FAQ''s | Installation Notes | Replacement Notes

PaverLight International
Jim McGovern (Paver Light Jim)
+1 239-910-9662
Kerr Lighting Distributor in South Florida

________________________________________________________________

Kerr Lighting is the original designer and manufacturer of low voltage landscape lighting products and perfect for lighting up your driveway. For over 25 years Kerr Lighting has been developing unique and innovative products designed for the interlocking paving industry as well as private homeowners. Kerr Lighting products are manufactured in North America. Located in St. Charles Illinois. Kerr Lighting products are available worldwide.

 

FAQ's

Can I use a stronger bulb in my paver light than the one that it came with?

Yes you can, provided the total wattage of the landscaping lights on the low voltage cable run does not exceed the total wattage of the transformer. For example, if your project includes 10 cobble or paver landscape lights on a cable run, each with a 7 watt bulb, the transformer must have at least 70 watts of power (10 lights x 7 watts each)


Can I use my Kerr lights with an existing low voltage system?

Absolutely. As with all low voltage systems, make sure the transformer can accommodate the total wattage of the lights connected to it.


Can I drive over my paver lights?

Paver Lights are made from high-strength polymer plastics and are engineered to withstand the weight and pressure of light vehicular (cars and light trucks) loads. The perfect solution for driveway lighting.

 The paver lights at the end of the cable run seem to be dimmer than those at the front. What’s happening?

Lights closest to the transformer will receive more power than those further down the line. If a cable run is too long or if too many lights are being powered by a single transformer, noticeable voltage drop may occur. Voltage drop causes the lights farthest from the transformer to become dim.
Voltage drop can be minimized by:

  • Using a heavier gauge cable
    (Kerr Lighting recommends a maximum power cable length of 100 feet on 16/2 cable and 300 feet for 12/2 cable)
  • Using a transformer with greater wattage
  • Using multiple transformers
  • Shortening cable lengths
  • Reducing the total number of fixtures on a run

Can I retrofit Paver Lights into an existing hardscape installation?

If you have concrete or clay brick pavers that are not set in mortar, it’s easy to install Paver Lights. Most times it’s simply a matter picking up the border pavers, installing the power cable underneath, and then reinstating the pavers and lights.


Where can I find replacement bulbs for my Kerr lights?

T-5 Wedge Based bulbs in 4 or 7 watt clear varieties sold in packages of ten are available through this online store under Replacement Parts and Accessories. Low voltage bulbs are readily available at most retail home centers, hardware stores and other retail locations.


Do you make solar Paver Lights?

We do not make a solar powered paver lights. Solar Lights need lots of direct sunlight to power them, and most areas of the country do not receive enough consistent sun to keep them burning bright and illuminated long enough. solar powered lights need to be in direct sunlight to charge the batteries. As an alterantive, Kerr lights require little electricity and can be placed anywhere, even in completely shaded areas.


I’ve read a lot about LED lights. How do Kerr Lights compare?

LED lights are more expensive than low voltage lights. They also emit a relatively low amount of light at a relatively small angle range, while low voltage light bulbs illuminate in all directions and give out much more brightness of light. LED’s are also very sensitive to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) and may not operate properly in these conditions.


How will my paver lights perform in snow and ice?

When installing paver lights in areas where there may be snow, make sure that the fixtures do not protrude above the surface so they don’t get caught by the edge of a shovel or plow. The lights themselves give off enough heat to melt any snow or ice that may accumulate.


Can I run a plate compactor over my paver lights?

When using Kerr Paver Lights in a new installation, light lenses can be scratched by plate compactors if not protected. Please cover the lens with cardboard or a similar protective material to ensure that it does not become damaged during compaction.


How should I handle my paver lights when cleaning and sealing my pavement?

Do not apply paver cleaners or sealers to the light lens to prevent discoloration.


Does my power supply cable have to be installed in a hard conduit?

No. The low voltage cable can be buried directly in soil, sand, or stone.


