I have a 600 watt Malibu and 2 runs, one 50'' and 100''. How do I connect the runs with the ABC output. My first run is in A B and is working fine, my second line is not working at all, I have placed it in B C.
I would contact INTERMATIC for more specific instructions. All of their wiring instructions and wiring diagrams are posted online.
Labels: Intermatic Wiring Diagram, Malibu Transformer, Transformer Wiring Instructions
I have a 75ft driveway lined on one side by 5 20ft Crepe Myrtle trees. I would like to accent the trees with uplighting without looking like a runway would you suggest a fixture? We have many LANDSCAPE LIGHTS that will make your Crepe Myrtles look very nice along the driveway. You have to decide if you want a warm colored light source or a cool colored light source. I prefer a cool color myself. For a warm source, I would go with one of the following fixtures:
TEC TLMR16CB Copper MR16 low voltage up light
TEC TLR38L-BZ PAR38 Aluminum Bullet with Lamp
FOC SL-03 Aluminum Low Voltage Fixtures Well Light
For the cooler color, I would go with one of the following mercury vapor lights:
WLBR40-15/BR-1222 - Mercury Vapor Well Light 100 Watt with Guard
TEC R3AG2125 - 100W Mercury Vapor Light Fixture with Single Uplight Kit
What fixture you ultimately select, will depend on how you can hide the light source both during the day and at night. To see some examples, please visit our GALLERY SECTION for ideas.
Labels: Focus Landscape Lighting, Mercury Vapor Lighting, Tree Up Lighting
How can I replace this smoke detector with a new one?
We have a BRK - Smoke Alarm 120V with Battery Backup. The BRK model 4120B is a replacement for the old FX 1020. We have many other SMOKE & CO2 DETECTORS should you want to consider other options.
Labels: Combination Smoke Alarm, Smoke Alarm with Battery Backup, Smoke Detector
I INSTALLED SOME LOW VOLTAGE TRACK LIGHTING THAT USES MR16 BULBS. I ALSO WIRED IN A DIMMER SWITCH. THE TOTAL WATTAGE CONTROLLED BY THE DIMMER SWITCH IS 350W. THE LIGHTS WORK FINE WHEN THE DIMMER IS ALL THE WAY UP. AS SOON AS I TURN THE LIGHTS DOWN I GET A HUMMING IN THE DIMMER AND THE LIGHTS. PLEASE HELP. THANKS
You failed to mention if you had a magnetic transformer or electronic transformer on your low voltage track lights. This is very important because you must match the DIMMER CONTROL SWITCH to the lighting load. For example, if you have a magnetic transformer, you need a MAGNETIC DIMMER CONTROL. If you have an electronic transformer you need an ELECTRONIC DIMMER CONTROL designed for that kind of load. Please note that the maximum load for an electronic dimmer is 300 watts!
Labels: Dimmer Control Switch, Electronic Dimmer Control, Magnetic Dimmer Control
I was wondering if you carry anything to help me set up a dimmer switch on a timer so room lighting would gradually get brighter at a certain time? Thank you for your help.
You can use a GRAFIK EYE 3000 SERIES DIMMER to set a custom fade rate that will accomplish your goal. They are often used in clubs and restaurants to shift the light levels slowly from lunch to happy hour.
Labels: Bright Room Lighting, Dimmer Switch, Grafik Eye Dimmer
Is this low voltage power transformer UL 1838 rated?
Yes, TECHLIGHT TRANSFORMERS comply with UL 1383 standards. So let's look at the definition of UL 1838 to see what it says:
Scope
1.1 The requirements in this standard apply to a low-voltage landscape lighting system and components that typically consist of an isolating type power unit, wiring, and laminare. This standard only covers equipment where the maximum output of each secondary circuit is 25 A, 15 V ac (21.2 V peak) open circuit voltage, 300 VA. The equipment is intended to be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.
1.2 The luminaries covered by this standard are intended for garden, walkway, patio areas, or similar outdoor locations and for certain indoor locations such as atriums and shopping malls. The power units are to be installed indoors or outdoors in accordance with the marking on the product (see 6.3).
