Low voltage patio lights are very popular and very simple to install and allow you to enjoy your outdoor spaces after dark. There are lots of options available for outdoor lighting in addition to low voltage including solar lights, battery powered lights and 120 volt fixtures. Most homeowners have a combination of the different types of lighting depending on the area they want to illuminate. If you have considered adding lighting and thought adding low voltage garden lighting was difficult, you are in for a pleasant surprise.

In order to install a low voltage system, you will need a transformer that steps the power down, low voltage cable and fixtures in order to install a new low voltage system. Manufacturers have made this very simple by providing low voltage light kits that include everything you need in one box.

Transformers are rated by the watts they can safely power. If you are creating your own lighting system, you should choose the lamps you want to use and them determine what size transformer you need.

Transformers are usually housed in boxes that are waterproof, but installing the box where it is somewhat sheltered and at least one foot off the ground is a good safety precaution. You will need to plug the transformer into an existing GFCI(ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet. If you don't have an GFCI outlet, you will need to have an electrician install one.

Many transformers incorporate a timer to allow you to choose the time you want to turn on and off your lights. If your transformer does not have a timer, you can purchase on separately to control your lights.

The cable that connects the lights together and to the transformer is available in several different sizes. Each size of cable is rated for a certain amount of watts and that determines the maximum amount of watts that cable can support.

Different low voltage fixtures are different watts, so the combination of the wattage of the fixtures used must not exceed that of the cable used. You will only need to be concerned with this if you are purchasing separate components. If you purchase your low voltage light in a kit, this will already be accounted for.

Once you have placed your transformer where you want it you can connect the cable to it and begin to add the low voltage lamps to the cable. You should first position the cable where you want it and then lay the lamps along the cable before you connect them to prevent having to move them if you don't like the spacing.

Once you are satisfied with the spacing you can begin to connect the lamps to the cable. There are several different ways that the lamps connect, depending in the manufacturer of the lamps. Instructions for connecting should be included and all methods for connection are simple.

That's all there is to it, once you have the lamps connected you can stand back and admire your work. Once the sun sets you can relax outdoors and enjoy the ambiance low voltage patio lights add to your garden.