What are the white “L” shaped clips that came with my 4 x 8 Paver Lights?

The clips are inserted into the holes in the bottom of the Paver Light so that the pavers on either side will hold it in place.


Can I install Paver Lights in a concrete patio, walkway, or driveway?

Yes you can, but we recommend using the 4 x 8 brick shape only. You’ll have to notch the concrete to accommodate the fixture. Make sure there is free-draining stone under the light or drill holes in any concrete that may remain.

Hardscape Lighting Installation Instructions

1. Draft a layout of your project showing the location where the transformer will be plugged in and the desired location of your lights. Lights are typically placed 5 - 8 feet apart for good lighting distribution, but you may prefer otherwise.

light base light lens lamp socket(s) lamp(s) (bulbs) Connectors (2 per light)

2. Make sure you have the materials and tools needed to complete your installation. You'll need:

  • Lights, each including light base, lens, lamp socket(s), bulbs, connectors (2 per light)
  • Low Voltage power supply cable
  • Transformer
  • Tools:
  • --Philips head screwdriver
  • --Pliers, wire cutters

    knobs on the back of the transformer

    3. Split one end of the power supply cable and remove about 3/8" of the insulation on each side to expose the copper wire inside. Connect each side to the knobs on the back of the transformer.


    4. Mount the transformer indoors or outdoors near a plug. Transformers placed near swimming pools or other water sources should be plugged into a GRCI-protected outlet and the control unit should be mounted at least 10 feet from the edge of the water. Do not pug in the transformer until all lights have been installed.

    preassembled kerr paver light

    5. All Kerr Paver Lights come pre-assembled with the bulbs in the sockets which are attached to the base.

    low voltage cable

    6. Run the low voltage cable which will supply power to the lights around the perimeter of your project. For installation with segmental pavers, you may set the cable atop the bedding sand under the border course of pavers to keep it from being damaged when digging in the yard so it can be easily located. For a loop in the cable where the lights will be located (with a rubber band if desired) leave enough slack for the connection of the light to the power cable.


    cut the power supply cable

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    7. When using the silicone connectors cut the power supply cable in half where the lights will be located and split it down the middle. Not that one side of the cable is ribbed and one is smooth. Do not strip the insulation from the cable. See back of sheet when using the brown connectors.

     

     

     

    be rejoined and lights attached using the connectors

    8. Wires will be rejoined and lights attached using the connectors. Examine the connectors and note that there are three holes in each. Take the ribbed side of one end of the split power supply cable and push it into one of the side holes in the connector. Push it in until it goes all the way to the back of the connector. Take the ribbed side of the other end of the split power cable and place it in the hole on the other side, again making sure that it is pushed all the way back, Finally take one of the wires from a light and place it in the center hole, pushing it to the back of the connector. The connector should have 3 wires in it.


    squeeze the connector with a pair of pliers

    9. Once you have all three wires in each of the three holes and pushed all the way to the back, squeeze the connector with a pair of pliers to push the back cap down. This will make the connection between all three wires and will require some force. The connectors also contain silicone to protect the connection from moisture which may squeeze out at this step; be careful not to get it on your clothing.

    after all lights have been attached

     

    10. Repeat steps 8 and 9 using the smooth sides of the power supply cable and the other wire from the light. You should end up with two connectors per light as shown. After all lights have been attached, plugin and switch on the transformer to test all the connections.


    11. Connectors should be buried below the pavers in the sand setting bed, in the ground, or in the stone behind retaining and garden walls.



    12. Set the light fixture in its place, Make sure adjacent pavers sit on the "L" shaped feet that come with some paver Lights or on the extended bottom plate that is part of the light base on others to hold down the light. Run the wiring under or around the existing or new pavers.



    13. Install the light lens.


    Note:

    When you reach the last light on the string, you will only use two holes on each connector as shown.

