When low voltage landscape lighting develops problems, it’s usually due to corrosion on the wire or bulb contacts cause by constant exposure to the elements.
To repair landscape lighting:
- Wire Connections: Clean off any corrosion in the wire connections between the fixture and main line, then seal the junction with silicone caulking.
- Bulb Connections: Remove the bulb and use an emery board or sandpaper to clean any corrosion off the bulb fixture contacts, then spray with contact cleaner before reinstalling the bulb.
Watch the video above to find out more.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Danny Lipford: Steven has this question, “Our landscape lights have stopped working. What’s the problem?”
Usually when homeowners are having trouble with landscape lighting, the first thing you think about is a burned out bulb. But the bulbs in these things last a long, long time. Usually the problem: either a connection or moisture or both.
So, the first thing you want to check on is where this fixture connects to your main line, which will be slightly underground or sometimes just under the mulch. Make sure there is no corrosion on it, make sure it’s nice and tight. Then encase it with silicon caulk to really keep it nice and dry.
Then you’ll want to take the bulb out very carefully, and look for any corrosion where the bulb contacts are. You may need to use an emery board or a little bit of sandpaper to sand any corrosion off. Then spray it with a little contact cleaner to really keep it clean for a long, long time.
Do a few little maintenance things like this, landscape lights will last forever.
Further Information
- Landscape Lighting Design Tips (article)
- How to Install Landscape Lighting (video)