FAQ
Lights, kits and replacement parts
Are these 12V low voltage lights safe for kids and pets?
Are these 12V low voltage lights safe for kids and pets?
Low voltage refers to the output supplied to the lights, not the household outlet supplying the transformer. Use the correct power supply for the product and follow its installation instructions; any new household wiring or outlet needs a qualified electrician.
What is the difference between solid brass and aluminum fixtures?
What is the difference between solid brass and aluminum fixtures?
The material is listed on each product page. China Hat and Pagoda path lights use die-cast aluminum; the Replaceable MR16 spotlight is die-cast aluminum with a powder coat; the recessed deck kit is stainless steel; and the half-moon rail light uses polycarbonate and ABS. Choose by the fixture and its mounting position rather than an assumed service life.
Will brass lights rust or turn green?
Will brass lights rust or turn green?
Brass can develop a patina outdoors. Patina is normal weathering; coating, casting and other defect coverage depends on the product. Read the warranty terms.
What color temperature are these lights? Can I change the bulb?
What color temperature are these lights? Can I change the bulb?
China Hat and Pagoda path lights take a replaceable G4 bulb; the spotlights take MR16. Other lights use integrated LEDs. Color options vary: the pond range includes 5CCT and RGB kits. Check the color and bulb information for the exact product.
Does this kit include transformer and cable?
Does this kit include transformer and cable?
Check the product’s In the box list. Path lights and spotlights need a separately chosen landscape transformer and main cable. Pond kits and the recessed deck kit include their own power supply; that does not mean every kit includes a spool of main landscape cable.
How many lights can this transformer support?
How many lights can this transformer support?
Add the actual wattage of the lights sharing the transformer. Our planning tables use 80% of rated transformer power: for example, 80 W on a 100 W transformer. Dedicated-power kits stay off that main load calculation. Plan my yard works through a whole run.
How deep should I bury the low voltage cable?
How deep should I bury the low voltage cable?
Use direct-burial cable and follow the applicable installation requirements for the cable, site and power system. Read the installation guide before laying out the run.
Do I need professional tools or an electrician to install?
Do I need professional tools or an electrician to install?
The tools depend on the mounting method: stakes, recessed holes and screw-mounted rail lights are different jobs. Follow the manual and check what is included. New household wiring or an outdoor outlet requires a qualified electrician.
Can I mix different lights on one landscape run?
Can I mix different lights on one landscape run?
Check voltage, AC/DC input, total wattage and cable size before mixing lights on one run. The pond and recessed deck kits use their supplied power supply. Check compatibility.
Will the lights be damaged by lawn mowers?
Will the lights be damaged by lawn mowers?
Place fixtures and cable where lawn equipment will not strike them. Fixture height or a metal stake does not protect against a mower or trimmer. External force is excluded from the fixture warranty.
Why are the lights far from the transformer dimmer than the ones nearby?
Why are the lights far from the transformer dimmer than the ones nearby?
Long or heavily loaded wire runs can lose voltage. Check the connections and the feed from the transformer to the first light, then review gauge and length. Read the wire guide.
My lights flicker or cut off occasionally. What should I do?
My lights flicker or cut off occasionally. What should I do?
With power off, check the connectors and cable for loose or damaged connections. Then check total load and compatibility. Connector types differ by product; use the instructions for the connector supplied with yours.
The lights stay on during the day or fail to turn on at night.
The lights stay on during the day or fail to turn on at night.
Check the timer mode and the photocell position for the power supply in use. Keep the sensor clear of plants and away from the light it controls. If that does not resolve it, email the model and a photo of the setup to support@hiboitec.com.
What is the IP rating of these fixtures? Are they waterproof for rain and snow?
What is the IP rating of these fixtures? Are they waterproof for rain and snow?
The rating depends on the product: path lights are IP65, the well and hardscape lights are IP67, and the pond light heads are IP68. The light head’s rating does not apply automatically to its power supply. Only use a fixture underwater when its product instructions permit it.
Can the lights work in freezing winter and snow?
Can the lights work in freezing winter and snow?
Check the operating temperature for the exact model. There is no single range for every light or transformer. Keep sensors and mounting positions clear as required by the supplied instructions.
Are brass/aluminum lights suitable for coastal areas with salt spray?
Are brass/aluminum lights suitable for coastal areas with salt spray?
The aluminum fixture warranty includes coastal installations for its full ten-year term. Other materials and products have their own terms. Read the material and product coverage.
What is your warranty policy?
What is your warranty policy?
Die-cast aluminum fixtures carry a ten-year warranty, coast included. Brass, stainless steel, bulbs, plastic-bodied fixtures and electrical products have different coverage. The warranty page explains the terms and how to claim.
Can I return the products if I am not satisfied? What are the return rules?
Can I return the products if I am not satisfied? What are the return rules?
Use the current Refund Policy for the return window, eligibility, condition and shipping terms. Contact support@hiboitec.com with your order number before returning an item.
If one light is broken, can I buy replacement parts separately?
If one light is broken, can I buy replacement parts separately?
