| Outdoor Lighting |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-402 |
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Q: I've spent a fortune on landscaping, and I want people to notice the yard -- even at night. Any suggestions? A: Landscape lighting is a cost-effective way of adding both value and curb-appeal to your home. The lights come in kits that are quite easy to assemble and install. Materials: Landscape lighting kit, including wiring and transformer
Screwdriver
Hand-shovel Steps: - Landscape lighting typically comes in kits that include the elements for assembling the lights, as well as the wiring you'll need (figure A) and an electrical transformer. The kit used in our demonstration came with about 100 feet of cable. Lay out your wiring in a pattern that follows how you'll be arranging your lights. This will give you an idea of how much wire you'll need. In the yard, the wire will be concealed below ground. Where it leads from the house, it can be concealed beneath siding, in channels along wood trim, etc.
- The source end of the wire connects to an electrical transformer (figure B ) that reduces the household voltage down to the 12-volt current used to power this type of lighting. The transformer may include a timer switch for automatically turning the lights on and off on a daily basis.
- Strip the ends of the wires and connect the wires to the terminals on the back of the transformer (figure C) as specified in the directions that come with your kit. Tighten the terminals securely.
Important: Do NOT plug the transformer into an outlet until after the installation is complete. - Mount the transformer in an inconspicuous place on the wall where there is access to a GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlet designed for outdoor use. Again, do not plug the transformer in until after the installation is complete.
- Assemble the lights according to the directions that come with your kit. For our kit, the parts snapped together easily. Plastic globes were fitted with plastic tier-rings, and bulb-leads were snapped in place in the socket (figure D). These fixtures were designed so that the leads can only be connected to the socket in the correct way, simplifying assembly.
- Insert the socket into the plastic globe (figure E), and twist until the part snaps into place.
- Insert the bulb into the socket (figure F), and attach the top onto the fixture.
- Slide the plastic protective tube over the wires to conceal and protect them (figure G).
- Attach the plastic spike onto the bottom of the tube (figure H). The spike will be inserted into the ground to hold the fixture stationary.
- Repeat the assembly steps for each of your light fixtures.
- With all the light fixtures assembled and the layout determined, run your cable and dig a shallow trench in which it will be concealed later. Be sure to bury the wires so they don't create a tripping hazard.
- With the cable run and the lights laid out, attach each set of leads to the cable using the plastic fasteners provided. By squeezing the fasteners together (figure I), the sharp teeth pierce the cable and make the electrical connection that will power the lights. With the lights connected to the cable, secure each light in the ground (figure J) using the plastic spike as a stabilizer.
Q: Can you tell me what the markings at 16 inches and 19-3/16 inches on a tape measure mean? A: The markings at 16 inches are used for centering wall-studs. The marks at 19-1/4 or 19-3/16 are used in construction for alignment of engineered trusses. Q: How can I remove old, oil-based paint from brick? A: Here are three methods for removing old paint from brick: - Chemical strippers can be used, provided that you follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions.
- Another (perhaps more time-consuming) method is to use a heat-gun and putty knife. Be sure to wear a respirator to protect you from fumes.
- A third method is to have them professionally bead-blasted. Bead-blasting equipment can also be rented if you want to undertake this method yourself.
Q: I've heard that a water heater should be drained periodically. How is this done? A: Some experts do recommend draining your water heater periodically. Here are the basic steps: - First, turn off the pilot light or electric heating element.
- Turn off the water supply.
- Attach a hose to the drain-cock at the base of the heater.
- Run the hose outside, and open the drain-cock.
- Once the water and any sediment has drained out, close the drain-cock, turn the water supply back on and re-light the pilot or turn the heater back on.
Next: Inset Deck Lighting.
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