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!
