If your landscape lighting system suddenly shuts off or starts flickering, there’s a good chance the issue isn’t the lights—it’s the circuit they’re plugged into.

One of the most overlooked components in outdoor lighting installs is the power source. Specifically, whether it’s on a dedicated circuit or not. Let’s break down what that means and why it’s important.

What Is a Dedicated Circuit?

A dedicated circuit is a breaker in your electrical panel that supplies power to just one specific thing—in this case, your outdoor lighting system. It’s not shared with your garage refrigerator, power tools, or your AC unit.

Without a dedicated line, your lighting is competing with other appliances. That opens the door to issues like:

• Overloaded breakers
• Random system shut-offs
• Damage to transformers over time
• Unexpected service calls (and frustration)

How Much Power Can One Outlet Handle?

Here’s the basic formula:

• Watts = Volts × Amps

Most homes run on a 120V supply, and a standard household circuit is either 15 amps (1,800 watts) or 20 amps (2,400 watts).

BUT—you shouldn’t run it at 100%. For safety and stability, electricians follow the 80% rule:

• 15A circuit = safely supports ~1,440 watts
• 20A circuit = safely supports ~1,920 watts

Now imagine plugging in multiple transformers, each powering dozens of LED luminaires. It’s easy to see how that load can add up—and why unplanned overloads lead to tripped breakers.

What Happens Without a Dedicated Circuit?

We’ve seen it all:

• Breaker tripping at dusk when the whole system kicks on
• Blown GFCI outlets—especially if shared with pool pumps, fridges, or HVAC equipment
• Client confusion—the lights “just stop working” and no one knows why

In some homes, the outdoor outlet is tied to circuits running the garage, attic fan, or basement appliances. It might work at first, but over time, you’re on borrowed time.

What If I Don’t Have a Dedicated Line Available?

Not every home has a spare dedicated circuit waiting to be used. That’s okay—there are workarounds:

• Test what else is on the circuit by flipping breakers and seeing what goes off
• Reduce the total load by using fewer lights or more efficient luminaires
• Split the system across multiple transformers and outlets if available
• Call a licensed electrician if you want to run a new dedicated line—it’s a one-time investment that protects your system long-term

And if you’re a lighting professional reading this: make sure to note any shared circuits during your install so future service questions are easy to troubleshoot.

Final Thoughts

A high-quality lighting system deserves a reliable power source. Dedicated circuits aren’t just an electrical detail—they’re a foundational piece of the install that helps prevent nuisance trips and protects your investment.

If your outdoor lighting keeps shutting off or acting up, don’t ignore the power source. It might be time to check what else is sharing the circuit.

Questions About Your Setup?

If you’re planning a system or dealing with annoying electrical issues, reach out to the Hearthstone team. We’ve seen just about every power problem you can imagine—and we’ll help you find the right fix.