What Landscape Wire to Use for 20 Watts at 260 Feet?

What Landscape Wire to Use for 20 Watts at 260 Feet?

If you're powering a 20-watt landscape lighting fixture 260 feet from your transformer, choosing the correct wire gauge ensures your lighting system performs reliably with minimal voltage loss.

Recommended Wire Gauge

For this setup, use 12 AWG landscape wire. It’s well-suited for long distances and keeps voltage drop within a reasonable range for low-power LED systems.

Why 12 AWG Works

At 260 feet, carrying 20 watts (~1.67 amps) through 12 AWG results in a voltage drop of around ~1.37V (11.4%). While above the 5% guideline, this is generally safe for low wattage runs and won’t cause noticeable dimming with quality LED fixtures.

Voltage Drop Summary

  • Power: 20 watts
  • Voltage: 12V
  • Current: ~1.67 amps
  • Distance: 260 ft
  • Voltage drop on 12 AWG: ~1.37V (11.4%)

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Tips for Installation

  • Bury cable at least 6 inches deep
  • Use waterproof connectors
  • Avoid tight bends or damage to insulation
  • Label wire ends for easy troubleshooting in the future
  • Keep wire runs away from sharp rocks or edges that may cut the insulation

FAQs

Can I use 14 AWG instead?
It’s not recommended at this distance and load. Stick with 12 AWG to keep voltage drop under control.

What if I expand my system?
12 AWG already gives you excellent headroom. If you're adding significantly more fixtures, recalculate the total wattage to confirm, but 12 AWG will usually handle moderate expansion.

Is voltage drop really that important?
Yes too much drop can dim your lights and reduce lifespan. Even a slight excess above 5% in low power setups like this is typically safe but worth monitoring.

Should I use solid or stranded wire?
Stranded wire is recommended for landscape lighting due to its flexibility and ease of installation around curves and obstacles.

Summary

Use 12 AWG for 20 watts at 260 feet. It ensures safe and efficient performance with room for system growth.

← See Wire Sizes for Other Wattages and Distances

Disclaimer: Calculations are based on standard estimates. Real-world results may vary based on wire quality, environmental conditions, and installation methods.