Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Installation

All Fireflies Landscape Lighting installations operate on 12-volt low voltage power, delivered through commercial-grade magnetic or electronic transformers from Unique Lighting Systems. We size transformers to operate at 70 to 80 percent of rated capacity, leaving headroom for future fixture additions without overloading. Multi-tap transformers with 12V, 13V, 14V, and 15V output options allow us to compensate for voltage drop on longer wire runs, ensuring every fixture in the system receives between 10.8 and 12.0 volts regardless of its distance from the transformer.

Wire selection and routing are critical to long-term system performance in the Lake Wylie and Charlotte climate. We use 12-gauge direct-burial-rated copper cable for most runs and upgrade to 10-gauge for circuits exceeding 80 feet or carrying more than 150 watts. All cable is buried a minimum of six inches below grade in standard landscape areas and protected with flexible Schedule 40 conduit wherever it passes under driveways, walkways, or other hardscape. The red clay soil prevalent throughout York County and southern Mecklenburg County retains moisture that can accelerate corrosion in inferior wiring, which is why we specify only UL-listed direct-burial cable for every installation.

Every wire connection in our systems uses silicone-filled waterproof wire nuts specifically designed for direct-burial landscape lighting applications. These connectors create a hermetic seal that prevents moisture intrusion even when submerged in waterlogged Carolina clay during heavy spring and summer rain events. We document the location of every splice point on the lighting plan so they can be located for future service. At the transformer, connections are made inside weatherproof junction boxes mounted in accessible locations that facilitate maintenance without disturbing landscaping.

Fixture selection for each installation is based on the specific lighting effect required and the environmental conditions at each position. We specify IP65-rated or higher fixtures for all ground-level applications, ensuring complete dust protection and resistance to low-pressure water jets from irrigation systems and rainfall. Fixtures in areas subject to standing water or direct sprinkler contact receive IP67 or IP68 ratings for submersion resistance. All fixtures feature 2700K warm white LED modules that produce the natural, inviting illumination preferred for residential applications across the Charlotte metro area.

Surge protection is integrated into every transformer installation to guard against the electrical surges generated by summer thunderstorms that are a regular feature of Lake Wylie weather from May through September. We install dedicated surge protectors at the transformer and recommend whole-house surge protection for comprehensive coverage. Astronomical timers built into our transformers automatically calculate sunset and sunrise times for our GPS coordinates, adjusting on and off times daily without manual intervention. This ensures lighting activates at the optimal moment every evening as daylight hours shift across the Carolina seasons.

What makes low voltage lighting safer than standard 120-volt outdoor lighting?

Low voltage landscape lighting operates at just 12 volts, which is well below the threshold that can cause electrical shock to humans or animals. If a buried cable is accidentally cut by a shovel, edger, or landscaping equipment, there is no shock hazard. Compare this to 120-volt line-voltage systems, where a damaged underground cable can deliver a potentially lethal shock and must be installed in rigid conduit by a licensed electrician. The 12-volt current in our systems cannot produce a dangerous shock under any normal circumstance, making it the safest choice for properties with children, pets, and regular landscaping activity.

Do I need an electrician to install low voltage landscape lighting?

You do not need a licensed electrician for the low voltage portion of the installation, which includes all fixtures, wiring, and the transformer itself. The only electrical work that may require a licensed electrician is installing the dedicated outdoor GFCI outlet that powers the transformer, if one does not already exist. Most Lake Wylie and Charlotte homes built in the last twenty years already have suitable exterior outlets. Our installation process handles everything from the transformer outward, and we coordinate with licensed electricians for any high-voltage outlet work needed.

How much does a complete low voltage lighting installation cost for a Lake Wylie property?

Low voltage lighting installations in the Lake Wylie and Charlotte area typically range from $3,500 for a focused front-yard package with path lights and facade uplighting to $15,000 or more for comprehensive whole-property systems covering architecture, landscaping, pathways, outdoor living areas, and water features. The average Lake Wylie installation falls between $5,000 and $10,000 for a well-rounded system. We provide detailed written estimates after our complimentary nighttime demonstration so you can see exactly what each component contributes to the overall design before making any commitment.

How long does a low voltage lighting installation take to complete?

Most residential low voltage installations are completed in one to two days of on-site work, depending on the number of fixtures and complexity of wire routing. A focused front-yard installation with 10 to 15 fixtures typically takes a single day. Comprehensive whole-property systems with 25 to 40 fixtures may require two days. The evening calibration visit is scheduled separately, usually within a day or two of installation. From initial consultation to completed system, the entire process typically spans two to three weeks, with most of that time devoted to design and scheduling rather than physical installation.

Will the wire trenches damage my lawn and landscaping?

