Troubleshooting Landscape Lights: When to Call a Professional

Let's face it.  It is annoying when landscape lights go out.  The outage can cause a lapse in the security of the home or just make the landscaping look undone.  Here are a few things to check on your own. 


If these steps don't work or you are in doubt, please call a professional!  There is no need to jeopardize your personal safety.

If no lights come on, check the following:

1. The transformer for power.  Is it plugged in properly?
2. The circuit breaker to make sure switches have not been tripped.
3. Timers to make sure they have power and they are set for the appropriate times.
4. All visible cables between the transformer and the lights for bare or cut wires.
5. Connections inside the lights.

If some lights are out or are dim, check the following:

1. The bulb.  Replace burned out bulbs as soon as possible.  Depending on how your lighting is set up, a burned out light can send more voltage to other lights causing them to burn out faster.
2. The fixture for water or moisture.  Make sure the power is turned off before attempting to deal with water in fixtures!  Make sure the fittings are dry and tightly connected.

When the troubleshooting does not identify the problem, it is time to call a professional.  There could be a variety of reasons why the lights or lighting system may be compromised.  Here are just a few reasons:

1. The transformer is bad.
2. The load on the circuit breaker is too high and/or system was installed improperly.
3. There are breaks or cuts in the line - either above ground or underground.
4. Lights are broken and need to be replaced.

A professional can target the problem and fix it correctly and safely.  He can also recommend other solutions for safety of the home, lighting enhancements, saving on power and more!