Connect garden lighting | How to get started

Simple steps for connecting 12-volt garden lights

Imagine a warm summer evening in your own garden, surrounded by subtle lighting that creates a magical atmosphere. Lightpro’s 12V garden lighting allows you to easily and safely make this dream come true. Fitting these lights is not only practical, but also a fun project that transforms your garden into an enchanting oasis. Here’s how to connect garden lights easily and quickly.

Our 12-volt system means you benefit from quick and easy fitting. The low voltage allows the cables to be laid shallowly in the ground, without the need for major excavation work. This not only saves time but also minimizes the risk of cable damage.

We supply everything you need for 12-volt garden lighting: fixtures, a main cable, a transformer, accessories and the necessary connectors.

What do you need to connect 12-volt garden lights?

Step 1: Choose your 12-volt garden lighting and design your lighting plan

Garden lighting is not only atmospheric but also functional. How do you want to light your garden and with how many lights? A wide range of 12-volt garden lighting is available, allowing you to choose based on your lighting plan.

Before you start connecting 12V garden lights, it is useful to walk through your garden and imagine where you want to place the garden lights. Want to highlight certain plants? Or illuminate a path? Make a sketch of your garden with the locations of the lights.

Tips & tricks for making a good lighting plan

Step 2: Choose the right transformer

Choosing the right transformer is the next step. A transformer converts the mains voltage of 230V to a safe 12V. Add up the total watts of all outdoor lighting to determine which transformer you need. Make sure you always have ample wattage overcapacity to allow you to expand the network with additional lights and accessories in the future. Connecting the transformer is easy: attach the main cable to the M-connector and then connect it to the transformer.

It is important to mount the transformer in a dry, easily accessible place, close to a power source. Make sure this location is protected from rain and moisture and that the transformer is placed 30 cm above the ground.

Step 3: Connecting cables

Now it is time to connect the cables. Our Lightpro cables are special 12V outdoor cables that can withstand the elements. Measure the distances to determine the required length of the cables. Make sure the main cable runs past all lights and connect the F-connector to the system. Use an extension cable to connect the branches and plug the M-connector into the F-connector on the main cable. Once you have finished connecting the cables, connect the light to the F-connector of the branch.

When connecting garden lights and cables, it is important to dig shallow trenches (10–15 cm deep) to neatly hide the cables. Carefully lay the cables in the trenches, avoiding possible damage by making sure they’re not too tight.

Then connect the lights to the cables, making sure the connections are solid and watertight.

Step 4: Choose your accessories (optional)

Use timers or motion sensors, such as the Motion Sensor SMART, to automatically turn your lights on and off. This saves energy and extends the life of your lights. Installing the Camera SMART (with built-in PIR motion sensor) allows you to easily review images via the app and combine motion sensing with our 12-volt Smart outdoor lighting.

Testing whether the connection of the 12-volt garden lighting was successful

Switch on the transformer and check that all lights are lit before sealing the slots. Is everything working perfectly? Perfect! Then fill the trenches with soil again. Now you can fully enjoy your beautifully lit garden!

Need help selecting the right lights, transformers, cables and accessories when putting together your lighting plan? Use our product configurator!