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Do you need a special transformer for LED landscape lights?
In the world of low voltage landscape lighting, LED lamps have also become prevalent. In fact, they have allowed us to create larger lighting systems, often, without the need for larger transformers.
Do exterior lights need a box?
yes, you always need a box whether it is recessed or surface mount. If it is surface mounted, it would need to be weatherproof for an exterior application.
Why do you need a transformer for outdoor lighting?
The transformer is the main component for distributing safe voltage to all of your landscape lights. Each transformer consists of many electronic components that work together to step down your home’s 120V system down to the 12V needed to power your landscape lights.
How big a transformer do you need for outdoor lighting?
Small Landscape Lighting Design Plan Power Calculations So, if you want to connect ten landscape spotlights to a small transformer, and the lights utilize 2W / 4VA / 20 watts halogen equivalent light output power each, you would want a 100-watt transformer. (Example of calculations: 10 lights X 4 VA = 40 voltage amps).
Can you wire a outside light to a plug?
When you connect an outside light to a plug you don’t want wires running everywhere. Outdoor lights usually have underground wiring to keep the cables safe. Even when they come above ground, such as with the wiring for pendant lights, you can hide them pretty well.
What gauge wire do I need for landscape lighting?
Common wires for landscape lighting are 10-, 12-, 14-, or 16-gauge wires. We recommend 12-gauge or 10-gauge wire for long distances. This is to prevent voltage drop. The further you get from the transformer and its power supply, the more resistance occurs in the circuit which causes the voltage to decrease.
Can I use a 12V halogen transformer for LED lights?
Existing transformers typically used with halogen spotlights can usually be used however there is one problem. Since the transformer expects one or more 30+ Watt bulbs to be connected to it, the voltage output when a few 1 Watt LED spotlights are connected can exceed the transformer’s 12V rating.
What wattage should landscape lights be?
The best watts for outdoor lights are 80 and lower. You can use 40-watt bulbs for paths, gardens, and other low-level areas. 40 to 80-watt bulbs are ideal for driveways and lighting up larger areas of your yard. 80-watt bulbs and lower are dark sky lighting approved too.
Can you install an outdoor light without a junction box?
The electrical box, or junction box, is a code requirement that was established to prevent fires and other electrical accidents. You can’t install a light fixture without a junction box, but the fact that there’s no box at the spot where you want to install the light doesn’t mean you can’t install the light.
What kind of box do you use for outdoor lighting?
Metal and Plastic Electrical Boxes Weatherproof metal boxes for outdoor use are generally made of aluminum. If you are using metal conduit to run wiring to the electrical box, then a metal box is required—both to anchor the conduit and because the conduit and metal box system itself may be used to ground the system.
Do all lights have a transformer?
All mains powered LED bulbs require a transformer. Depending on the bulb type, the transformer/driver may be built in to the bulb casing or may be located externally.
How big of a transformer do I need?
To determine the required transformer VA, multiply the secondary voltage by the required amperes: For example, VA=Volts x Amperes or 28V x 1.2 amperes = 33.6 VA. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage.
How many watt transformer do I need?
Multiply the total wattage by 1.25 to adjust for loss due to cable distance. For the example, 240 x 1.25 = 300. The final number determines how large a transformer you need for your system. Choose a transformer that supplies no less than the required wattage and no more than 33 percent more.
How many lights can I put on a transformer?
When using an electronic transformer, the total wattage of the light fixtures connected to the transformer should be less than or equal to the maximum wattage rating. For most magnetic transformers, the total wattage of the lights you connect shouldn’t be more than 80% of the maximum wattage rating.
What happens if you overload a 12v transformer?
The transformer can’t cause damage to the power outlet. The overload transformer’s voltage would drop. The domestic plug’s voltage would be low.
How many lights can you put on a 200 watt transformer?
The transformer is 200 watts. So it depends on the wattage of the led. Theoretically, you could have 200 1 watt lights, or 4 50 watt lights. I would not exceed 90% of capacity ( 190 watts) as there is some loss of power in the transmission wire.
Do I need Armoured cable for outside lights?
Keeping the lights on requires the cable to be selected and installed correctly with a focus on protecting it both mechanically and electrically. It’s a requirement of the Wiring Regulations that any cable buried in the ground shall have an earthed armour as part of its design.
Does outdoor wire have to be in conduit?
Generally speaking, yes, outdoor wiring needs to be in conduit to protect it from physical damage. Type UF cable needs conduit when exposed, no need for conduit on the buried sections. Wire needs to be protected from damage. Conduit is one type of protection.
What cable do I need for lighting?
Lighting circuits are generally run in 1mm2 two-core-and-earth cable, but particularly long circuits can use 1.5mm2 cable to compensate for the drop in voltage experienced on long cable runs.
