Have a professional handle this specialized wiring.

Hanging Pendant Lights

Tips for pendant lights:

Determine mount location – porch, patio, tree etc.
Select mounting hardware to properly support weight.
Match wire size to light wattage and run distance.

Include extra cord length so pendant hangs at desired height.
Connect wires at junction box with silicone filled connectors.
Use drip loops in cords to prevent water running down into fixture.

Consider hiring an electrician for any complex overhead wiring.

String Lights

For festive string lighting:

LED string lights are easiest to install and most energy efficient.

Plug end connects to GFCI outlet.
Use plastic non-conductive hooks, clips, or ties to attach lights along surface.
Avoid dangling sockets to prevent water damage.

Check maximum string lengths – connect multiple strings in parallel if needed.
Use tight waterproof connections for any wire splices if needed.

Replace burned out bulbs promptly to maintain entire string.

Safety Tips

Always make safety the top priority when wiring outdoor lights:

Turn off circuit breaker when wiring.
Follow all electrical and building codes.

Use GFCI protection near water or wet locations.
Avoid overloading circuits.
Inspect wiring for damage before turning on.

Have work inspected if required.
Call electrician for any complex or hazardous wiring.

Taking proper precautions will keep your outdoor lighting safe and spectacular.

Conclusion

Installing outdoor lighting has gotten much simpler with readily available fixtures, wire, connectors, and power accessories. Just take things step-by-step to ensure your lights are wired safely and correctly the first time. Plan fixture locations wisely. Select suitable wiring components rated for outdoor exposure. Follow basic wiring steps using proper connectors and junction boxes. Adhere to electrical codes and safety procedures throughout the installation. With attention to detail, you can install beautiful and functional outdoor lighting that will provide enjoyment and security for many years to come.