GET THE 'WOW' FACTOR

Once expensive to run, LEDs have changed everything and are really low energy consumption so you don't have to feel guilty having the garden lights on all year round. Anything electrical that is exposed to the elements needs to be robust if it's going to stand the test of time, so if you can help it, don't skimp on fittings.

Alternatively, the expensive fixture is a solid 316 sStainless steel fixture featuring quality seals and an anti-capillary device designed to prevent moisture penetration through compromised cable joins - a great safeguard feature.

Gordon has certainly heard people say "...but I can get something that looks like that from the local hardware store for $30..." - This while he's showing them a similar use fixture worth $300. The difference here is that the cheap fixture is a low quality powder coated steel compound that will rust away in 6-12 months.

"There's garden lighting and then there's Garden Lighting."

Cheap installation quotes

Running cable underground leaves itself open to corrosion and damage, if not installed correctly. Landscapers often 'win the job' by providing cheap quotes because they take short cuts during installation (no heat shrink splicing etc.) Gordon stumbled upon an appauling example on a recent service job:

To be fair, some of these tradies simply aren't trained properly. Either way, in the long run, it's not good for your back pocket, and it results in a system that will soon be compromised by moisture spreading insidiously through the cables, causing major issues... Don't waste your money by doing it cheap only to end up spending that and more to redo it all properly.

Avoid cheap fittings - you'll get what you pay for

Anything electrical that's exposed to the elements and harsh conditions, needs to be robust to stand the test of time. Go with brands like Aqulux.

Yes, that's duct tape 'sealing' electical wiring outdoors! Good lord!

Heat shrink/splice using heat shrink tube, NOT heatshrink caps!  No moisture getting in now!