Landscape garden lighting

[pillevirkersfees]

Calling on garden lovers and lighting experts!

I'm about to dive into landscape lighting for my garden, and I could really use some friendly advice and pointers from experienced folks. I've done some homework but I need some help! One thing to note before we start: my house is off the grid with solar+inverter & battery system and I have more than enough capacity for this system.

Here's the lowdown on my upcoming project:

1. Garden Lights: I've got my eye on these garden lights

12V MR16 ALUMINIUM DIE CAST GARDEN LAMP IP65

0.41

leroymerlin.co.za

But hey if you've got any favourites, I'm all ears.

2. Wiring: Now, this is where I'm a bit stumped. With 10 lights in total split into two wiring lines, I need your expertise. What's the go-to wiring for landscape lighting? Any recommendations or things to watch out for? Any links would be appreciated.

3. 12 Volt Transformer: I'm running 10 lights with a 5W GU10 bulb in each, which is a total of 50W. I want to add a 20% buffer at minimum and have the option to expand at a later stage so my thinking is getting a 100W transformer - but advice would be appreciated. I think I've found a solid option

12V, 100 Watt LED Power Supply | LED Driver | LED Transformer

The 100W LED power supply or LED transformer is designed to run 12V LED Lights. You will need a constant current power supply to run LED Strip Lights or LED Ri

www.futurelight.co.za

I'd love to hear if you've got any better ideas or suggestions. I don't want to get a trash transformer and it seems like Meanwell is a good option.

4. Waterproof Connectors: Safety and weatherproofing are top priorities. What are your go-to waterproof connectors for linking my lights to the main power line? I'm digging a trench for the power line, so I need wiring to be watertight.

5. Daisy Chaining Lights: I want to daisy chain 5 lights to each of the two lines I'm running. Anything I need to look out for? Keep in mind each line will run only 25W of power, but let's say 35W to be on the safe side.

Your stories, tips, and even blunders can be my lifesavers in this project. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just have some solid advice to share, I'm all ears.

Thanks for your help!

Steph

 

[Tabac]

What does the garden look like ? Pics ?

 

[Jean Claude Vaaldamme]

Does 12 v dc not loose a lot of power and need thick cables if you running over distance?

 

[10:10]

This might be a bit off topic but have any of you use these lights before?

12V 5M LED Neon Strip Light

I want to use it for a project but not sure if it can handle outdoors? I know they are suppose to last for about 3 years but I don't know.

If you are going to use 12V a long cable will add more resistance so you will have to go thicker. You will notice your power supply will be warmer as well.

 

[pillevirkersfees]

What does the garden look like ? Pics ?

Hi Tabac have a look at the sketch it's roughly something like this. The furthest light will be around 14 meters away and each of the two trenched cable runs will use between 25W - 30W

 

[pillevirkersfees]

Does 12 v dc not loose a lot of power and need thick cables if you running over distance?

Have a look at this link to an American brand called Volt. You don't get them here but this is what one of their kits look like. The whole system works off 12 volts which goes into a transformer to convert to AC which then connects to a plug point. https://www.voltlighting.com/6-g2-fat-boy-spotlight-kit-bdl-vkit-505

 

[zeridine]

I have 8 of those fittings daisy-chained, shining up into big trees around the property. I also put them on a timer with the other outdoor lights. I trenched, used a crazy amount of conduit with waterproof junction boxes and linked them with orange hellermanntyton 3way connectors. Went a bit overboard with 2.0mm(?) single core wire. Why DC though? I'm running it AC. 3w warm white GU10 fittings gives an awesome glow at night.

 

[pillevirkersfees]

I have 8 of those fittings daisy-chained, shining up into big trees around the property. I also put them on a timer with the other outdoor lights. I trenched, used a crazy amount of conduit with waterproof junction boxes and linked them with orange hellermanntyton 3way connectors. Went a bit overboard with 2.0mm(?) single core wire. Why DC though? I'm running it AC. 3w warm white GU10 fittings gives an awesome glow at night.

Thanks, I'll look into that. My thinking was 12V DC will be a safer option considering it's outside. Could you share a link to the waterproof junction boxes you used?

 

[zeridine]

Thanks, I'll look into that. My thinking was 12V DC will be a safer option considering it's outside. Could you share a link to the waterproof junction boxes you used?

I cant remember exactly where I got them from, but they were IP68 junction boxes with pre inserted glands. I jimmied them to fit onto the conduits. I also used pvc weld and stinky marine silicone glue. I left them above ground where I can access them with ease in future. It took me a long time (months) to plan and measure it all, but I ended up doing it all in a weekend.