Step 1: Draw Up a Low-Voltage Deck Lighting Plan

Start by creating a rough plan of your deck, marking key features such as:

• Stairs

• Seating and congregating areas

• Railings and plantings

• Traffic paths

Identify nearby electrical receptacles that can power your transformer. Visit a lighting showroom for advice on selecting fixtures suitable for each area. Mark their positions on your plan and indicate the transformer location near an existing receptacle. If no receptacle is available, install one. Connect fixtures to the transformer, minimizing wire use by grouping fixtures into single circuit lines. Choose a transformer with at least 25% more capacity than the total wattage of your fixtures.

Step 2: Connect to a Power Source

Run the necessary wiring for each circuit. Use a single continuous cable for each circuit, cutting specific lengths as needed.

• Route cables out of sight, preferably under decking.

• Secure cables with insulated staples at 2-foot intervals.

• Bury low-voltage wires and waterproof connectors 6 inches deep.

Step 3: Wire the Fixture

For stair lights:

• Bore a 1-1/2 inch hole from the front side of the stair riser.

• Pull a loop of the cable through the hole.

• Cut the cable and connect it to the light fixture leads using waterproof wire connectors.

Step 4: Fasten the Back Plate

Push the wires back through the hole and securely fasten the back plate to the surface.

Step 5: Mount the Cover

Attach the cover plate and tighten the set screws. Staple the wires to the backside to anchor them.

Step 6: Bore a 1-Inch Hole

To install deck lights, drill a 1-inch hole down the center of the rail post deep enough to reach below the second horizontal rail.

Step 7: Drill an Intercept Hole

Drill a 1/2-inch hole from below the rail, angling up to meet the 1-inch hole.

Step 8: Feed in the Cable

Feed a heavy wire or electrician’s fish tape through the holes. Attach the circuit cable and pull it back through the holes. Connect the cable to the post cap light’s feed wires using twist connectors.

Step 9: Install the Post Assembly

Screw the post light assembly to the rail using corrosion-resistant wood screws.

Step 10: New Technique for Deck Post Lights

For newer post lights:

• Cut the post lengthwise and groove it for the wire.

• Reglue the halves with urethane glue.

• Connect circuit wires to the fixture wires and push them back into the post.

• Secure the post light to the top of the post.

• Dig an 18-24 inch hole for the post, ensuring it is plumb as you fill and tamp the dirt.

• Cover circuit wires with 6 inches of soil.

Step 11: Rope Light Connections

Rope lighting is flexible plastic tubing with embedded bulbs.

• Measure and cut the required length.

• Attach a power connector to one end and connect it to the circuit wire using twist connectors.

Step 12: Insert the Contact Pins

Connect the power cord to the rope light by inserting the contact pins with pliers. Assemble the rest of the connector.

Step 13: Mount the Track

Cut the track to length and mount it using corrosion-resistant screws spaced 2 feet apart. Fasten the track within 3 inches of its ends.

Step 14: Cut the Rope Light

Stretch the rope light along the track and cut it to length at one of the cutting marks.

Step 15: Mount the Rope Light

Push the rope light into the track channel using a hammer handle or wood piece as a push tool. Attach an end cap.

Step 16: Stake the Floodlights

Position floodlights to highlight features without shining directly into people’s eyes. Install ground stakes and bury the wire 6 inches deep.

Additional Information: Sizing the Transformer and Cables

• Add up the wattage of each fixture to determine the total load.

• Select a transformer with at least 25% extra capacity.

• Use the following guide for circuit cable sizing:

  • 0 to 50 ft.: 12-gauge wire

  • 50 to 100 ft.: 10-gauge wire

  • Over 100 ft.: 8-gauge wire

Optional Transformer Features

• Timer switch for preset on/off times

• Photo eye for automatic dusk-to-dawn operation

• Individually switched circuits for controlling light groups independently