Source for low volt lighting transformer
I’m looking for a low voltage lighting transformer that includes a photocell and timer that will make lights come on at dusk, stay on for four hours, then go off until the next cycle. Anybody ever seen anything like this?
Replies
Kichler probably makes something. $$$
they most likely have transformers that have provisions for a photocell which you would have to install.
why not just use a timer / PE on the supply side ??
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I'm currently getting info and hardware for 12V landscape lighting.
The beauty of going low voltage is that you don't need a transformer.
Get a solar panel that will charge your battery. Then power you lights with it.
You will need controls so the panel doesn't overcharge the battery and various other controls.
Your landscaping lights will be off the grid. Mind you it's not much but I like the idea.
I got mine from Home Desperate. Mounted inside my geerage, it has a small photocell at the end of an attached 4-5' wire. I run the very tip of the photocell thru the wall (brick stucco, whatever) so just the clear plastic tip is exposed. Carefully caulk around it and it's dang near invisible.
Then, the settings allow various preprogamed operations. Currently I have mine to turn on at dusk and run for 8 hours. But other choices include 1, 2, and 4, not to mention continuously.
Pete, Can you pass on the model number?
I don't have the model number, but it's a 250 watt Hampden Bay. Times are able to be manully set or auto with 2,4,6, or 8 hours after dusk.
It was a fairly std HD model at the time (2 - 3 yrs ago).
Even the Malibu lighting sold t the box stores has provisions for adding a photocell to the timer.
Otherwise ... check the professional plumbing supply houses in your area; they likely have brands you've not heard of.
Be very careful of low voltage. I nearly burned down the house for things I didn't understand.
Care to elaborate on that? I figured low voltage would be less dangerous.
So far I've only bought one light (not installed) and string of lights for a pathway that are just run to the area where the power will be.
Low voltage lights are safe in terms of electrocution, but not necessarily fire. The current is higher by a factor of 10 than 120v circuits. So a 7 watt 12v bulb pulls the same current as a 70w 120v bulb. This current in a string of lights can get high enough to overheat poorly made connections.It's the same principal as a welder. Transform the voltage down and the available current is higher, assuming the transformer is "beefy" enough to deliver it.
So on a string of lights you want to size the wire accordingly and make sure all the connections are well done?
I'm going to use a larger size gauge of wire and I'm going to do a fair amount of home runs. I think that should take care of it.
On the one string I've done so far I soldered the connections. Do you think soldering is a good way to make connections or should just wire nut them with silicon in the wire nut?
Well soldered connections are best. If you use silicone, make sure it is rated for electrical connections. Some silicone is corrosive.Really there should be no problems If the splices are outside, as long as there are no flammable materials around. I heard of a building burning down once because of an overheated splice under mulch starting the fire.
Sorry for the hijak, but I'm about to install about 15 pieces of 4' rope lighting along some stair risers on a deck project, and some of the posts above have me really concerned now.
I was planning on using 24volt rope lighting, about 3w per foot, 4 foot of tube fixed to the bottom lip of each tread with a jumper (10-12 gauge wires) to the next tread. Total run of 60feet of rope light = 180 watts. Risers and treads will be within 1/8" of rope lighting, deck is Ipe.
Reading above, would the low voltage rope lighting be more hazardous in this application than standard, line voltage, rope lighting?
I'd really appreciate any input anyone has on this.
Matt
My personal opinion is that 24v lights would be OK.
Sure I'll elaborate.... The cheap thermal overload didn't work in the transformer. Who knew??? How do you check it?
Cats knocked a head off a light creating a short... transformer mounted in garage directly under the main panel, melted down producing 2' flames enveloping the entire panel.
No more low voltage for me.
So, buy good components? I know most of them are junk.
I'm going to be putting this system together myself so I will be buying controls separately. I.E. not buying a landscape system at HD.
Although I have looked at one 12V fixture there.
I'll use up to 10 ga wire (if needed) and solder the conections. Then use liquid electric tape to coat the whole thing - two coats. Then wrap with electric tape. My connections are inside of Mighty Posts.
All lamps are then mounted on the mighty posts.
I have a Toro transformer that does that, but I have no idea if they're still available. I got mine in '80 or '81, and it's still working like a champ.