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500ft Landscape Wire - 12/2 Low Voltage Direct Burial

$224.99 $239.99
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SKU: E6618
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Lightkiwi's 12/2 pure copper landscape wire in a 500ft spool — the right choice for whole-system installs, large properties, and anyone who wants to complete their landscape lighting project from a single spool without re-ordering. 100% pure bare copper, ETL listed, and rated for direct burial without conduit.

Unlike cheaper CCA (copper-clad aluminum) wire, Lightkiwi uses 100% pure bare copper for stronger signal, better conductivity, and longer lifespan. The difference shows up most on longer runs — pure copper keeps all your fixtures at consistent brightness from the first to the last, while CCA wire causes noticeable dimming at the far end of the run.

Why 12/2?


12/2 is the most popular gauge for residential landscape lighting — and for good reason. The 12 AWG conductor is thick enough to carry sufficient wattage over long runs with minimal voltage drop, yet flexible enough for easy installation around corners and through soil.

Choose 12/2 when:
- Your wire runs exceed 100ft from the transformer
- You're running multiple fixtures off a single run
- You have a 150W, 300W, or 600W transformer
- You want to future-proof your system for expansion

For shorter runs under 50ft with fewer fixtures, 14/2 or 16/2 may be sufficient. See our [14/2](https://www.lightkiwi.com/collections/14-2-wire-gauge) and [16/2](https://www.lightkiwi.com/collections/16-2-wire-gauge) collections for lighter-gauge options.

How Much Does 500ft Cover?


500ft is enough for most residential landscape lighting installs. Quick estimates based on a star (home-run) wiring pattern from the transformer:

- **5 spotlights, runs averaging 60ft each** → ~300ft total (500ft spool covers with significant spare)
- **10 path lights, runs averaging 40ft each** → ~400ft total (500ft spool covers with spare)
- **Large front and back yard combo, 12 fixtures** → ~450–500ft total (500ft spool covers, tight)
- **Very large property or loop wiring** → may need two 500ft spools

Always add 10–15% to your estimate for slack at each fixture connection, depth allowance when burying, and adjustments during installation.

Need a shorter spool for a smaller project or add-on run? See our 12/2 wire in [50ft](https://www.lightkiwi.com/products/n2126-12awg-direct-burial-cable-low-voltage-landscape-lighting-50ft), [100ft](https://www.lightkiwi.com/products/12awg-direct-burial-cable-for-low-voltage-landscape-lighting-100ft), and [250ft](https://www.lightkiwi.com/products/12awg-direct-burial-cable-low-voltage-landscape-lighting-250ft) lengths.

Specifications


- Gauge: 12 AWG (2-conductor)
- Conductor: 100% pure bare copper stranded
- Jacket: UV-resistant, weatherproof PVC
- Rating: Direct burial, 30V low voltage
- Fire safety: FT-2 rated
- Length: 500ft spool
- Certifications: ETL Listed, cETL Listed

Frequently Asked Questions


How deep do I need to bury landscape lighting wire?
The NEC recommends burying low voltage (under 30V) landscape wire at least 6 inches deep. For added protection in areas with regular lawn maintenance, foot traffic, or wildlife activity, 12 inches is better. In areas with digging animals (gophers, dogs), consider running the wire through conduit for extra protection.

Do I need conduit for direct burial wire?
No. Lightkiwi 12/2 wire is rated and designed for direct burial without conduit. The UV-resistant, weatherproof jacket is built for underground installation. Conduit is optional but recommended in high-risk areas (heavy traffic, wildlife, or areas where future digging is likely).

What is the difference between pure copper and CCA wire?
Pure copper wire uses solid or stranded copper conductors throughout. CCA (copper-clad aluminum) wire has an aluminum core with only a thin copper coating — it looks identical but has significantly higher resistance, causing more voltage drop over long runs and dimmer fixtures at the far end of the system. All Lightkiwi wire is 100% pure copper.

Can I splice 12/2 wire mid-run?
Yes, using waterproof wire connectors. Lightkiwi snap connectors are compatible with 12/2 wire and require no stripping or crimping tools. However, minimizing splices is recommended — each splice is a potential failure point. The 500ft spool allows most installs to run continuous wire from transformer to fixture without splicing.

Is 12/2 compatible with all Lightkiwi transformers?
Yes. 12/2 wire works with all Lightkiwi 75W, 150W, 300W, and 600W transformers. The terminal blocks on all models accept 12 AWG wire.

Can I mix 12/2 and 14/2 wire in the same system?
Yes. It's common to use 12/2 for the main run from the transformer and 14/2 for shorter branch runs to individual fixtures. Total fixture wattage must remain within your transformer's rated capacity regardless of wire gauge.

How long will this wire last underground?
With proper burial depth and a quality UV-resistant jacket, pure copper direct burial wire is designed to last 20–30 years under normal conditions. Avoid areas with extreme soil acidity or chemical exposure, which can degrade the jacket over time.