How to Connect Low Voltage Lighting to a Transformer

A low-voltage transformer converts 120 volt electrical current to 12 volts. Because the voltage is so low, it allows you to safely install landscape lighting in your yard without the fear of an electrical shock. You can operate a low-voltage system around children and pets without the worry of them being hurt should they play with the low-voltage light fixtures. You must connect a low-voltage lighting transformer to your landscape lights for them to operate correctly. Should you attempt to connect your low-voltage lights to a regular 120 volt current, it could create a shock and fire hazard.

• 1

  Position your low-voltage lights in your yard and run a continuous length of low-voltage cable to each fixture. Follow the manufacturer's directions to attach the low-voltage fixtures to the cable.

• 2

  Use a utility knife to slice through the membrane connecting the two wires of the low-voltage cable. Grasp the pieces of low-voltage wire in each hand and pull the wires apart for a length of 2 to 3 inches.

• 3

  Strip 1/2- to 3/4-inch of insulation from both wires of the low-voltage cable with a wire cutter/stripper. Place the stripped wire between your thumb and forefinger and twist the copper strands clockwise.

• 4

  Wrap one low-voltage wire around a terminal screw on the rear of the low-voltage transformer and tighten the screw. Wrap the remaining low-voltage wire around the remaining terminal screw on the transformer and tighten it.

• 5

  Mount the transformer to an exterior wall near an exterior outlet. Drill a wood screw or masonry screw into the exterior wall to hang the transformer from. Plug the low-voltage transformer into the outlet.