1.3 Fluorescent and high intensity discharge lighting systems will be investigated in accordance with the applicable requirements in this standard and with the applicable requirements in the Standard for Luminaries, UL 1598, as intended.
We have many more LOW VOLTAGE LANDSCAPE LIGHTING TRANSFORMERS that comply should you like to look at other options.
Thanks for the question.
Labels: Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Transformer, Techlight Transformer, Transformer Rating
I want to light a 198' x 66' outdoor horse arena. Ideally I would like to put two 20' poles on each long side and mount 2 lights on each pole for a total of 8 lights on 4 poles. What are you recommendations and what materials do I need? I would like the poles to be powder coated white and non-wood. I'll need the specs on the concrete pedestal for the poles as well. Thanks!
I would go with 30' steel poles with 1000-watt metal halide fixtures. As far as the footing, the actual design will be based on your soil conditions and wind zone. You should consult with a local engineer or electrician in your area for guidance. Contact aaron@rlldesign.com for more specific information and a formal quote. We have many COMMERCIAL GRADE LIGHTING FIXTURES AND POLES that are perfect for outdoor horse arenas and equestrian facilities.
Labels: Commercial Grade Lighting Fixture, Commercial Grade Lighting Pole, Horse Arena Lighting, Outdoor Lighting
I want to install the low voltage lights to highlight my home and in reading the instructions, it says do not install the lights within 10ft of the transformer. I need to install less than 10 feet. Why is this and what is the harm in doing so?
I really don't know why exactly Malibu has that requirement. My guess is that spikes in voltage when the transformer turns on may cause the lamps to prematurely burn out by exceeding their designed operating voltage.
Labels: House Low Voltage Lighting, Low Voltage Transformer, Malibu Transformer Requirements
I want to install low voltage lighting along a 50 ft. path. What kind of spacing should I use for even lighting along the path?
Well...... that depends on the fixture you are using. If for example, you use FOCUS AL13-LG COPPER PATH LIGHTS you can space the lights every ten to twelve feet. I like to alternate the lights on both sides of the sidewalk for a more attractive look. If you use a shorter fixture or an inexpensive fixture with lower wattage it may require you to go as close as five feet. Hope that helps.
Labels: Copper Path Lights, Path Light Spacing, Sidewalk Lighting
I am looking to illuminate a 6-foot tall Spanish fountain which sits in the center of a large yard, so it will need 360-degree lighting. The bottom bowl is 4 feet in diameter and it sits in a pond 9 feet in diameter. In order to get the fountain lit on all sides, how many and what type of submersibles would you recommend? Thanks
I would go with four FOCUS SL33 MR16 UNDERWATER LIGHTS with adjustable stands, glare shields and 50-watt/EXN lamps. Order the cords long enough that you can make connections in a junction box that is located in a dry area above the water line.
Depending on the depth of the top bowl, you may want to fill in the shadow created by the lower bowl, by using either a FOCUS SL40 MR11 UNDERWATER LIGHT or a HADCO UWL1A UNDERWATER LIGHT. Your other option for lighting the top feature, is using one or more LOW VOLTAGE PIN SPOTS mounted in a tree or on the house.
You will also need a LOW VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER to power up the lights.
Sounds like a beautiful fountain, send us some pictures of the finished project!
Labels: Low Voltage Pin Spot, Low Voltage Transformer, Underwater Lighting
My brand new
pre-lit Roman Christmas tree has one strand of lights that isn't working--changed the fuse--didn't help. Anything else I can do to fix it??? So confused and frustrated.
You should have received a CHRISTMAS LIGHT TESTER with your ROMAN PRE-LIT CHRISTMAS TREE. This testing device is very handy for detecting shorts, cut wires and bad lamps or sockets. If your tree is decorated, simply install a replacement strand of lights to fill in the hole. It is much easier to repair the lights when you put up or take down the tree. Most problems are related to loose or twisted lamps in the socket. Hope you have a great holiday season!
