I’m planning on running some of these xenon light strips under my kitchen cabinets, controlled by a dimmer.
http://www.pegasusassociates.com/XenonLightStrip.html
In an old OCT/NOV issue of FHB, Robert C. Grey discusses a similar install and mentions that he uses outdoor landscape-lighting wire from the transformer to the fixtures.
For my situation, I’ve got 2 separate circuits (about 200 watts each) so I’m planning on using a 600-Watt transformer which has 2 separate 300-watt circuits. But what size outdoor landscape wire should I use? 16 gauge? 12 gauge?
Oh and if it makes a difference…the wire will be buried in the walls.
Replies
Divide 200 watts by 12 volts and you get about 17 amps. You could squeek by on #14 but really should be #12.
Just curious where you are getting your 600w transformer. Is it an electronic AC type...You might consider two 300w elect. DC transformers to eliminate voltage drop. With an AC trans. you might even need some 10ga wire depending on the length of run. You are pushing a lot of amps through a little wire at 14ga. Also, it may be local but outdoor landscape wire may not be allowed for in-wall use.. I think the sheathing is rated different. Sounds like a nice system you are planning. Good Luck.
I was going to get the transformer from them as well
http://www.pegasusassociates.com/MagTransformer600W12V.htmlI was going with a magnetic transformer!!
My county goes by the National Electric code, so I guess I'll have to check with them on running the outdoor landscape wire inside.Each of my runs are about 20' (that's from the transformer up through the wall and to the end of each light strip).
Is that too long for 12 gauge wire?
Run #10 as far as you can then drop to #12.
"Each of my runs are about 20' (that's from the transformer up through the wall and to the end of each light strip).
Is that too long for 12 gauge wire?"I read somewhere that the new NEC does not allow "zip cord" in concealed areas like wall cavities, even for 12V systems. Power runs for anything bigger than a 60W, class 2 transformer have to be wired with romex/NM or wires in conduit. Landscape wire, no matter what the gauge, would not meet the code.
This is probably a stupid question....but if I use 12/2 romex, what do I do with the ground? These low voltage light strips come with terminal blocks that appear to have a place for only two wires.
"This is probably a stupid question....but if I use 12/2 romex, what do I do with the ground?"With copper prices what they are, maybe you can pull the ground out and sell it for scrap? :)
BruceT
I don't know what to do with the extra wire in a 12/2 - maybe there is a jacketed, two-conductor cable approved for this use since LV lighting is becoming more common. Of course contractors still run zip cord through studs behind cabinets, even though it's only OK if the lights are on a small, class 2, transformer.Here are a couple of forum threads that address the issue of low-voltage wiring:http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=95242http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=95188You can run your own search at:http://forums.mikeholt.com/search.php
I think TJK meant this post for you, mlawrence.I don't know what to do with the extra wire in a 12/2 - maybe there is a jacketed, two-conductor cable approved for this use since LV lighting is becoming more common.Of course contractors still run zip cord through studs behind cabinets, even though it's only OK if the lights are on a small, class 2, transformer.Here are a couple of forum threads that address the issue of low-voltage wiring:http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=95242http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=95188You can run your own search at:http://forums.mikeholt.com/search.phpBruceT
12 ga. - 200w - 16.7a - 40' wire run is about a 10% voltage drop.
40' is the "round trip" length of the wire run - both ways count for DC.
I would get the transformer as close as possible to the "use point" - 10% is liveable on a lighting circuit.
Jim
Don't ask me how I know but don't skimp -- use 10 gauge.