Aurora Deck Lighting Common Questions (FAQ)

Pigtails are available in 12", 60" and 90" lengths. The pigtails connect the light to the mainline (wire). In typical applications, 12" pigtails are used for step risers, 60" pigtails are used for post top lighting and walkway lighting, and 90" pigtails are used for longer posts, fences, or other applications that require a longer distance between the mainline and the light.

We recommend using Aurora Deck Lighting solar batteries because it is compatible with the solar lights.  Some batteries by other manufacturers have different charging and discharge rates. Aurora Deck Lighting batteries have a trickle charge and a slow discharge for optimal performance for Aurora lights.

The batteries are 1.5-volt NiCad batteries. These will last approximately 1000 cycles or roughly three years. Batteries are warrantied for one year. Replacements can be purchased locally.

Aurora Deck Lighting recommends 12 gauge wire for AC lighting because it has less resistance, allowing you to go a further distance. DC lighting requires 22 gauge wire. DIY Home Center offers both 12 gauge wire and 22 gauge wire.

To troubleshoot, disconnect the connection between the transformer and the 12 gauge wire. Switch the connection to see if this resolves the problem.

With AC wiring, it doesn't matter which way the light is connected because the current flows in both directions. It will light up, regardless of how it is wired. Aurora recommends 12 gauge wire with AC lighting because it has less resistance, allowing it to go a longer distance.

The Aurora Deck Lighting transformers are ETL Listed, file #4000334. Intertek (ETL) independently tests transformers and is the equivalent of UL.

If solar lights are not lighting up, the first testing step is to identify if the problem is from the battery or the solar panel. Simply covering up the light panel with your hand will not work because light will still reach the panel. Take the light into a dark space (such as a closet) to test it.

The most common issue is the battery. It takes up to three weeks for a new solar unit to cycle to full capacity. Winter months will affect this cycle time as well if installed in the middle of winter. Test a solar unit by removing the NiCad batteries, and install AA alkaline batteries. Cover the entire solar collector to test the unit. If the unit lights up, replace the NiCad batteries.

Solar lighting is great for accent lighting. Aries is very popular because it provides downlighting to highlight the railings. Polaris is a great option when outward lighting is desired.

Yes, the outlet that the transformer plugs into must be wired to the desired switch. The transformer is then placed in "manual mode", operated by the light switch.

The LED gives off quite a bit of light and too much strip lighting will not look as nice. A six foot rail section requires 18" to 24" of strip lighting. An eight foot rail section requires 24" to 36" of strip lighting.

Varying light brightness is a result of wiring issues. This is primarily caused by longer distances from the transformer (200 or more feet). There are several wiring schemes to address and correct this issue. Please refer to the transformer instruction manual.

It is best to start from scratch for two main reasons: First, the transformer likely has less wattage output than is necessary for the Aurora Deck lights. In addition, landscape lighting usually uses 18 gauge wire, which is too light for Aurora Deck Lighting. Using this will cause a drop in wattage, making the lights appear dimmer.

No, dimmer switches are not effective on low voltage lighting. If you would like to reduce the light output, a 7.5-watt bulb is available to purchase.