Why Is My Landscape Lighting Not Working?

A Homeowner’s Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

There’s nothing more frustrating than investing in beautiful landscape lighting—only to have part (or all) of it suddenly stop working. Whether it’s a few dim fixtures or a whole zone that’s gone dark, don’t worry. Most issues are easy to diagnose and fix with the proper guidance.

At Beacon Outdoor Lighting, we specialize in high-end systems built to last. But even the best systems can run into occasional issues due to weather, age, or accidental damage. If you’re wondering, “Why is my landscape lighting not working?”—this guide will help you troubleshoot like a pro.

Start with a Simple Diagnostic

1. Check the Breaker Panel

Head to your home’s main electrical panel and check for tripped breakers.

Look for the breaker that supplies power to your landscape lighting system.
If it’s in the middle or “off” position, switch it off completely, then back to “on.”

Why this matters: Storms, surges, or moisture can trip breakers as a safety feature. This is often the first place a problem shows up.

2. Check GFCI Outlets

Your transformer is often plugged into a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet, which is usually located near the exterior of your home or garage.

Press the “RESET” button on the outlet.
It may have been tripped if it clicks and holds, but it is now restored.
If it continues to trip, there could be moisture in the system or a short in the line.

Why this matters: GFCIs are designed to shut off power if they detect moisture or a ground fault, which is common in wet or coastal climates like Southwest Florida.

3. Inspect the Transformer

Once power is confirmed, inspect your landscape lighting transformer—this box converts your home’s electricity into safe, low-voltage light power.

Things to check:

Internal circuit breaker or fuse: Some transformers have a built-in switch or resettable breaker—flip or reset it if necessary.
Timer settings or photocell sensors: Ensure the timer hasn’t been turned off or reset. Debris may block photocells or cause them to fail.
LED indicator lights (if present): If the transformer has diagnostic LEDs, use them to check power output or error codes.

Pro Tip: Open the transformer door and listen—if there’s no hum or light indicator, there may not be any power reaching the box at all.

4. Look for Failed Bulbs or Lamps

Like indoor lights, outdoor bulbs (even LED ones) can fail over time.

Walk your property and check each fixture individually.
If one fixture is out but the others are working, swap the bulb with one known to work.
Be sure the replacement bulb matches the correct voltage and wattage.

Why this matters: One dead bulb usually doesn’t affect the whole system, but several failed lamps can create issues with voltage balance.

5. Inspect for Loose or Damaged Connections

Over time, connectors can come loose over time due to weather, landscaping, or pests. Here’s what to look for:

Exposed wire near fixtures
Loose connectors or splice caps
Corrosion on metal contacts
Wire that has been chewed by rodents or cut by lawn equipment

Walk along your lighting path and gently tug on wires where they enter the ground. If something feels loose or broken, that may be your culprit.

Why this matters: A single lousy connection can break an entire zone of lights, especially in systems wired in series or loops.

6. Check for Cut or Pinched Wire

This is especially common after recent:

Planting
Tree removal
Irrigation installs

If your system worked perfectly before recent yard work, there’s a good chance a wire was accidentally cut or nicked underground.

You may notice:

An entire section of lighting is out
Flickering or inconsistent power
GFCI tripping repeatedly

Pro Tip: Professional tools like wire fault locators can pinpoint the break, but even a visual sweep of recent work areas can offer clues.

7. Look for Water Intrusion

Even with high-quality fixtures, water can sometimes sneak in, especially after a heavy storm or if the lens isn’t sealed tightly.

Check each fixture for moisture under the lens or signs of condensation.
If you see water pooling inside, dry the fixture thoroughly and inspect the gasket for wear or cracking.

At Beacon Outdoor Lighting, we only use high-IP-rated fixtures (IP67 and up) to minimize the risk of this happening in Florida’s humid, coastal environment.

8. Check the Voltage (Advanced)

If you’ve ruled out everything above and your lights are still dim or flickering, you may have a voltage drop issue, especially if your system has long wire runs.

This is where using a multimeter can help test voltage at each fixture. If there’s a significant drop from the transformer to the end of the run, you may need to:

Use heavier gauge wire
Add a second transformer
Create a more balanced wiring layout

Why this matters: A voltage drop can cause poor performance and early bulb failure. A lighting professional can best resolve this.

When to Call a Pro?

If you’ve gone through the checklist and still can’t get your system working—or if you’re uncomfortable dealing with electricity—it’s time to call an expert.

At Beacon Outdoor Lighting, we offer fast, reliable diagnostic and repair services throughout Southwest Florida. Whether your system is old, poorly installed, or damaged by weather or landscaping work, we’ll:

Diagnose the issue quickly
Provide expert repairs or upgrades
Restore your lighting system to full, beautiful functionality

Keep Your System Running Smoothly Year-Round

We recommend scheduling regular maintenance checks to avoid future issues, especially before hurricane season or during seasonal landscaping changes.

Our preventative service includes:

Cleaning lenses and fixtures
Checking all wiring and connections
Replacing old lamps or worn gaskets
Testing transformers and timers

Having Lighting Issues? We’re Here to Help.

If your landscape lighting isn’t working—or not performing like it should—contact Beacon Outdoor Lighting today. Our expert technicians will get your system back in perfect shape so that you can enjoy your beautifully lit home worry-free.