How to install deck lighting

Connect the male leads from the deck light extension wire to the female connector from post cap light. Also, connect male-to-male connection Trex extension wires in between each splitter. Continue the process until all wiring from the deck lights is attached to splitters and connector wires are attached in between splitters.

After verifying wiring is correct by turning lights on, attach the post cap in place on the top of deck post with silicone caulk. Place post sleeve over pressure-treated post and mark desired height, centered on post sleeve for deck rail light location. Drill a 1 inch opening through the Trex post sleeve. Drill deep enough to mark the location on pressure-treated post within the post sleeve. Remove the post sleeve off from the wood post.

Drill two additional holes vertically below main hole—this will allow space for wiring after post sleeve is attached. Leave enough slack at top of lead wire and attach lead wire to post using staples. Attach lead wire to splitter under decking. Slide post sleeve back over post. If using a post sleeve skirt, make sure to install the skirt first.

Connect plug on deck rail light to lead wire and tuck wiring into previously drilled-out pockets on post. Line up polycarbonate lens with fixture housing. Twist onto fixture base. Continue until all wiring from lights is attached to light splitters and connector wires are attached in between Trex splitters. NOTE: Install stair lights after stairs and risers have been installed.

Mark locations for each light , generally 4 inches above the stair tread. Drill a 1 inch diameter hole at least 1 inch deep into riser. Thread wires through hole. Press light into hole, ensuring lens is horizontal. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for cutting the correct size opening. Place the transformer next to the electrical outlet. Leave a 6" loop of wire at each step light location.

One wire will have a smooth black wire and the other will have white lettering and ribbing. Hold the wire ends together and connect them by twisting waterproof wire nuts to create a tight connection. Wrap the connection with electrical tape.

Secure the transformer using mounting brackets to its desired location and run the wires into place and connect. Make sure the photo eye sensor is accessible to sunlight. Each light will need to connect with a 12V transformer. Planning your deck lighting installation prior to installing any low-voltage deck lighting is essential to making sure you achieve both of those goals.

Start by identifying the locations of AC power sockets for plugging in the transformer. Installing Trex deck lighting can make this easy because the LightHub connection system allows for the addition of a variety of accessories, including splitters, adapters, and customizable lengths of extension cabling.

Overloaded transformers can fail prematurely and potentially cause fixture performance problems. Most installations call for 12V transformers, so you only have to concern yourself with ensuring the transformer you choose can withstand the total wattage of all connected lights most manufacturers have more than one sized transformer.

One important note: Not all 12V transformers are created equal. The other option is to use transformers that change the voltage type from AC Alternating Current, like your home uses to DC Direct Current, like your cell phone charger while reducing the voltage from V to 12V.

AC vs DC your lighting fixtures take, as the wrong voltage type can cause major component failure and other performance problems and may even void your warranty. One last power supply consideration: if you have an excessively long wire run for example, over feet you might consider sourcing your own wire and stepping up to 16GA UL-listed outdoor rated 2 conductor wire. The issue this potentially solves is a problem called voltage drop.

In basic terms, the longer the electricity has to run the more energy it loses at the end of the run. If you use a thicker or lower gauge wire you will minimize the chances that this can happen. Wire splitters transform one female connection into several, which makes adding them necessary along every post base where you want lighting. Leave them loose so you can maneuver them as you insert the Lighthub plugs.

More importantly, do not use an extension cord between the electrical outlet and the transformer, rather, connect the transformer directly into the power outlet. If the transformer cable does not reach the splitter, then you may need a wire extension cable, one which is designed to connect after the splitter.