Repairing Guides

how to repair landscape lights

by Rhiannon Windler Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Repair Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

  • Things to Check. Begin this project by doing some troubleshooting. ...
  • Working With the Wires. If the lights are still not working, check to see if the lights' wire connections are tight enough. ...
  • Additional Troubleshooting Methods. ...

Part of a video titled How To Fix Low Voltage Lighting - YouTube
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Light that obviously is not working the power is on but it's not working and this is the last lightMoreLight that obviously is not working the power is on but it's not working and this is the last light at the end of a couple lights. So this is the main power wire coming in and then.

Full Answer

How to repair low voltage landscape lighting?

  • Open the transformer for access to where the landscape wire is attached to the transformer output terminals.
  • Check the connections. Check where the landscape wire connects to the transformer. ...
  • Check for power anywhere on the secondary side of the transformer. ...

How do you maintain landscape lighting?

  • Cut back branches that are encroaching on the lighting fixtures.
  • Remove mud, leaves and other debris from the fixtures.
  • Check frequently for exposed or damaged wires.
  • Check the fixtures for damage and replace any damaged units.
  • Replace halogen bulbs when they start giving off less light. ...

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How to replace the bulb in landscape lights?

Remove the Old Light Fixture

  • Turn off the power to your exterior fixtures by flipping the switch on your circuit breaker. ...
  • Remove your old light fixture. ...
  • Other fixtures may use clips that can be removed by hand. ...
  • Remove the plastic caps that are covering the exposed ends of wire. ...
  • Remove the old light fixture mount with your screwdriver or drill.

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How to clean landscape lighting?

  1. Cut back plants and branches. The first step in maintaining landscape lighting is to cut back any plants, shrubs or trees that are on the fixture, too close to ...
  2. Remove debris from fixtures. The next step is to remove debris from your light fixtures. This may include mud, dirt, fallen leaves or debris left from insects.
  3. Look for exposed or damaged cables. Even if your landscape lights were professionally installed, it is possible for cables to become exposed, which can then also lead to damage ...
  4. Check fixtures for damage. Check each of your landscape lighting fixtures for broken lenses, dented metal, corrosion or other damage.
  5. Replace bulbs. Many homeowners are now opting for LED landscape lighting, which virtually negates the need for changing bulbs.
  6. Clean metal or plastic components. Now that your landscaping lighting is in working order and has had the proper maintenance, it is time to clean the fixtures.
  7. Clean glass lenses. Once the metal and plastic components are clean, it is time to clean the glass lenses. ...
  8. Check and adjust fixture positions. Now it is time to check the positions of all of your fixtures and make sure they are illuminating your outdoor living areas as ...

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Why is one of my landscape lights not working?

If one of your lights simply isn't working, there's a good chance it's just because the bulb is burned out and needs to be replaced. You might want to consider upgrading to an LED light since they will last much longer.

How do you fix a broken landscape light?

10:0320:53Replacing Broken Landscape Lights - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake your time doing that. Because. You don't want to have somebody catch their foot on that wire.MoreTake your time doing that. Because. You don't want to have somebody catch their foot on that wire. Terminus or what have you and that's all there is to that so let's go do the next.

How do I find a short in landscape lighting?

You can find shorts in outdoor lighting by looking for wires that are cut, broken, frayed, are improperly connected, or are stretched by roots or rocks. We'd also look for bad, wet, corroded, or damaged sockets. We'd be checking for any areas that could be exposing wires or bulbs to moisture too.

How do I fix my outdoor lights?

0:073:48How to Troubleshoot Outdoor Lighting Systems - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThing you can do is reset the system on the bottom of most new enlight transformers. You will see aMoreThing you can do is reset the system on the bottom of most new enlight transformers. You will see a large reset. Button simply push this down to reset the entire unit.

How do I find a break in landscape wire?

1:203:20How to Find a Broken Underground Wire for Husqvarna AutomowerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's a power light that goes on to let us know it's working the receiver has this long probe.MoreThere's a power light that goes on to let us know it's working the receiver has this long probe. That's going to detect the signal transmitted over the wire from the transmitter.

How do you fix outdoor string lights?

How to Troubleshoot and Repair String LightsStep 1: Look for Safety Issues. ... Step 2: Look for Unseated or Corroded Bulbs. ... Step 3: Change the Fuses. ... Step 4: Check for Damaged Shunts. ... Step 5: Replace Burned-Out Bulbs on String Lights.

How do you troubleshoot low-voltage lights?

0:5128:25How to Troubleshoot a Low Voltage Lighting System with a Clamp ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne part of the system is dimmer than another that's a very common kind of assist problem thatMoreOne part of the system is dimmer than another that's a very common kind of assist problem that evolute incandescent. Systems fuses. And breakers are popping tasks.

Why did my string lights stop working?

Whether you're using traditional incandescent lights or LED lights, your plug in Christmas lights may have gone out for any of the following reasons: The circuit isn't carrying power. A fuse has blown. A bulb has burnt out and has created a cascading outage.

How long do landscape light transformers last?

15 to 20 yearsBoth types of transformers have a long operational life (15 to 20 years or more) and operate at a higher temperature than their electronic counterparts. Be aware that these types of transformers can at times be noisy, emitting a buzzing or humming sound.

How do you fix an outside light that won't turn on?

Check your light switch for loose wires or replace it. Once you've checked the bulbs and the wiring on the light and the fixture still doesn't work, it's most likely a faulty light switch. Turn the power back off and remove the switch-plate cover. Remove the retaining screws for the switch and pull it out of the wall.

Why has my outside LED light stopped working?

You should first check whether the fuse for this circuit has tripped. If the ceiling light has already worked before, the lamp may be broken. Then you should check whether the light sources are replaceable. In this case you can replace the bulb with a new LED bulb with a suitable socket.

What happens if a fixture is nocked over?

If these wires are tugged or if the fixture is nocked over, the wires can be pulled free from the socket. If this happens, the wires cannot be reattached to the socket and a replacement will be remedied.

What is a socket in a landscape light?

The socket is the part of the fixture where the light bulb plugs in. If one your fixtures has stopped working, you can try replacing the light bulb first. If you've tried this and the new light bulb doesn't kick on, and all the other fixtures in the landscape seem to be fine, its possible you have a bad socket.

What happens if a fixture breaks?

Broken, cracked, bent, or smashed neck / housing. Unfortunately, if a fixture breaks at the neck or in a place that is integral, there usually isn't much you can do. While lots of DIY home repair projects can be tackled with duct tape and desperation, an utterly busted fixture usually isn't one of them.

What happens if a directional up light is leaking?

If your experiencing multiple fixtures leaking. That could be a sign that there is a defect with them for so many to fail.

What is a heavy duty path light?

There are heavy duty path lights that are purposefully engineered to prevent glass lenses from breaking if the fixture takes a hit. These fixtures use brass rods that attach the top hat to the post rather than a glass lens.

What to do if your top hat is bumped?

If the top hat is struck or bumped, its possible for the glass to break. The repair for a broken lens requires a new glass lens and some kind of epoxy or resin to reattach the post, glass lens, and top hat all back together. This can require carefully cleaning out and removing the old broken lens.

Why does my landscape lighting have corrosion?

The corrosion was caused because the fixture allowed water to get inside. If multiple fixtures in your lighting system are giving you moisture problems, then you know there is a serious flaw in the fixture's design. Simply put, quality landscape lighting fixtures very rarely experience moisture problems.

What to do if your lights are not working?

If the lights are still not working, check to see if the lights' wire connections are tight enough. You may have to dig up the splices if they are underground. Look carefully. If one appears loose, you must disconnect the power source and then unscrew the wire-nut connector.

How to replace a corroded wire nut?

If the wires or wire-nut connector appear corroded, you may need to replace the wire nut. Remove it and gently clean both ends of the wire. Take your pliers, splice them together and twist until they are tight. Then, you can put on a new wire-nut connector.

Can Hunker repair low voltage landscape lights?

Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. You can repair your low voltage landscape lighting. Low-voltage landscape lighting can provide your home with added curbside appeal. It is used to light walkways and plants and makes the outside look safe, secure and more welcoming. Like anything else, though, these systems can ...

Your Lights Aren't Turning On

This is a very broad problem that could be caused by a myriad of different thing. Typically though, it's best to check to see if your transformer has power before proceeding any further. To learn more about troubleshooting for power, check out this blog: 5Things I Learned as a Lighting Technician That Utah Homeowners Need to Know.

What Is a Short?

A short happens when there is an arc in the system. You'll notice that direct burial wire used to power your lighting system has two wires. Arcing occurs when the currents passing through these two wires come into contact with one another. There are several reasons this can occur.

How do you reduce the likelihood of your system tripping?

The best way to reduce problems in your system is to make sure it's installed right in the first place. Using well engineered fixtures, quality components, and bulletproof wire connections will ensure you have a system built to last.

How to find shorts in outdoor lights?

You can find shorts in outdoor lighting by looking for wires that are cut, broken, frayed, are improperly connected, or are stretched by roots or rocks. Also look for bad, wet, corroded, or damaged sockets. Check for any areas that are exposing the wires or bulbs to moisture too.

How to check if a transformer is flipped?

First, go check the transformer to see if it’s somehow been flipped to OFF. If it has, turn it to ON and see if it works. If that’s not the issue, turn the transformer off and look for a short. If you’ve had landscaping done recently, check the areas for damaged wires, loose connections, or other problems.

Why is a fixture placed in a certain location and aimed at a specific landscape or architectural element?

The reason a fixture is placed in a certain location and aimed at a specific landscape or architectural element is to render that object in the correct light. The design, what we actually see and experience at night, is the reason why the system was created in the first place.

What is landscape lighting pro?

At Landscape Lighting Pro of Utah, the art of outdoor illumination is a real passion we work to perfect. Designing elegantly bespoke landscape lighting systems is simply all we do. For over 15 years, our award winning team of designers and craftsmen have striven to bring the best outdoor lighting experience possible to people's homes and businesses across the Wasatch Front and beyond.

Why is my light fixture not casting?

If the lamp inside the fixture doesn't cast a light when the system turns on, its a problem. Its obviously an issue if the fixture becomes damaged or ceases to function. Problems concerning function tend to occur when there is a problem with either the fixture, or the system.

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