Use a multi-tap transformer - they have been available for more than 20 years and although we are using smaller-wattage transformers today (100 to 300 watts) we should still use a 12, 13, 14, and 15 multi-tap transformer.īesides the potential shortening of lamp life, we should also think about the future and the potential “what-ifs.” For example, what if your system is on the edge of 10 volts and you want to add lights? Or, what if your voltage changes from daytime to nighttime? This is a typical situation and happens all the time because we usually check voltage in the daytime when it is typically higher by 5 to 10 volts than at night. Let’s do everything we can to help them live a long happy life. So the goal then is to get 12 volts to all LED lamps. Make sure you use a true RMS amp meter this will ensure that you do not overload the wire, transformer or fuse. Now, that being said, all LED lamps have some increase due to the electronic driver. For example, a 4-watt lamp might pull 6 watts (that’s a 50% increase).
Lamps are most affected by heat (the killer of LED lamps).
#Low voltage landscape lighting transformer drivers#
Years of lamp testing reveal that changes in voltage (decreasing and increasing the voltage) affect the internal electronics and drivers in four ways: Similarly, LED lamps have an hour rating of 20,000 to 40,000 hours, but not all LED lamps run at their peak performance. The engine running at 4,000 RPM may fail considerably sooner. Both engines will work, but my engine (running at 2,200 RPM) may last 200,000 miles or more. To explain, take the following example: A truck engine is designed to run optimally at 2,200 rpm, but I run my engine at 2,200 rpm, and you run yours at 4,000 rpm. With the advent of LED lamps with a range of 10 to 15 or 18 and even up to 30 volts, you would think “Oh boy, isn’t this great? No more voltage drop.” Well, this is really doing an injustice to our industry. Even many lighting manufactures now say that you can “live” with voltage drop. There are many myths, misconceptions and falsities out there in the common understanding of voltage drop. This method requires equal lengths of wire on all fixtures leading to a central connection point (a hub). The only wiring method that can get equal voltage to every fixture is an equalized hub method of wiring. Lifetime warranty on core and enclosure.Second, you need to be able to distribute equal voltage to every single fixture in your landscape lighting system, and that takes a well-planned wiring method.(General guideline: Do not load a transformer to greater than 80% of its capacity.) a 150w transformer will only draw 40w of power if you only have 40 watts of bulbs hooked to it. Only draws as much electricity as needed to illuminate the bulbs you have - e.g.Easy to read controls & Installation manual.Stainless steel enclosure with lockable hinged lid.Input 120VAC 60HzShort circuit and overloaded protection.Spacious wire compartment with angled multi-tap with tool less quick connect terminals make installation a breeze.LCD Display with 5 modes - ON, OFF, Timer, Auto (dusk-to-dawn),Sunwise/Astronmic timer (local sunset and sunrise).Toroidal core for more reliable, efficient, cooler and quieter operation than EI laminated transformers.150 watt capacity with 3 voltage taps (15V) to allow the installer to compensate for voltage loss.In addition the mounting bracket, removable hinged door and removable lower plate with easy to add 3/4" conduit male adapters make installation an easy process.
It is energy efficient, quiet and will last a lifetime. The transformer features 3 voltage taps in 15 volts to give you choices for fixtures that are both close and far or for wire runs that have heavy loads. The polished stainless steel cabinet with removable hinged door will resist rust and is weathertight to protect the internal components from moisture and debris. This rugged 150 Watt transformer has top of the line internal and external components and is ideal for small projects.
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