When a landscape lighting fixture stops working, the first step is to replace the light bulb. If this doesn’t fix the problem, it is time to call a professional landscape lighting repair business.

The electrical wiring of low-voltage landscape lighting systems is buried underground in weather-worn conduit. High-quality fixtures are designed to withstand this exposure. However, the wire connections often corrode. Click Here to learn more.

While it may not seem like much is going on with a landscape lighting system at first, there are many components that work together to make it function. This includes the lights themselves, wires, transformers and timers or photocells. These can all have problems that are easily fixed if they’re dealt with right away.

If a fixture is damaged, it can affect the overall performance of the lighting system. This can be the result of an accident, harsh weather or even just normal use over time. During a routine check, fixtures can be inspected for cracked lenses or dented metal and replaced if necessary. LED lamps can also wear out and need to be replaced. Choosing a lamp with a higher lumen count than the existing one will cause that fixture to shine brighter.

Wiring and connections in a landscape lighting system are important for delivering a safe voltage to the lights. Sometimes, wire connections can become loose and this can cause lights to not work. It’s important to physically inspect these connections and tighten them as needed. It’s also important to only use wiring that is designed for outdoor use; wiring that is not will deteriorate over time and can lead to dangerous situations.

The majority of landscape lighting systems have a transformer to power the lights. The transformer converts the power from the house or business to a lower voltage that can safely be used by the low-voltage lights. It is important to only use a transformer that has the right size and wattage for your system.

If the transformer is not functioning properly, it will affect all of the lights in your system. It’s important to have a voltmeter to test the transformer’s output and ensure it is providing the proper voltage for all of your lights.

Landscape lighting fixtures typically require very little maintenance but they can get dirty over time. A cloth soaked in soapy water can be used to wipe down the metal or plastic components of a light fixture. If the glass is dirty, a soft brush can be used to scrub it clean.

Wiring

While lighting fixtures may be a focal point, the wiring in your landscape lighting system is actually the heart of the whole thing. Without good wiring, your lights won’t work. Fortunately, most problems with the wires in your landscape lighting system are easy to diagnose and fix. Before starting any electrical repair or digging, always remember to turn off the power at your transformer or fuse box.

It’s also a good idea to remove any debris that has built up around the fixture, including dirt, plant material, leaves and insects. This will help extend the life of your fixtures and keep them functioning properly.

If you notice that one of your landscape lighting fixtures is not working, try replacing the light bulb first. This is an inexpensive and simple fix that can often solve the problem.

However, if a new bulb doesn’t fix the problem, it could be an issue with the socket or its connection to the wire. If you suspect this, it is recommended that you use a voltage meter to determine whether or not there is any power being delivered to the socket.

When the electrical wires that run through the direct burial line that powers your landscape lighting system are exposed, they can become damaged by anything from animals and plants to harsh weather over time. This can cause shorts in the system, which may lead to light outages.

It is important to bury the wires at least 3 inches below ground, as this will protect them from the elements and prevent animals and other animals from chewing or tampering with them. It is also a good idea to check the buried lines for damage periodically.

The transformer is the center of your landscape lighting system and it provides a safe level of electricity to each of the lights. When the connections within a transformer become loose, it can cause lights to not function or even create a fire risk in extreme cases. It is a good idea to have the installer perform regular tests on the transformer to ensure all connections are tight and reliable.

Bulbs

When a light fixture goes out, you need to identify which bulb is the problem. Then you can replace it with a new one. This is often the easiest and cheapest of landscape lighting repair projects.

A good landscape lighting installation will use bulbs that can withstand the elements. However, they will still require maintenance. This may include replacing a bulb, cleaning the lens of the fixture or removing pollen and dust build up. It is important to clean your lights regularly, especially after harsh weather.

If you find yourself repairing a light more than once, it’s time to consider upgrading your landscape lighting system. Fixtures and lamps have come a long way in recent years, and it’s likely that your old fixtures are simply not as good as the current options on the market.

While it is possible to do basic landscape lighting repairs yourself, a professional electrician should be used for any electrical issues. This will prevent you from making mistakes that could be dangerous or damaging to the system.

Some of the most common problems that occur in low voltage landscape lighting systems are shorts. These can be caused by wires that are not tight enough or wires that are touching each other. It is important to make sure that all of the wires in your landscape lighting system are properly insulated so that they do not cause an electrical short.

Another problem that can happen with low voltage landscape lighting is that the fixtures themselves can become damaged by dirt or debris. This can result in the fixture becoming loose or rusting. This is especially true for copper or brass fixtures. If you notice that a fixture is loose, it should be replaced immediately.

Landscape lighting is a great investment, but it can also be expensive. By offering a landscape lighting service plan, you can help your clients to save money by performing routine maintenance on their landscape lighting system. This can help to extend the life of the fixtures and reduce the need for frequent repairs. It can also be a great opportunity to offer your clients upgrades like color-changing LED bulbs or app-based lighting control.

Switches

Landscape lighting adds beauty, security and safety to homes after dark. It helps illuminate features like fountains, trees, flowers and shrubs as well as highlight areas of the yard and walkway safety. Unfortunately, many homeowners experience problems with their landscape lighting systems which can be frustrating to address.

Often times these are problems that arise from wires and connections that are buried underground. If not properly installed, they can decay in the weather, causing problems with the system. Low quality products may also be used which can cause issues as well.

In some cases, these problems occur because the lighting is not sized properly. If the wires are too thin or too long they can cause voltage drop which reduces the amount of power available for each light.

It is also important to check the wiring for any signs of damage, particularly after harsh weather. This can happen because plants, mulch or gravel may have been poured over the wiring, or because animals or children have played with the lights and caused damage to the cables or bulbs.

If you find that all the lights in a particular area are out, it could mean that a run of wire has been cut. This is especially common if landscaping work has been done in the area. It is a good idea to call a landscape lighting specialist to ensure the proper reconnection of the wires.

Other reasons that your lighting may need repair include a broken lens, dented metal or corrosion. You will also need to change your bulbs on occasion.

Performing routine maintenance can help avoid many of these problems. We recommend checking your lights after every hard rain and cleaning them of debris like pollen, dust or dirt. You should also clean the fixture itself to remove any buildup or film that is preventing the fixture from shining. Offering a landscape lighting service plan is a great way to encourage your clients to do this on a regular basis. It allows you to offer a discount on maintenance services and can even include prices for upgrades like color-changing LED lamps or new app-based landscape lighting controls.