When it comes to LED landscape lighting, it’s easy to focus on the aesthetics – the fixtures, the design layout, the warm glow of lights illuminating walkways and garden features. But behind every beautiful lighting setup is a crucial component that often gets overlooked: the wire. Specifically, low-voltage direct burial wire. This type of wire is engineered to deliver reliable, long-lasting power to your outdoor lighting system, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in both safety and performance.
Why Premium Direct Burial Wire Matters
Unlike standard electrical wire, low-voltage direct burial wire is designed to be installed underground and endure harsh outdoor conditions. It typically features stranded copper conductors encased in a UV-resistant, weatherproof PVC insulation. This construction protects the wire from moisture, soil acidity, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations – ensuring consistent operation over time.
Premium-quality burial wire like the kind available at C2CLights.com also reduces voltage drop, a common issue in landscape lighting that causes lights at the end of the line to appear dimmer than those closer to the transformer. Using the right wire gauge and high-grade materials ensures even lighting across your entire system and helps prevent costly replacements or repairs down the line.
Choosing the Right Wire Gauge
When selecting low-voltage wire, one of the most important factors to consider is the gauge. Wire gauge determines how much current the wire can carry and how far it can go without losing voltage. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire and the more capacity it offers.
- 14-gauge wire is well-suited for shorter runs and systems with fewer LED fixtures. It’s ideal when your layout is compact and total wattage is on the lower end.
- 12-gauge wire offers more flexibility for medium-length runs and systems with moderate power demands. It helps reduce voltage drop without being overly bulky or expensive.
- 10-gauge wire is the heaviest option for landscape lighting and is recommended for longer runs or installations with a higher number of fixtures. It provides the lowest resistance and is your best bet for preventing voltage drop across expansive layouts.
The right gauge for your project depends on total wattage, distance from the transformer, and how many fixtures you plan to install. If you’re unsure, erring on the side of a thicker wire can help avoid performance issues in the future.
Recommended Direct Burial Wire from C2CLights.com
At C2CLights.com, we offer premium, USA-made direct burial wire in three essential gauges, all available in 100- to 500-foot spools. Each product is built to deliver safe, efficient, and durable performance for your LED landscape lighting system.
- 14/2 Direct Burial Wire (100-Foot Spool)
This 14-gauge, two-conductor wire is perfect for smaller installations where runs are short and wattage is modest. It features stranded copper conductors and high-quality PVC insulation, designed for underground use in all weather conditions. It’s an affordable and reliable choice for low-voltage systems that don’t require a heavy power load. - 12/2 Direct Burial Wire (100-Foot Spool)
A step up in thickness, this 12-gauge wire handles longer distances and greater loads with less voltage loss. It’s an excellent choice for medium to large-sized properties where your lighting system needs to stretch further from the transformer. - 10/2 Direct Burial Wire (100-Foot Spool)
Our heaviest-duty option, 10-2 direct burial wire, is built for demanding installations. Whether you’re powering a large number of fixtures or running cable over long distances, this wire ensures maximum efficiency and minimal voltage drop. It’s rugged, long-lasting, and ideal for more complex outdoor lighting setups.
All three options are designed for durability and ease of installation, with clearly marked polarity and flexible insulation that resists cracking or splitting during installation.
Installation Tips and Best Practices
To get the most from your landscape lighting system, keep these best practices in mind:
- Bury the wire properly. For most residential installations, a depth of 6–12 inches is sufficient. In high-traffic areas or where digging is possible, consider going deeper for added protection.
- Use waterproof connectors. Where splices or splits are necessary, always use silicone-filled, direct burial-rated connectors to prevent moisture intrusion and corrosion.
- Avoid running wire near sprinkler lines or shallow-rooted trees. These areas can cause physical damage to the cable over time.
- Plan for expansion. If you expect to add fixtures in the future, consider using a heavier gauge now to accommodate the extra load later.
Why Choose C2CLights.com for Direct Burial Wire?
We don’t just sell lighting—we provide the products that support it from the ground up. Our direct burial wire is:
- Made in the USA
- Rated for outdoor, underground use
- Tested for reliability and performance
- Available in multiple gauges to fit any project
Whether you’re a professional contractor or a homeowner tackling a DIY project, choosing the right wire is a smart investment in your landscape lighting system’s future. With our high-quality 14/2, 12/2, and 10/2 wire options, you’ll get the reliability and performance your outdoor lighting deserves.
Ready to get started? Shop our direct burial wire collection today at C2CLights.com and build a lighting system that lasts.