    Installation using brown saddle connectors included with some light kits
    Split the power supply down the middle without exposing the internal copper wire. Do not cut the cable in half.
    Straddle one side of the split power supply cable with the connector and insert one of the wires from a light (either white or back) in the other hole in the connector as shown. Then crimp the connector with pliers and repeat the process for the other half of the low voltage cable. You should have two connectors per light.


    3925 Stern Avenue
    St. Charles, IL 60174
    (800)932-3343
    www.sek.us.com

     

    Important Notes:

    Kerr Light Kits include transformers which are sized to accommodate the number of lights included in the kit. Should you decide to add lights to the kit, and when planning your project, the wattage of the transformer must exceed the total wattage of the lights on the power cable, For example, of your project includes 10 lights on a string, each with a 7 watt bulb, the transformer must exceed 70 watts of power (10 lights x 7 watts each). The closer your lamps are placed to the transformer, the higher their voltage (and wattage) readings will be. Those farthest away will have lower voltages. If a cable run is too long or if too many lights are being powered by a single transformer, noticeable voltage drop may occur. Voltage drop causes the lights farther from the transformer to become dim. Voltage drop can be minimized by:

    • Using a heavier gauge cable (Kerr Lighting recommends a maximum power cable length of 100 feet on 16/2 cable and 300 feet for 12/2 cable)
    • Using a transformer with greater wattage
    • Using multiple transformers
    • Shortening cable lengths
    • Reducing the total number of fixtures on a run

    When using Kerr Paver Lights in a new installation, light lenses can be scratched by plate compactors if not protected. Please cover the lens with cardboard or similar protective material to ensure that it does not become damaged during compaction. To prevent lens discoloration do not apply paver cleaners or sealers to the light lens. Accessory and replacement parts, including lenses and colored bulbs, are available.

    How to replace a paver light 

    Paver Light Bob offers all Kerr Lighting Replacement Parts through this online store.

     

    When a paver light goes out due to bulb exhaustion or accidental breakage, you can replace the paver light fixture or just the bulb itself by following these directions.

    Step 1 - Determine Cause of Outage

    There can be several possible causes of a paver light stoppage.

    Carefully dig out the paver light and examine it to check if the top is broken.
    • If the translucent top lid is intact, open it and check the bulb with the lighting system turned on. If power is coming to the light but it is not illuminating, bulb loosening or burnout is the most likely problem.
    • If, when you pull up the paver light, one or more of the other paver lights goes out, you may have a circuit problem.
    • Be prepared to excavate more lights in that strand to find the exact spot where the circuit is no longer complete.
    • Since standard-sized 4-by-8 inch paver lights come in strands of 8 or 14 lights apiece, you may not need to excavate the entire power lighting system for your pavers to ascertain and fix the problem.

    Step 2 - Perform Corrective Action on the Paver Light System

    • If the translucent top cover of one paver light is broken, dig up that paver light carefully and replace the top cover.
    • Test to see if the bulb lights up with the cover restored.
    • If the top cover is intact, dig up the paver light and open the translucent top cover carefully to check the light bulb.
    • Tighten the paver light bulb in the socket to see if it comes on again. If not, remove the bulb and examine it for a burnt-out filament.
    • Replace the light bulb with a fresh one, and reinsert the paver light in the ground.
    • If the light still does not come on, you will need to replace the entire paver lightbox.

    Step 3 - Detach and Replace the Paver Light Box

    • Turn off the power to the paver lights and unplug the transformer.
    • Carefully dig out the wires attaching the damaged paver lightbox to the light strand.
    • Check the connectors that join the paver lightbox to the circuit for water damage, stripped insulation, or other faults.
    • If they seem to be in working order, unplug the connectors and detach the non-functioning paver lightbox from the circuit.
    • Attach a new paver lightbox to the connectors, insert a light bulb, and test the new paver light by plugging in the transformer and turning on the power to the light strand.
    • If the new paver light illuminates, you can relodge it in the ground, and bury the wires as they were before.

     

    Please contact Jim McGovern, your national and international supplier @ 239-910-9662 or call Kerr Lighting Customer Service at (800) 932-3343 for more information

    SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave