Installation
Our power supply products have been specifically designed to allow the Garden Designer, Landscape Architect or Contractor to carry out the majority, if not all of the complete lighting installation without the need to employ an electrician. We can supply all of the items required for a low voltage light installation together with any specialist tools needed to complete the project (see Cable & Jointing Kits and Tools & Encapsulation Products).
We also supply the 'VivaceConnect' power supply system that can be installed without the use of tools or electrical knowledge. The lights, power supplies and interconnection cables are supplied with factory fitted and tested plugs and sockets. When the plugs and sockets are connected together they are weather proof, splash proof and can be buried. This enables the installation to be carried out in a very short period of time and is easily expandable, within the constraints of the power supply, to view this product click on the link.
Before starting an installation, it is worth while planning the routing of the interconnection cables in relationship to the lighting positions and power supply. Although the low voltage cable that we supply does not need any additional protection, it should be run along areas that are unlikely to be disturbed. Ideally, it should be laid around the edge of borders, lawns and paths or by a fence. Where new features are to be added, for example, walls or paths, it is worthwhile sinking plastic conduit beneath them. String can then be inserted through the conduit to act as a draw wire around sharp bends. The cable can then be easily pulled through the conduit.
Note : The installation of mains cable requires a totally different approach and should only be carried out by a suitably qualified person.
It is difficult to give definite information on the distance that the lights can be from the power source. This will depend on the number of lights and the distribution of them along the interconnecting cable. On a 100 meter loop for example, 40 to 50 lights evenly distributed along the length can be connected. If a set of 10 lights were to be located at the end of a spur then the maximum length should not exceed 75 meters. If you have any concerns regarding the carrying capacity of the interconnecting cable please contact us.
Consideration should also be given to the position of the lights, the maximum effect is gained from the lights when the lighting effects are on display, rather than the actual lights. Try not to aim the lights towards the viewing position because they are very bright and will dazzle the viewer. Instead, select lighting colours that will enhance a particular feature or plant and aim the light at that. Loan kits can be supplied for demonstration purposes. If you would like details of these please contact us.
We have tried to cover the practical circuits, connection methods, encapsulation of cables, interconnection and tools required in this 'Installation' section all you need to do is click on the links to the left of this page.