Landscape

Landscape Lighting

Tru-Scapes® Landscape lighting is the foundation of showcasing your outdoor space.
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Hardscape

Hardscape Lighting

Add safety and value to your hardscape area with lighting that is sure to impress.
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Deck

Deck Lighting

Brighten up your outdoor living area and enjoy extended time on your deck.
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Structure

Structure Lighting

Our structure lighting was created to add the right elements to your outdoor living space.
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Concrete

Concrete Lighting

An innovative solution to add safety and appeal to your concrete patio and steps.
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Transformers

Transformers

Powering your lighting with our transformers will create a complete and reliable system.
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Accessories

Accessories

Easily keep your system up and running smoothly with enhanced accessories.
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Landscape

Landscape Lighting

Tru-Scapes® Landscape lighting is the foundation of showcasing your outdoor space.
Learn More

Hardscape

Hardscape Lighting

Add safety and value to your hardscape area with lighting that is sure to impress.
Learn More

Deck

Deck Lighting

Brighten up your outdoor living area and enjoy extended time on your deck outdoors.
Learn More

Structure

Structure Lighting

Our structure lighting was created to add the right elements to your outdoor areas.
Learn More

Concrete

Concrete Lighting

Add safety and value to your concrete areas with lighting that is sure to impress.
Learn More

Transformers

Transformers

Powering your lighting with our transformers will create a complete system.
Learn More

Accessories

Accessories

Keep your system running smoothly with necessary replacement accessories.
Learn More

Landscape

Landscape Lighting

Tru-Scapes® Landscape lighting is the foundation of showcasing your outdoor space.
Learn More

Hardscape

Hardscape Lighting

Add safety and value to your hardscape area with lighting that is sure to impress.
Learn More

Deck

Deck Lighting

Brighten up your outdoor living area and enjoy extended time on your deck outdoors.
Learn More

Structure

Structure Lighting

Our structure lighting was created to add the right elements to your outdoor areas.
Learn More

Concrete

Concrete Lighting

Add safety and value to your concrete areas with lighting that is sure to impress.
Learn More

Transformers

Transformers

Powering your lighting with our transformers will create a complete system.
Learn More

Accessories

Accessories

Keep your system running smoothly with necessary replacement accessories.
Learn More
tru-scapes-belgard-lighting-tru-scapes-outdoor-lighting

Your Complete Outdoor Lighting Solution

Outdoor low voltage lighting has been a growing trend across the United States. Landscape designers, contractors, and installers are looking to include Tru-Scapes® professional lighting solutions.

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Featured Products

NOBLE PILLAR LIGHT

Color Changing Hardscape Light

HANGING BISTRO STRING LIGHTS

4.5" LED Deck Post Cap LIGHT—Fits Trex

⚡︎ Tru-Scapes Guide

What Size Transformer Do I Need?

Choosing the correct transformer is one of the most important steps when designing and installing a low voltage outdoor LED lighting system. A properly sized transformer ensures your lights perform correctly, maintain consistent brightness, and operate safely for years to come.

All Tru-Scapes transformers operate on low voltage AC power and are designed for professional-grade outdoor LED lighting systems — delivering reliable performance season after season.

1

Calculate Total Wattage

Start by adding together the wattage of every fixture connected to the transformer.

10 LED path lights @ 4W each 40W
4 uplights @ 7W each 28W
2 hardscape lights @ 3W each 6W
Total Load 74 Watts
2

Add Capacity Headroom

For best performance and long-term reliability, we recommend loading transformers to approximately 70–80% maximum capacity. This allows room for:

  • Voltage fluctuations
  • Future fixture additions
  • Longer wire runs
  • Cooler transformer operation
  • Improved LED performance and lifespan
⚙ Sizing & Specifications

Find Your Perfect Match

Use these charts and recommendations to choose the right transformer, wire, and zone setup for your outdoor lighting project.

Recommended Transformer Sizing

Match your total fixture wattage to the right transformer size.

Total Fixture Wattage Recommended Transformer
1–70 Watts100 Watt Transformer
71–160 Watts200 Watt Transformer
161–320 Watts400 Watt Transformer

Recommended Wire Size

Tru-Scapes recommends a minimum of 12/2 low voltage direct burial wire for outdoor LED lighting installations. Using larger gauge wire helps reduce voltage drop, improves system performance, and allows for longer wire runs.

