Low Voltage Lighting Transformer Locatio
BradEcho
| Posted in General Discussion on
I read the recent issue’s article on low voltage lighting hoping for an explanation to something I have noticed about all low voltage transformers available at my local big box: everyone of them says for outdoor usage.
Is it safe to use one of these inside a building? I can’t for the life of me, figure out why they would be OK to use ouside but not inside.
I was planning on putting one of these in my basement where I have some LV cabling already terminiating as well as in my detached garage.
Replies
Brad,
I wrote the article, so let me explain why.
You're not the first person to ask. One reader wrote a letter to the editor with the same question. I wish I had the space to explain stuff in more detail--it's a real dilemma.
Anyway, the issue is heat. The transformers produce a good bit of heat, and the concern is that mounting 'em in a building might lead to a restriction of the airflow needed for cooling.
I can see that; if the tranny is in a garage, for instance, the stuff that usually accumulates in garages is probably going to be piled up around it. Result--restricted airflow, heat buildup, maybe the tranny fails early due to insulation breakdown, or maybe enough heat builds up to start a fire, if there's paper or other easily combustible stuff touching the transformer case.
Cliff
That's what I thought. So basically the transformer manufacturer puts that spec in to cover their butt in case someone does an install without using a bit of common sense. I was planning on installing one in my basement on a plywood utility panel that is has nothing around it. The other in the garage was going to go on another plywood panel about 5 feet off the ground. Thanks for the quick response.
Or you can buy power supplies intended for interior lighting use. You save the cost of the weatherproofing required in garden lighting. For instance http://www.pegasusassociates.com/products/Transformers/ElectronicTransformers.html
Jamie,
Interesting site. Thanks for sharing.
Imagine someone's consternation trying to measure the voltage from one of the electronic transformers with a non-RMS voltmeter, or in a no-load condition!
Cliff