Installing outdoor lighting doesn't always require an electrical degree. If you are talking about running some lights along a walkway or using some ground lighting in an area for entertaining, usually the kits that are sold for that purpose will do quite nicely and are fairly user-friendly.

You will need to find an electrical source. For most people, this will be an outside outlet that you can either plug or tap into. If you want to be able to box everything up for the winter, you can use a good extension cord that can be buried a few inches below ground level. Plug it into the outlet and along a trench to where your fixtures will start. Push the stakes for the fixtures into the ground and trench between them to hide the wiring. Attach bulbs and globes next. Plug into the outlet at the house last to avoid electrical shock.

If you plan on leaving them out all year, then I recommend that you buy the appropriate wire and tap into the wiring behind your outlet. You can remove the plugs. Turn off the breaker or remove the fuse to that circuit. Detach the wires from the outlet. You will need to drill a hole through the outside wall just below the junction box behind your outlets. Usually, you can knock a cover off of a hole in the box to allow you to thread your wire through your drilled hole and into the junction box.

Pull enough wire through the box so that you can remove the insulation back about 1 inch. You will need to cut a short piece of wire about 3-6 inches long. One piece for each of the wires coming from your house into the box. Using wire nuts, connect the new wires along with the one leading into your yard. The short wires should now be connected back to your outlet. You can replace the outlet into the box and replace the water-tight cover.

Now you need to trench about 12 inches deep from your house to where the fixtures will be. I recommend that you install one inch conduit and pull the wire through it for the length of the trench using elbows to bring the conduit above ground. Seal the ends of the conduit with silicon. Use this to seal the hole you drilled through your wall likewise.

Attach a waterproof outlet to the elbow and complete the wiring for your lights as mentioned above while paying close attention to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Replace the fuse or turn on breaker. Test lighting and outside outlet for power.

You're ready to enjoy your lights.

Learn more about this author, Allen Teal.
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