  • 12/2 wire recommended for most residential installs
  • Larger systems may require heavier gauge wire
  • Avoid undersized wire to prevent dimming & voltage loss

Understanding Zones on a Transformer

Our 400 watt transformer includes 2 separate zones. This allows contractors and homeowners to:

  • Separate front and backyard lighting
  • Divide larger systems into multiple wire runs
  • Reduce voltage drop
  • Simplify troubleshooting and maintenance

Why Proper Transformer Sizing Matters

Consistent Brightness
Longer Fixture Lifespan
Voltage Regulation
Future Expansion
Long-Term Performance

Quick Reference Chart

Find the right transformer at a glance.

Transformer Size Ideal LED Load Best Applications
100 WattUp to ~70 WattsSmall landscape lighting systems
200 WattUp to ~160 WattsMedium-sized homes & outdoor living areas
400 Watt (2 Zone)Up to ~320 WattsLarge properties & multi-zone systems
💡 Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about choosing and sizing your low voltage outdoor LED lighting transformer.

Start by adding up the total wattage of every fixture in your lighting system. Then choose a transformer that allows your total load to fall within 70–80% of the transformer's maximum capacity. For example, if your total fixture wattage is 74 watts, a 100 watt transformer would be the right choice. This headroom ensures consistent brightness, reduces heat, and allows room for future expansion.
Loading a transformer to full capacity puts unnecessary stress on the unit and can shorten its lifespan. By keeping the load at 70–80%, you allow room for voltage fluctuations, longer wire runs, and future fixture additions. It also keeps the transformer running cooler, which improves overall LED performance and reliability over time.
Tru-Scapes recommends a minimum of 12/2 low voltage direct burial wire for most outdoor LED lighting installations. Larger systems or longer wire runs may require a heavier gauge to reduce voltage drop. Using undersized wire can cause dimming, voltage loss, and inconsistent performance — so it's always better to err on the side of a larger gauge.
Zones are independent output channels on a transformer that let you run separate wire lines from the same unit. Our 400 watt transformer includes 2 separate zones, which is ideal for splitting front and backyard lighting, dividing large systems into shorter runs, reducing voltage drop, and simplifying troubleshooting and maintenance. Multi-zone transformers are especially useful for larger properties.
Yes — and that's exactly why we recommend the 70–80% loading rule. By not maxing out your transformer at the time of install, you leave room to add path lights, uplights, or hardscape fixtures down the road without needing to upgrade your transformer. Planning ahead at install saves time and money later.
An undersized transformer will struggle to power all of your fixtures properly. You may notice dim or flickering lights, inconsistent brightness across the system, voltage drop on longer runs, and a shorter lifespan for both the transformer and your LED fixtures. Always size up to the next transformer category if your total load is close to the maximum capacity of a smaller unit.
Yes. All Tru-Scapes transformers are designed specifically for outdoor low voltage LED lighting systems. They operate on safe low voltage AC power and are built to professional-grade standards for long-term reliability in outdoor environments. For installation help, fixture layout, or voltage drop planning, we always recommend working with a local Tru-Scapes authorized dealer.

Need Help Designing Your System?

Contact a local Tru-Scapes authorized dealer for assistance selecting the proper transformer, wire size, fixture layout, and voltage drop planning for your outdoor lighting project.

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About Us

Lighting Solutions for Outdoor Living

Our goal is to provide your outdoor living space with a value that exceeds industry standards and minimizes installation costs.

Solutions for Homeowners

Extend your time outdoors with Tru-Scapes®—the lighting brand trusted by thousands nationwide.

Solutions For Contractors

From helping enhance projects to easy maintenance—Tru-Scapes® is proud to bring you premier lighting products.

Our Authorized Partners

Why Choose Us

Engineered for Excellence, with Color Changing Technology

Our team is revolutionizing the industry with this sought after technology.

We've got you covered!

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Enjoy the best Outdoor Ambiance

Outdoor low voltage lighting has been a growing trend across the United States. Landscape designers, contractors, and installers are looking to include these lighting solutions with their products and service offerings. 

Our Latest News & Articles

Stay up to date with the latest industry news, Tru-Scapes® product info., and exciting events.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS Why Small Yards Deserve Smarter Landscape Lighting Design Ideas A small yard is not a limitation — it is a design challenge that rewards precision. Large properties can

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KEY TAKEAWAYS Why Lumens Matter More Than Watts in Outdoor Landscape Lighting For decades, homeowners bought light bulbs by wattage. Higher watts meant brighter light, and the system worked well

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