We take great care to minimize disruption to your existing landscape. Our trenches are narrow, typically only two to three inches wide, and six inches deep. In turf areas, we cut a clean line using a flat-blade spade, lay the cable, and close the trench by pressing the turf back into place. Within two to three weeks during the growing season, the trench line is virtually invisible. In mulch beds and planting areas, cable is simply buried beneath the existing mulch layer. We avoid disturbing root zones of established trees and shrubs, routing around them rather than through them.

What happens during a power outage? Do I need to reprogram everything?

Our commercial-grade transformers from Unique Lighting Systems include battery backup for the timer clock and programming memory that retains all settings through extended power outages. When power is restored, the system resumes normal operation automatically with no reprogramming required. The astronomical timer continues tracking sunset and sunrise times internally even without power. Smart-enabled transformers reconnect to your WiFi network automatically after outages and restore any app-based schedules and scenes. This reliability is especially important in the Lake Wylie area where summer storms occasionally cause brief power interruptions.

Can I expand my low voltage system later to add more lights?

Absolutely, and we design every system with future expansion in mind. Our transformers are sized with twenty to thirty percent additional capacity beyond the initial fixture load, providing headroom for future additions. Wire runs are routed to logical extension points, and we document every circuit and connection on your lighting plan for easy reference during future work. Adding fixtures to an existing system is straightforward and cost-effective because the major infrastructure, transformer, main wire runs, and circuits, is already in place. Many Lake Wylie homeowners start with front-yard lighting and expand to backyard and outdoor living areas over subsequent years.

How does low voltage lighting perform in Lake Wylie's hot, humid summers?

Our systems are specifically designed for the Carolina Piedmont's humid subtropical climate. All fixtures carry IP65 or higher ingress protection ratings, meaning they are sealed against dust and moisture. Wire connections use silicone-filled waterproof wire nuts that maintain their seal even when submerged in waterlogged soil during heavy rain events. LED modules actually perform more efficiently in cooler nighttime temperatures than in extreme heat, and our Lake Wylie summer evenings, while warm, do not approach the thermal limits of commercial-grade LED fixtures. The primary climate consideration is surge protection against summer thunderstorms, which we address with dedicated surge protectors at every transformer.

What is the difference between cheap big-box store lighting kits and professional installation?

The differences are substantial and affect every aspect of the system. Big-box kits use thin 16 or 18-gauge wire that corrodes quickly in Carolina clay soil, plastic fixtures that become brittle and crack within two to three years of UV exposure, and undersized transformers that cannot maintain consistent voltage across all fixtures. Professional installations use 12 or 10-gauge direct-burial copper cable, commercial-grade fixtures from manufacturers like Unique Lighting Systems, WAC, and Kichler with cast brass or aluminum housings, and properly sized multi-tap transformers. The fixture quality, connection reliability, and engineering that goes into a professional system simply cannot be replicated with consumer-grade components.

Do low voltage landscape lights attract insects?

LED fixtures attract significantly fewer insects than older halogen or incandescent lighting because LEDs emit very little ultraviolet light, which is the primary wavelength that draws moths and other flying insects. The warm 2700K color temperature we specify produces virtually no UV output. While no outdoor light source is completely insect-free, our LED systems represent a dramatic improvement over older technologies. Homeowners near Lake Wylie who previously dealt with clouds of insects around halogen landscape lights consistently report a noticeable reduction after upgrading to LED low voltage systems.

How do you handle voltage drop on long wire runs across large properties?

Voltage drop is the most critical technical challenge in low voltage lighting design, and it is where professional engineering matters most. We calculate the expected voltage drop for every circuit based on wire gauge, total length, and connected wattage. For longer runs common on large Lake Wylie properties, we use several strategies: heavier 10-gauge cable to reduce resistance, higher voltage transformer taps of 13V, 14V, or 15V to compensate for anticipated drop, hub-and-spoke wiring topologies that keep individual runs short, and dedicated circuits for distant fixture groups. We verify actual voltage at each fixture during calibration and adjust until every light in the system operates within its optimal range.

Is low voltage lighting bright enough to provide security benefits?

Yes, though it is important to understand that the security benefit of landscape lighting comes from eliminating darkness around your property rather than from blinding intensity. A well-designed low voltage system illuminates all approaches to your home, eliminates hiding spots in landscaping, and makes the property appear occupied and monitored. Studies consistently show that well-lit homes are significantly less likely to be targeted by burglars than dark homes. Our LED fixtures produce more than enough light to illuminate walkways, entries, and perimeter areas effectively. The consistent coverage of a multi-fixture low voltage system actually provides better security than a few harsh floodlights that create deep shadows between their beams.