Installing Lights in Pavers

By Sean Stowell, regional editor

Pavers are being installed in record numbers these days. Many contractors have installed pavers or are thinking about doing so as another profit center to their business. While the field is competitive, there is one way to separate yourself from the pack and that is installing lights in the pavers.

Paver lights bring life to any nightscape, whether walkways, spa decks, steps or driveways.

Installing lights in concrete pavers is a rather simple procedure that landscape contractors can add to their bag of tricks. Below are some instructions, courtesy of Tahoe Lighting that will help get you started.

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.

Paver lights are installed at grade level. They are definitely not for use with submersible or pool/spa equipment, nor installed within 10 feet of a pool.

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

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.

The beauty of outdoor brick paved areas can be enjoyed day and night when paver lights are installed.

Next, turn the power pack “On” (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.

Building Blocks

1,400 – Number of crushed stone production companies in the United States.

3,700 – Number of active quarries in 49 states.

Source: US Geological Survey 2002 Mineral Commodity Summary.