Wiring 14 LED light bulbs in series along your driveway is generally not recommended due to several practical and safety concerns. Wiring light bulbs in series means connecting them end-to-end, so the current passes through one bulb before reaching the next one. While this might work for a few low-wattage bulbs, it becomes impractical and potentially hazardous for a long series of lights, especially with the distance you mentioned (20 feet apart). Here's why:
Voltage Drop: As the current passes through each bulb, there will be a voltage drop across it. With multiple bulbs in series and significant distances, the voltage drop can be substantial, leading to dimmer and inconsistent lighting towards the end of the series.
Safety Concerns: In a series circuit, if one bulb fails or is removed, the entire circuit breaks, and all the other bulbs will go out. This could make it challenging to identify which bulb is faulty, and you'd need to check all bulbs to find the issue.
Complexity: Managing a long series circuit can be complex, especially in an outdoor setting. The wiring and connections may become difficult to maintain, and any damage to one part of the circuit could affect the entire line of lights.
Instead of wiring the LED bulbs in series, it's better to create multiple parallel circuits. In a parallel circuit, each bulb has its own individual connection to the power source. This setup provides more reliable and consistent lighting, easier maintenance, and the ability to identify and replace faulty bulbs without affecting the rest.
Here's a suggested approach for your driveway lighting:
Design: Plan the locations for the LED bulbs along the driveway, keeping them spaced at about 20 feet apart, as you mentioned.
Power Source: Determine the power source for the LED lights. You may need to hire an electrician to install an appropriate outdoor-rated power source, such as a weatherproof outlet box or low-voltage transformer.
Parallel Wiring: Wire each LED light bulb in parallel with its own dedicated cable back to the power source. Use outdoor-rated and appropriately sized cables for your setup.
Safety Measures: Install the LED light fixtures in outdoor-rated and waterproof enclosures to protect them from the elements. This will ensure they withstand weather conditions and last longer.
Control System (Optional): Consider using a timer or light-sensitive sensor to control the LED lights, allowing them to turn on automatically at dusk and turn off at dawn.
Professional Help: If you're unsure about electrical work or wiring, it's best to hire a licensed electrician to set up the lighting system safely and according to local building codes.
By using parallel wiring, you can create a more reliable and practical lighting system for your driveway with evenly distributed illumination and easier maintenance.