Need help with outdoor landscape lighting

[knvs]

So I'm redoing the back yard and we're planning on putting in some landscape lighting. I know a transformer is needed for low voltage lighting, but is there a way to connect the transformer to a standard light switch so that we can turn on the lights from inside the house instead of the transformer box?? Or is high voltage the only way to go about doing the way we want it?

[robr2]

IIRC, most outdoor lighting transformers plug into outlets. So if you had a switch controlling the outlet....

[Phrost]

My low voltage transformer plugs into an outlet, but it also has a built in timer.

[gregg3gs]

Have the transformer plugged to switchable outlet (that you may have to install), and remove the timer "on" n "off" dip switches. Also set transformer to "on"

You could also replace that switchable outlet switch with a timer switch and than you can run the lights outside on the in-home timer.

Farther, you could get a light sensor attached to the timer (or as a stand alone) and it would add to start-up functionality.

And after it all... you can go to Radio Shack, get X10 Power House in wall outlet that has a radio control. Read up on some manuals, install the outlet (plug the transformer into it) and control the light with an in home remote control.

2nd farther..... well there are many more options available and they all get much more expensive from here.

[knvs]

hrm... I was hoping that there was another option than plugging it into an outlet that is connected to a switch.

Also if I wanted certain lights to come on while others are off, I would need them connected to separate transformers right? What about powering a water feature pump? Can that be connected to the low voltage line?

[gregg3gs]

To power on another group of lights at separate times you would need another switched outlet solution. You probably could have them on the same circuit (as in a breaker) but that would have to be determined once you know how many light and what transformers you will use.

The water feature I would suggest you just plug to another outlet that would not be the light timed circuit. You probably would be better if this feature was connected to a GFCI outlet to make the circuit better. (here I assumed when you say "low voltage" you meant 120vac)

I think over all what you are looking at would be a conversation with an electrician. For all you are interested to do you may end up in a pickle if you do not do this right.

[VdubChaos]

Do you really want to switch the outdoor lights on and off EVERY night?



Or you just looking for that option? Nice to have type of a deal?

I like my timer, couldn't go without it. Its enough pain to adjust it every 4-6 months for DTS.

[Burnoutx]

knv -- they did list an option that was connected to an outlet that was on a timer. i have that setup on my front lighting.

my switch is always on, sending power to the outlet, but the transformer has a build in timer which i have set to turn on at 8:30ish and then turn off around midnight. love my timer as well. i just set it and forget about it.

if you want to have different "banks" of lights come on a different times, i am almost sure you will be dealing with individual transformers for that set of lights.

for the water-feature...well, i dont' know jack about that

[robr2]

What about powering a water feature pump? Can that be connected to the low voltage line?

I believe pumps for water features run on 110.

[knvs]

knv -- they did list an option that was connected to an outlet that was on a timer. i have that setup on my front lighting.

my switch is always on, sending power to the outlet, but the transformer has a build in timer which i have set to turn on at 8:30ish and then turn off around midnight. love my timer as well. i just set it and forget about it.

if you want to have different "banks" of lights come on a different times, i am almost sure you will be dealing with individual transformers for that set of lights.

for the water-feature...well, i dont' know jack about that

we'd like to have the option to turn it off and on when we'd like. It would also allow us to conserve energy and leave it off when it doesn't need to be on. I don't think we'll turn the lights on every night.

[robr2]

we'd like to have the option to turn it off and on when we'd like. It would also allow us to conserve energy and leave it off when it doesn't need to be on. I don't think we'll turn the lights on every night.

Do you know that low voltage ligting is very efficient? It has somthing to do with the low voltage part.

[knvs]

Do you know that low voltage ligting is very efficient? It has somthing to do with the low voltage part.

Yes but not having the lights on is better than using any electricity

[mino210]

Solar lights

[Rockhead261]

Outdoor landscape lighting are definitely a good choice. But with the light fittings if a bit of wooden furniture/ pine furniture gets attached it gives a classic look to the landscape.

Perhaps the OP should consider spam furniture.... it can be molded in to a new shape when you need a change, and it's tasty!

[Tornado2dr]

Perhaps the OP should consider spam furniture.... it can be molded in to a new shape when you need a change, and it's tasty!

mmmm, spam furniture. You don't even have to get up to get a snack!