1. Planning Your Landscape Lighting System

Start with a clear vision. Identify what you want to see after dark and where lighting will improve safety, navigation, and ambiance.

Define Your Goals

• Enhance safety and visibility on walkways, steps, and driveways.
• Showcase focal points: specimen trees, architecture, water features, or signage.
• Create warm ambiance for patios, pergolas, and outdoor rooms.

Assess the Space

• Walk the property at dusk to spot natural focal points and dark zones.
• Choose a GFCI outlet location for the transformer, central to lighting zones.
• Sketch a simple plan: house outline, beds, hardscape, candidate fixture locations.

Calculate Load & Layout

• Tally total VA/wattage to size the transformer; LEDs minimise power draw.
• Use heavier gauge cable (10/2 or 12/2) for long runs to reduce voltage drop.
• Group fixtures by zone for easier control and future expansion.

2. Design: Layering Light for Beauty and Function

Sculpt the scene with light, not brightness. Balance focal points and pathways to create depth and natural flow.

The Three Layers

Colour Temperature

• 2700K warm white — welcoming, natural foliage tones.
• 3000K neutral white — crisp look for stone and modern lines.
• Keep colour consistent across fixtures for a unified presentation.

Beam Control & Glare Management

• Use narrow beams (15°–30°) for tall accents; wide beams (60°–120°) for walls/beds.
• Employ shrouds, hex baffles, and proper aiming to minimise spill and glare.
• Place fixtures out of the direct sightline on paths and seating areas.

3. Installation: Building a Reliable 12V System

Low voltage systems are safe and approachable for DIY and pro installs alike. Test at night for final adjustments.

Transformer Placement

• Mount a 12V Commercial Grade Transformer near a GFCI outlet.
• Choose models with multiple taps (12V–15V) to counter long-run drop.
• Label zones for easy maintenance and expansion.

Wiring & Connections

• Run outdoor-rated 10/2 or 12/2 cable along bed edges or under mulch.
• Use gel-filled or heat-shrink connectors for watertight, corrosion-resistant joins.
• Bury cable just below the surface for serviceability; avoid roots/edging blades.

Fixture Placement & Aiming

• Mock-up positions in daylight; fine-tune angles at dusk.
• Space path lights evenly; overlap pools of light subtly for uniformity.
• Keep lenses clean and shields oriented to reduce glare.

System Balancing

• Measure voltage at far fixtures; move to higher tap if under target.
• Split long runs into zones; keep wire lengths similar per zone.
• Leave transformer capacity margin (20–30%) for future loads.

4. Maintenance: Keep It Looking New

LED systems are low maintenance. Seasonal check-ups protect performance and appearance.

Seasonal Checklist

• Clean lenses; wipe away dust, mulch, and water spots.
• Inspect gaskets and seals; replace if compromised.
• Trim plants blocking beams; confirm safe clearances.
• Re-seat connectors and re-bury any exposed cable.
• Confirm timer/photocell schedules after clock or DST changes.

LED Longevity

• Expect 30,000–50,000 hours from quality LEDs.
• Maintain consistent colour and output with like-for-like replacements.
• Document fixture types and locations for painless service.

5. The Striker Advantage

Strength you can feel. Beauty you can see. Precision in every detail.

• Solid black brass construction for durability and corrosion resistance.
• Refined optics and beam control for professional, glare-managed results.
• Transformers and accessories designed for stable, efficient power delivery.