Malibu Planning Guide
Malibu Planning Guide
Malibu Planning Guide
Landscape Lighting
BUYER’S PLANNING GUIDE
www.homedepot.com
Professional Results
In Less than an Hour
• Warm, inviting illumination
• Energy efficient lighting – just
pennies-a-day
• Choose a lighting kit that includes
everything you need
• Or, customize with your choice of
fixtures, power pack and cable
0110
About Low Voltage Lighting
Advantages
Low Voltage
Brightness Produces a bright, white pool of light
Light Output Fixtures produce more usable light
Power Source 12 volt Power Pack plugs into standard receptacle
Ease of Installation Usually under an hour using standard tools
Energy Efficiency Costs only pennies a night to operate
2
Frequently Asked Questions
Low Voltage
Q. H
ow many lights can
I add to my Malibu
System?
A. Add lights as desired
keeping total bulb
wattage at or below
the power pack rating.
Q. W
hat if total bulb wattage exceeds my power pack rating?
A. Malibu offers several power pack models with different wattage
ratings. You could add a second power pack, splitting the load
between 2 power packs, or purchase a power pack with a wattage
rating high enough to handle the entire load.
Q. W
hat type of power receptacle should I plug my power pack into?
A. An outdoor, 120 volt (standard U.S. household current) power outlet
with a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupt) receptacle is required.
This receptacle should also utilize a while-in-use weatherproof cover,
designed to protect the plugs that are in it.
Q. Can
you connect a power pack to an electrical outlet with an
extension cord?
A. No. Extension cords should not be used. Mount the power pack
within 1 foot of a covered outdoor GFCI AC outlet.
Q. Do
I need to bury my low voltage cable?
A. No. Exposed cable is weatherproof and shockless. However, for better
appearance, hide cable with mulch, rocks, etc.
Q. Do
I need to tape or seal the end of the cable?
A. No. Simply straight-cut exposed wire so it is flush with the insulated
covering.
3
Choose Fixtures That Suit Your Needs
Downlighting
• Enhances safety
• Place along walkways and steps
• Outline driveways
• Mark garden paths and flower beds
• Accent patios and decks
Uplighting
• Create a focal point
• Highlight small trees and shrubs
• Illuminate fountains and garden
statuary
Backlighting
• Enhances security
• Accent trees and bushes
• Illuminate walls and fences
• Light up your home’s exterior
4
Installation is Easy
5
Choose Your Light Fixtures
6
Applications
Fashion Lights
General use for gardens, shrubs and driveways
Down Lights
Illuminate paths, walkways, low lying ground cover
Markers
Low-profile fixtures to line paths and plant beds
Floodlights
Highlight trees and architectural features
Surface/Deck Lights
Add beauty and safety to decks, walls, steps
and fences
7
Choose the Right Power Pack
Example:
18 18 18 18 20 20 20 20 20 20 300 watt
watts watts watts watts watts watts watts watts watts watts Power Pack
NOTE: When necessary, divide large systems into 2 or more smaller systems using additional
Power Packs. In which case, total only the bulb wattages for each fixture within each smaller
systems to determine the correct size Power Pack needed for each smaller system.
8
Choose Low Voltage Cable
A. Series Installation
Most common. P F F F F F F
C. Tee Method
llows more even distribution of
A
power to the center of a run or
to a run some distance off, i.e. P
across a driveway. Heavier gauge
cable (10 or 12 gauge) or a double F F F F F F
run of cable should be used to
make the tee. All cable to cable
connections should be soldered.
D. Split Tee
llows relative uniform
A
distribution of power to both F F F F
legs, i.e., to both sides of the yard.
Otherwise, the layout is the same
P
as B. F F F F
E. Loop Installation
llows for relatively uniform light
A P
output.*
* Polarity note: Please observe cable polarity F F
when using “loop” installation.
F F
F F
9
Make a Lighting Plan
10
USE THIS GRID TO DRAW YOUR LIGHTING PLAN.
SCALE: 1/8 INCH = 1 SQ. FOOT
11
Low Voltage LED Lighting
Lámparas de bajo voltaje LED
LED Lights
Lámparas LED
12
Low Voltage Lighting
Iluminación de bajo voltaje
Garden Lights
Lámparas de jardín
13
Low Voltage Lighting
Iluminación de bajo voltaje
Garden Lights
Lámparas de jardín
Floodlights
Luces de inundación
14
Low Voltage Lighting
Iluminación de bajo voltaje
Deck Lights
Lámparas para terraza
15
Extras
Excesos
Power Packs
Transformadores
16