17 April 2024

Fixing an accidentally cut landscape wire


I love my landscape lighting. Most of the trees in my backyard are lit with uplights and it looks fantastic.

However, about a week ago I was moving some peonies to make room for a new perennial garden and I sliced though one of the line current wires that supplies my lighting system. I'd never done it before and since it was a buried line without any conduit I was at a loss for how to fix it. I mean, how do I splice a wire and then bury it again? It was a conundrum that had me scratching my head. So off to Google I went.

Who knew that there's such a thing as a line current splicing kit that's intended to be buried? Well, here's what I learned. First, buy one of these:


Then do this:

Step-by-Step Guide to Splicing an Outdoor Wire with the Gardner Bender 14-8 Butt Splice Kit

Materials Needed:

  • Gardner Bender 14-8 Butt Splice Black kit
  • Wire cutters/strippers
  • Utility knife
  • Heat gun or lighter
  • Electrical tape
  • Waterproof silicone sealant (optional)

Steps:

1. Turn Off Power:

Ensure the power to the landscape light or the line current wire you are working on is turned off at the breaker box.

2. Locate and Expose the Damaged Wire:

Use a utility knife to carefully remove the soil around the damaged area of the wire. Make sure you have enough room to work comfortably.

3. Cut and Strip the Wires:

Use wire cutters to remove the damaged section of the wire.

Strip about 1/2 inch of insulation off the ends of the wires you need to splice.

4. Prepare the Butt Splice:

Take the butt splice connector from the Gardner Bender kit and ensure it is the correct size for your wires.

5. Insert the Wires:

Insert one stripped wire end into one side of the butt splice connector.

Use a crimping tool to crimp the connector onto the wire securely.

Repeat this process for the other wire on the opposite side of the connector.

6. Crimp the Connection:

Make sure both wires are securely crimped into the butt splice connector. Tug gently on the wires to ensure they are firmly attached.

7. Seal the Connection:

Slide the heat shrink tubing from the kit over the splice connection.

Use a heat gun or lighter to evenly heat the tubing until it shrinks tightly around the connection. This helps to insulate and protect the splice from moisture.

8. Apply Electrical Tape:

Wrap electrical tape around the entire splice area for extra protection. Ensure that the tape overlaps and covers the ends of the heat shrink tubing.

9. Optional: Apply Waterproof Silicone Sealant:

For added waterproofing, you can apply a layer of waterproof silicone sealant over the taped area. Allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

10. Bury the Wire:

Once the sealant is dry, carefully re-bury the wire in the soil. Make sure it is well protected and not at risk of being damaged again.

11. Turn On Power:

Turn the power back on at the breaker box and test the landscape light to ensure the splice is working correctly.

Tips:

Use Quality Tools: Ensure you have a good-quality wire stripper and crimper to make the job easier and more secure.

Check for Damage: Before you bury the wire, double-check that the splice is secure and there are no exposed wires.

Regular Inspections: Periodically check the spliced area to ensure it remains in good condition, especially after heavy rains or extreme weather conditions.

Good luck!