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Outdoor Lighting
Nuts and bolts. The transformer, usually housed in an integral driptight box, steps down 120-volt household current to 12 volts. Plug it into a nearby receptacle, then run the 12-volt cable from the low-voltage side of the transformer to where you want your lights. The cable can be buried a few inches deep or simply covered with mulch in a planting area; but to avoid accidentally spading through it, consider running the cable alongside structures, walks, and fences where you won’t be likely to cultivate.
Some low-voltage light fixtures clip right onto the wire, while others require a clamp connector and still others must be spliced into the system and connected with wire nuts. Be sure to use the wire and connections specified in the instructions. If you don’t already have a receptacle to plug the transformer into, install a GFCI-protected outlet and weatherproof cover.
Sizing Up your system. Most 12-volt transformers are rated for loads of 100 to 300 watts. In most cases, you simply add up the wattages of all the fixtures you wish to install, then choose a transformer and cable size that can handle the load.
For long cable runs, however, you must "de-rate" the circuit to account for "voltage drop" -- the accumulated resistance in all that wire. The solution? Drop a fixture or two or beef up the cable size. Your kit or cable will probably come with guidelines.
Some low-voltage light fixtures clip right onto the wire, while others require a clamp connector and still others must be spliced into the system and connected with wire nuts. Be sure to use the wire and connections specified in the instructions. If you don’t already have a receptacle to plug the transformer into, install a GFCI-protected outlet and weatherproof cover.
Sizing Up your system. Most 12-volt transformers are rated for loads of 100 to 300 watts. In most cases, you simply add up the wattages of all the fixtures you wish to install, then choose a transformer and cable size that can handle the load.
For long cable runs, however, you must "de-rate" the circuit to account for "voltage drop" -- the accumulated resistance in all that wire. The solution? Drop a fixture or two or beef up the cable size. Your kit or cable will probably come with guidelines.