Labels: Christmas Light Tester, Light Fixture Correction, Roman Pre-lit Christmas Tree Non Working Lights
Where can I find replacement electric motors for animated Christmas yard decorations?
That is a very good question. You might try contacting EMOTORSTORE for more assistance. They carry a full line of replacement motors for all types of equipment.
Labels: Christmas Lighting Electric Motor, Emotorstone, Outdoor Christmas Yard Decoration
Hi, I am planning on installing rope lighting behind crown molding and want it attach it to a standard dimmer. I am concerned about one of the wiring details, specifically how to make the connection from the rope light to the wiring for the dimmer. Any wire splicing needs to be in a box, but I'm not sure how to best transition the external wiring to the hard wiring in the wall. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hiding the junction box or receptacle is always a challenge when using ROPE LIGHTS for cove lighting. If you have attic space above or adjacent to the room, you can use a 1/2" conduit from the cove to a remote junction box to make the splices for the rope lights. You will have to cut off the male cap and splice the wires on the light rope with wire nuts. If you don''t have an attic, you can use the same conduit method to a junction box in the wall. Hide the box behind a picture or mirror. Of course, you can always splice the rope light wires in the cove provided you have the room. FYI - The pearl white rope light is the best product for cove lighting. Hope that helps!
Labels: Cove Lighting, Hide Junction Box, Rope Light Installation, Rope Lighting
I have a Nutone Model LS - 100SE exhaust fan running on a timer for ~ 30 minutes each day. The motor is burnt out. Where can I get a replacement motor, even the blower/motor assembly? I really do not want to change out to new fan completely. Please help.Thanks.
You might try contacting EMOTORSTORE for replacement NUTONE EXHAUST FAN parts. It may be more cost effective to just buy a new unit if you can find one. That way you will have a new motor, new fan blades and a new grill. Let us know if we can help!
Labels: Emotorstone, Nutone Exhaust Fan, Nutone Exhaust Replacement Motor
I have a run of 140'' for Malibu lighting i''m going to run two run''s with 10/2 wire and use a 600 watt transformer will I have problems? I want to use the max output of the transformer.
You failed to tell me how many actual watts of lights you have planned. Assuming 600 watts, I would suggest you install five home runs from the lights back to the transformer. First group, farthest away from the transformer connect 75 watts, second group connect 100 watts, third group connect 125 watts, fourth group connect 150 watts,and the last group near the transformer connect 150 watts. By installing several home runs of 10/2 DIRECT BURIAL CABLE, you will not have VOLTAGE DROP PROBLEMS and the lights will be evenly illuminated.
Labels: Direct Burial Cable, Transformer Output, Voltage Drop Calculation
Hello, We have a community equestrian facility and we finally were able to get approval for lights. Therefore, our arena is approx 120 L x 150 W. How many poles would we need for ample coverage and what size watt/voltage of lights would we need? Also, how deep into the ground do the poles need to go? Thank you
To properly illuminate your arena for casual nighttime enjoyment it will take four 30' poles with two 1000-watt metal halide fixtures per pole. The poles would be positioned two per side at roughly 60' apart. For competition events, you would want to use three poles per side with twelve fixtures. We also have commercial grade metal poles if you are interested.
I would consult your local electrical inspector for rules in your area. As far as pole depth, you should have an engineering professional advise you. Soil conditions vary by location.
Labels: Commercial Grade Metal Pole, Equestrian Lighting Fixture, Metal Halide Pole Fixture
I have a 120 Watt Transformer with 14
gauge wiring which uses 104 watts of lighting. I want to add more lights with an additional 100 watts of lighting. I have purchase a 300 watt transformer to add the new lighting. The transformer instructions state that I should use a minimum of 12
gauge wiring. While I can use 12 gauge wiring to run the new line, do I have to replace the existing 14
gauge with 12
gauge with the 300 watt transformer or can I run both the 14 and 12 gauge off the 300 watt transformer?