G4 and MR16 fixtures use stock replacement bulbs. Individual fixture availability depends on the product; fixed-count kits are not all sold as single lights. Email the order number and part name for a missing or failed kit component.
Are these lights DarkSky friendly?
Are these lights DarkSky friendly?
We do not claim DarkSky certification. Shielding, aiming and color temperature vary by fixture; upward-facing and RGB products should not be described as all fully shielded or all at 3000 K and below.
Which fixture should I choose for my yard?
Which fixture should I choose for my yard?
Path lights mark walks and bed edges; spotlights and well lights aim upward; rail and hardscape lights put light down onto posts, walls or steps. Pond kits have their own power supply. Plan my yard connects the choices to the layout.
Should I choose low voltage wired lights or solar lights?
Should I choose low voltage wired lights or solar lights?
Choose around the location, the available power and the result you need. The solar and low-voltage guide compares the two approaches.
Transformers and wire
Landscape transformers and wire
Is this transformer AC or DC output? What kind of landscape lights does it work with?
Is this transformer AC or DC output? What kind of landscape lights does it work with?
Output is model-specific. The 100 W model is specified as 12 V DC; other transformers have their own output labels. Match both voltage and AC/DC input on every fixture. Do not assume all LEDs or all halogen lights need the same output type.
How to choose the right wattage? What is the maximum number of lights it can support?
How to choose the right wattage? What is the maximum number of lights it can support?
Add each light’s actual wattage, then choose a transformer with the planned load at or below 80% of its rating. Count a 3 W path light as 3 W and a 12 W well light as 12 W. Plan my yard has worked layouts.
Does every transformer have adjustable voltage taps?
Does every transformer have adjustable voltage taps?
Do not assume every transformer has 12/13/14/15 V taps. The 100 W product is specified as 12 V DC; the dual-zone range has model-specific 12/14 V outputs. Use only the terminals and output types shown on that unit’s label and manual.
What is the input voltage? Is it compatible with US household power?
What is the input voltage? Is it compatible with US household power?
Check the input label for the exact model and use the outlet specified in its manual. A low-voltage output does not mean the household input is low voltage.
Can it be used outdoors? What is its waterproof rating? Is it safe in rain and strong sunlight?
Can it be used outdoors? What is its waterproof rating? Is it safe in rain and strong sunlight?
Follow the installation position and weather-protection requirements for that transformer. Do not transfer a light head or photocell’s IP rating to the whole transformer, and do not submerge the power supply.
Does it come with photocell and timer? Can the lights turn on and off automatically?
Does it come with photocell and timer? Can the lights turn on and off automatically?
Controls differ by model, including sensor placement and zone modes. Read the supplied photocell and timer instructions for the unit you own; keep its sensor clear and away from the lights it controls.
How deep should I bury the low voltage cable? Do I need to use rigid conduit?
How deep should I bury the low voltage cable? Do I need to use rigid conduit?
Follow the requirements for the actual cable, installation site and power system. The installation guide covers laying out a landscape run.
The lights get dim on long wire runs, how to fix this issue?
The lights get dim on long wire runs, how to fix this issue?
Check connections and total load first, then shorten or thicken the feed where needed. There is no single maximum cable length for every gauge and load. Do not increase output voltage unless both the transformer and connected fixtures support it.
Do I need special tools to connect wires? How to use waterproof connectors?
Do I need special tools to connect wires? How to use waterproof connectors?
The connector supplied depends on the light or accessory. Turn off power and follow that connector’s wire preparation, gauge and sealing instructions. Do not assume every product includes gel-filled wire nuts.
No lights turn on after plugging in, what should I do?
No lights turn on after plugging in, what should I do?
Check the outlet, timer mode and external cable connections using the supplied manual. Turn power off before touching the low-voltage connections. Do not open the transformer or assume it contains a user-serviceable fuse; send the model and setup details to support@hiboitec.com if needed.
The lights flicker randomly, what causes this problem?
The lights flicker randomly, what causes this problem?
Check loose connections, damaged cable, total load and output compatibility. Do not apply a multi-tap adjustment to a fixed-output model. Contact support with the model, load and wire layout if the problem continues.
The lights stay on in daytime or fail to turn on at night.
The lights stay on in daytime or fail to turn on at night.
Check the selected mode and the sensor position for this model. Daylight access and light from nearby fixtures can affect a photocell. Follow the troubleshooting steps in its manual.
The transformer gets hot and makes buzzing noise, is this normal?
The transformer gets hot and makes buzzing noise, is this normal?
Use the operating guidance for the exact transformer. If heat or noise changes unexpectedly, stop using it and contact support@hiboitec.com with the model and installation details; do not treat every heat or buzzing symptom as normal.
What is the service life and warranty of this transformer?
What is the service life and warranty of this transformer?
Transformers, including photocells and timers, are covered for ten years. Read the warranty page and keep your order number.
Can I add more landscape lights later?
Can I add more landscape lights later?
You can expand a compatible main landscape run if the transformer and cable still support its total load. Pond and other fixed-count, dedicated-power kits are separate systems; do not add lights to them unless the kit instructions expressly allow it.
