Best Low Voltage Garden Lighting Kits for DIY Installation: 2025 Expert Review
Oli at OR Electrics
18th Edition Qualified Electrician
Garden lighting in the UK is often a source of frustration. Solar lights tend to fail miserably during our grey Northern winters when we need them most, whilst professional mains-voltage lighting requires digging deep trenches and dealing with armoured cable (SWA)—a job strictly for the professionals.
The middle ground is 12V (Extra Low Voltage) lighting kits. These systems step down standard mains voltage to a safe level, meaning if you accidentally put a spade through a cable, you won't get a dangerous shock. They are arguably the safest way for a keen DIYer to light up a garden path or feature tree.
However, not all kits are created equal. Cheap transformers burn out, and poor seals let water in, tripping your main RCD indoors. In this review, I've selected three kits that offer decent build quality, reliable connections, and safe operation for your outdoor space.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "IP65 Waterproof Rating"
"The product is dust-tight and protected against water jets from any angle."
In a British winter, it's not the jets of water that kill lights—it's constant damp and condensation. Cheap plastic seals degrade. Metal housings with proper rubber gaskets always last longer.
The Spec: "Plug and Play Connectors"
"Screw the cables together and it works instantly."
Screw connectors are the weak point. If buried in wet soil, water eventually tracks in. I always recommend wrapping connectors in self-amalgamating tape or keeping them above the soil line where possible.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
GreenClick Garden Spike Lights, Extendable Garden Lights Mains Powered 12V
GreenClick
This is a straightforward, no-nonsense starter kit. It's affordable and solves the basic need of lighting up a pathway or a few shrubs without breaking the bank. The extendable nature is a nice touch, though I wouldn't push the cable length too far to avoid voltage drop.
The Good
- Very affordable entry into wired lighting
- Safer than 230V mains for DIY installation
- Generous 6m lead from plug to first light
The Bad
- Lightweight construction compared to metal alternatives
- Connectors need care to ensure they stay watertight
Installer Tip:
When installing these spike lights, be careful not to force them into hard, rocky soil (common in some parts of Leeds) by pushing on the lamp head. Make a pilot hole with a screwdriver first, or you'll snap the plastic spike.
Priced at £33.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonCRODIAL All-in-One Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Kit 12W LED, 12 Pack
CRODIAL
If you are looking for durability, this is the superior option. The housing is die-cast aluminium rather than plastic, which deals with heat dissipation much better and survives accidental knocks from footballs or garden tools. The 150W transformer is substantial, allowing for reliable power delivery across all 12 lights.
The Good
- Robust metal construction reduces risk of damage
- High capacity transformer prevents dimming issues
- Wide input voltage handling (85-265V AC)
The Bad
- Higher upfront cost
- Larger transformer requires suitable mounting space
Installer Tip:
The transformer needs to breathe. Don't bury it in mulch or hide it in a sealed plastic box where it can overheat. Mount it vertically on a wall or fence post, at least 30cm off the ground to prevent water splashing up into the terminals.
Priced at £134.36 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonHIBOITEC 8PCS Low Voltage Garden Lights with Transformer & Photocell Sensor
HIBOITEC
The main headache with garden lights is remembering to turn them on and off. This kit solves that with an integrated 'dusk to dawn' photocell and timer. It also features dimmable heads, which is rare for kits at this price point—perfect if you want subtle mood lighting rather than a floodlight effect.
The Good
- Set-and-forget operation with dusk-to-dawn sensor
- Dimmable lights allow for better ambience control
- Aluminium construction provides durability
The Bad
- Sensor placement is critical for proper operation
- System is 24V (don't mix with 12V components)
Installer Tip:
When using the photocell (dusk to dawn) feature, ensure the sensor is not facing the lights themselves, or facing a street lamp. If it sees light, it will turn off, then realise it's dark and turn on again, causing your garden to strobe like a disco all night.
Priced at £83.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician to install low voltage garden lights?
Is 12V lighting as bright as mains lighting?
How deep should I bury the cables?
Why do my lights flicker or look dim at the end of the run?
Are these kits legal to use in the UK?
Can I extend these kits with more lights?
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