How to Troubleshoot the Most Common Landscape Lighting Issues

Outdoor lighting should stand up against the toughest of elements—facing everything from ice, rain, and wind to invasive landscaping and nibbling insects. So, if you suddenly notice one—or all—of your landscape lights have gone dark, there are a few things you can do to diagnose the issue instantly. And while most larger issues require the trained eye of a local electrician, you can narrow down most problems with a little trial and error.

Common Landscape Lighting Systems

Not all outdoor lighting systems are the same. Professionally installed designs link to your home's electrical systems, while budget-friendly lighting systems require the help of a transformer. Here are the three varieties you'll likely encounter:

• Line-voltage landscaping: Your lights connect directly to your home electrical system and were (likely) installed by a professional.

• Low-voltage landscape system: Either you or a professional may set up this outdoor lighting with a designated transformer. The transformer shrinks your home's 120v system down to 12v to safely power your line of outdoor lights. 

• Solar landscape lighting: Typically bought at the hardware store, these simple systems work on one circuit linked to small solar panels on each light.

It's a bit easier to diagnose your problem if you know which system you have, so keep this in mind before getting started. No matter what you're dealing with, here are some of the most common homeowner lighting complaints and how to address them.

1. One or Two Lights Are Not Working

If you've noticed a suspicious dark spot on the front shrubs, you may just have one light out in your system. Here are some frequent culprits.

The Bulb Burned Out

While this may seem like a simple fix, always start by checking the bulb itself. Remember to turn off any electric current to the system before removing or replacing the bulb, especially when you're working outdoors.

Incandescent lights burn out more regularly than LEDs, so consider making the switch if you're looking to cut down on time, money, and energy use.

Your Circuit Has Inconsistent Voltage

Do you find yourself constantly heading to the hardware store for more bulbs? The problem could stem from either "daisy chain" wiring or a multi-tap transformer. 

Many store-bought DIY outdoor systems power the whole line of lights with a series circuit, a bit like holiday lights. Other setups require each bulb to function within a very small voltage window, leading to problems if one bulb burns out or takes up too much power.

What can you do about it? After cutting the power to the system, check your wires, sockets, and transformer for frayed wires, loose connections, and burned-out bulbs. We recommend calling a professional to fix any larger system issues like rewiring or replacing sockets.

Socket Corrosion

Outdoor lighting sockets deal with far more than their indoor counterparts. Water and dirt can corrode the connection over time, especially if your system is not properly waterproofed. If you know you have a good bulb, but the one light won't light up, call an electrician to take a look at your sockets.

2. All Your Lights Are Out

A complete lighting system failure is a major headache, but could stem from some of the same issues as when a single light does dark.

Your Transformer Doesn't Have Power

The transformer to your outdoor lighting system has an individual power source and circuit breaker. Make sure the transformer is switched on and check its individual circuit breakers for a short.

The GFCI Outlet Tripped

Most systems—particularly low-voltage systems—plug into a GFCI outlet, aka a ground fault circuit interrupter. You'll recognize these outlets as the ones with the two buttons between the plugs. A GFCI outlet cuts power in one-thirtieth of a second if it detects major changes in the current, protecting your system—and yourself—from surges and shocks.

Hit the reset button on your transformer outlet If it's been tripped. If you find your transformer plugged into a non-GFCI outlet, make the change ASAP or speak with an electrician to install a new outdoor outlet.

Something Cut the Electrical Line

Most outdoor lighting wiring runs inside a small underground trench, likely beneath your azalea bushes or along the grass line. Tillers, shovels, and other sharp landscape tools occasionally knick your wires—this is why it's so important to know where utility lines lie before taking on large landscaping projects.

Electrical lines can also fray naturally over time, especially when worn down by roots, rain, or even fire ants.

After turning off the power to your outdoor lighting, search along the line for signs or frayed wires. You may need the help of an electrician if your wires are underground.

3. Your Timer Isn't Functioning

Last but certainly not least, outdoor lighting timers often cause issues on their own. This relatively simple system should flip your lights on at a certain hour or when the sun goes down. Depending on the age of your system, here are two possible issues to address.

The Timer Needs a Reset

While "turn it off and turn it back on again" may seem too obvious, it can be the answer to a broken lighting timer. The control box inside your home should have a "Reset" or "R" button to reset your entries. If this doesn't work, gently remove the box from the wall and unplug it from power. If your lights switch on without it present, it may simply be time for a new timer.

Blocked or Broken Photocells

Older systems use photocells to detect when the sun goes down, and it's time to switch on your outdoor lights. These cells can weaken over the years, causing them to send the wrong signal to your system.

We also recommend heading outside to ensure these individual photocells are not blocked by overgrown foliage or even a new landscape element like an awning or umbrella.

4. It's Time for an Upgrade

A well-designed and dependable lighting system goes far beyond showing off your fabulous new patio. Lighting increases home security and even boosts curb appeal. If you're consistently troubleshooting electrical issues, replacing bulbs, or hitting your circuit reset buttons, it may be time for a new system. Reach out to your local outdoor lighting specialist to expand your current design and showcase your home with the lighting it deserves.