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Garden Lighting Installation

Professional garden lighting installation by qualified electricians. 12V and mains-voltage landscape lighting, path lights, and uplighters. Qualified and insured.

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Garden Lighting Installation

Qualified electrician

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Same-day service

Most jobs matched within hours.

Upfront pricing

Clear quotes before work starts.

Qualified pros

NICEIC & NAPIT registered.

Pay when done

Funds held until you're happy.

How it works

1

Design consultation

Your electrician walks the garden with you to discuss the effect you want — path lighting, uplighting, feature lighting, or a combination. They assess power supply options, cable routes, and recommend 12V or mains-voltage systems based on the layout and your budget.

2

Cable routing and groundwork

Cables are routed from the power source to each light position. For mains-voltage systems, SWA (Steel Wire Armoured) cable is buried at a minimum depth of 500mm with warning tape above. For 12V systems, low-voltage cable is buried at 150-300mm or run through conduit.

3

Transformer or circuit installation

For 12V systems, a weatherproof transformer is mounted in a sheltered location and connected to an indoor circuit. For mains-voltage systems, a dedicated circuit is run from the consumer unit with RCD protection and an outdoor isolator switch.

4

Fitting installation

Each light fitting is installed at its planned position — spike-mounted for borders, recessed for paths and patios, or bracket-mounted for walls and trees. All connections use IP-rated junction boxes or gel-filled connectors to prevent water ingress.

5

Testing and commissioning

The full circuit is tested for insulation resistance, earth continuity, and correct RCD operation. Light levels and positioning are adjusted. An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) is issued for mains-voltage work.

What's included

Design consultation and lighting plan
All cable, conduit, connectors, and fixings
Trenching and cable burial to required depth
Transformer installation for 12V systems
Dedicated circuit from consumer unit for mains systems
RCD protection and outdoor isolator switch
Light fitting installation and positioning
IP-rated waterproof connections throughout
Full circuit testing to BS 7671 standards
Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) for mains work

What's involved

Garden lighting transforms your outdoor space into something you can enjoy year-round, from subtle path lighting to dramatic tree uplighting. A professional installation covers the full design — choosing between low-voltage 12V systems and mains-voltage fittings, selecting the right IP-rated fixtures, positioning transformers, and running cables safely underground. Most garden lighting projects are completed in one to two days depending on the number of fittings and complexity of the cable runs.

Any new outdoor electrical circuit is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. Mains-voltage garden lighting must be installed by a qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA). Even 12V systems fed from an indoor transformer benefit from professional installation to ensure waterproof connections, correct cable burial depth, and compliance with BS 7671 Section 714 for outdoor installations. Poorly installed garden lighting creates shock and fire hazards, particularly in wet ground conditions.

Get a personalised quote

Typical cost: £200–£800per installation

Every job is different — pricing depends on your property, location, and specific requirements. Describe what you need and a qualified electrician will quote you directly.

How long does it take?

One day for a simple 12V system with 4-6 fittings and short cable runs. One to two days for mains-voltage installations or larger schemes with 8-12 fittings, trenching across hard surfaces, or a new dedicated circuit.

Regulations & safety

Safety notice

Mains-voltage garden lighting is notifiable electrical work under Part P. It must be installed by a qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme.

All outdoor electrical connections must use IP-rated enclosures suitable for the installation location. Standard indoor junction boxes will fail within months and create shock hazards.

Cables buried in the ground must be at the correct depth with warning tape — 500mm for mains-voltage SWA cable. Shallow burial risks cable damage from gardening tools.

Part P of the Building Regulations (Approved Document P)

New outdoor electrical circuits are notifiable work. Installation must be carried out by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme, or inspected and certified by Building Control.

BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (IET Wiring Regulations), Section 714

Section 714 covers the specific requirements for outdoor lighting installations, including IP ratings for fittings and enclosures, cable burial depths, earthing, and protection against mechanical damage.

IET Guidance Note 7 — Special Locations

Provides detailed guidance on installing electrical equipment in outdoor locations, including gardens, pathways, and areas subject to weather exposure.

What to expect

12V systems are significantly cheaper to install and safer to work around, but the light output is lower and cable runs over 15 metres can suffer voltage drop. For large gardens, mains-voltage fittings or multiple transformers may be the better option.
The biggest cost variable is groundwork. Running cables across a lawn is straightforward, but crossing patios, paths, or driveways requires cutting and reinstating hard surfaces — this can add £200-400 per crossing.
Tree uplighting looks dramatic but trees grow. Fittings need repositioning every few years, and branches can obstruct the light. Spike-mounted fittings in borders are easier to adjust than recessed ground fittings.
LED fittings are the standard for garden lighting. They use a fraction of the power of halogen, run cool, and last 25,000-50,000 hours. The initial cost is higher but the running cost is negligible — a typical 10-light garden setup costs under £20 per year to run.

Having issues with your existing installation?

Already have a garden lighting and having issues? Check our troubleshooting guides.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose 12V or mains-voltage garden lighting?
12V systems are safer, cheaper to install, and easier to extend — ideal for most domestic gardens. Mains-voltage (240V) fittings are brighter and better suited to large gardens, long cable runs, or situations where you need high-output floodlighting. Your electrician can advise based on your garden layout and the effect you want.
What IP rating do garden lights need?
As a minimum, garden lights should be IP44 (protected against splashing water). For ground-recessed fittings, path lights, or anything at ground level, IP65 or IP67 is recommended — these are protected against jets of water and temporary submersion. Pond lights need IP68.
Can I add more lights to an existing garden lighting system later?
Yes, both 12V and mains-voltage systems can be extended. 12V systems are particularly easy to add to — most transformers have spare capacity. For mains systems, additional spurs can be added from existing junction boxes, provided the circuit can handle the extra load.
Do garden lights need to be on a separate circuit?
For mains-voltage garden lighting, a dedicated circuit from the consumer unit with its own RCD protection is strongly recommended and often required. 12V systems are typically powered from a transformer connected to an existing indoor socket or lighting circuit.
How deep do cables need to be buried in the garden?
Mains-voltage SWA (Steel Wire Armoured) cable must be buried at a minimum of 500mm with warning tape laid above. Low-voltage 12V cable should be buried at 150-300mm. All buried cables should be routed away from areas likely to be dug over.

Find garden lighting installation near you

Browse qualified electricians for garden lighting installation by London borough.

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