Landscape Architect Articles

LASN PMBR April 200404-01-04 | News

Installing Lights in Pavers

By Sean Stowell, regional editor

The beauty of outdoor brick paved areas can be enjoyed day and night when paver lights are installed. Paver lights like the Emerald ground lights (above) and the Zephyr units in the steps (left) bring life to any nightscape, whether walkways, spa decks, steps or driveways.

Pavers are being installed in record numbers these days. Many landscape architects have specified pavers for various projects. Now your ability to spice up a paver design can become even more exciting with lighted paving stones.

They are sturdy and easily replaceable should something happen to them. These lighted pavers will add that extra touch to please your client and the cost will make them happy too. They are so easy to install, even a landscape architect can do it!

The one caveat is that these instructions are only for low-voltage outdoor landscape lighting. They are definitely not for use with submersible or pool/spa equipment, nor are they to be installed within 10 ft. of a pool.

Since paver lights are generally installed at grade level, they are definitely not for use with submersible or pool/spa equipment, nor should they be installed within 10 feet of a pool.

?EUR??,,????'??This system is very easy to install,?EUR??,,????'?? according to Patrick Conners, president and CEO of Tahoe Lighting. ?EUR??,,????'??The cable line lays in the sand bed and once you find your location, this paver light takes the place of the brick paver.?EUR??,,????'??

Step 1

Attach low-voltage cable to terminals on power pack, tighten screws firmly.

Note: Terminals can either be found on the rear or the bottom of the transformer.

Step 2

Hang power pack and plug into an outdoor electrical outlet that contains a weather-resistant cover.
Determine the correct transformer with this equation: number of lights in the system x wattage of the lamp=minimum required transformer.
Next, turn the power pack ?EUR??,,????'??On?EUR??,,????'?? (do not use an extension cord.) Note: The first fixture must be installed at least 10 ft. from the power pack.
Wiring to connect the power unit to the luminaries is SPT-3, underground low energy circuit cable.

Step 3

Route cable to desired fixture locations. Be careful to leave plenty of slack in the cable to allow for ease in connecting the fixture. It is recommended to make a loop in the wire at any desired fixture location. After installation is completed and full lighting affect is achieved, hide cable as desired.

Note: When installing with pavers, wire should be run in the sand beneath the pavers.

Step 4

(Light Box Assemble)

Snap light socket into base of casing and twist clockwise to lock in place. Remove protective backing from lens and place lens on casing. Attach trim and secure with trim screws.

Step 5

Attach fixtures to cable with wire connectors by placing two or three wires together. Twist the wire nut on to the adjacent wires in a clockwise-motion and proceed to the next fixture.

Next: Simply lay the attached fixture into the ground at the desired level.

Note: When installing with pavers, fixtures should be installed at grade level.