Yes! Here is why you should run new wiring. 205 watts/12 volts = 17.8 amps! 14/2 DIRECT BURIAL WIRE is only rated at 15 amps. 12/2 LANDSCAPE WIRE is rated at 20 amps. 10/2 DIRECT BURIAL WIRE is rated at 30 amps.
Yes, you can run several different wire sizes from groupings of lights back to the transformer as long as you size it correctly. This is called home run wiring and it is the best way to manage voltage issues. Check out our POWER CABLE CALCULATOR for more information.
Good Luck and Happy Holidays!
Labels: Direct Burial Cable, Landscape Wiring, Power Cable Calculator, Transformer Wattage
Can a 600w low voltage transformer be safely mounted indoors with the low voltage lines run through the walls to the outside? If so, does the transformer need a GFIC outlet? Thanks
I get this question asked a lot. Most OUTDOOR TRANSFORMERS are not rated for indoor use. That is because they need air space around the transformer to dissipate heat which is generated by normal operation. Just be sensible about where you mount the transformer and put it in a location where it will not be in contact with paper, cloth, plastic or other flammable items. And yes, you should always use a GFCI receptacle for outdoor electrical devices and lights. We also have INDOOR LIGHTING TRANSFORMERS should you be interested in looking at those. The same rules apply.
Labels: GFCI Receptacle, Indoor Transformers, Outdoor Magnetic Transformer
I'm looking at installing some 6" recessed cans in my kitchen. I'll be installing some
HALO H7RICT cans. I'm tring to get the right trim and bulb size to use. I wanted a baffle trim and found something that said to use a 310P trim and a PAR30 bulb. I looked at this at the store and it looks too small for this housing. There is quite a gap around the bulb and trim. I was wondering if I could use a 410P trim and a PAR40 bulb, just as long as I stay withing the wattage limit.
If you are concerned about energy you should be using the HALO H7UICAT AIR SEAL HOUSINGS.
I prefer the HALO 410P BLACK BAFFLE TRIM or HALO 410W WHITE TRIM over the HALO 310P BLACK BAFFLE TRIM myself.
Labels: Indoor and Home Lighting, Kitchen Lighting, Recessed Cans
We have 4 strings of C9''s on our tree but the fuse has blown twice now. Is that too many to string end to end on one plug?
I would recommend that you split the load into two strands per feed using an extension cord. The way you calculate amperage is to divide the total wattage by the voltage. For example: 100 C9 LAMPS times 9 watts equals 900 total watts. 900 watts divided by 120 volts equals 7.5 amps. Check the fuse on the individual strings. This should solve your problem. We also have a CHRISTMAS LIGHT TESTER should you decide to purchase one.
Labels: C9 Lamps, Christmas Light Tester, Holiday Lighting Supplies
Our community has an entrance that we would like to decorate for the holidays. We currently have 12 volt, lights in the area. They use MR16 halogen lights. Are there Christmas lights we can use, and what connections or converters would we need? Thank you!
The only 12 volt CHRISTMAS LIGHTING we have is 12 VOLT ROPE LIGHTS. Please note is has a maximun run length of 16 feet. You might consider using COLORED LENSES to create a holiday look. This would be a inexpensive way to light up the entrance.
Labels: Holiday Decorations, low voltage lighting, Rope Lights
Looking for a safe way to hang Christmas lights from our flagpole.Thanks
If you are trying to make a lighted Christmas tree using your flagpole, that sounds pretty cool. Using the hook on the rope, attach a large plastic tie-wrap or other device that will allow you to safely attach the 15-20 miniature LIGHT STRINGS. Connect the lights with the male caps on the top, plug them into an extension cord connected to a CFCI receptacle and hoist up the lights. Once the lights are secure and in position, using small construction wood stakes (from lumber yard) make a circle pattern around the base of the flagpole and attach the lights using smaller tie-wraps or electrical tape. Since you connected the lights at the top of the pole, it will be easy to manage the wires and prevent kid''s or people from disconnecting your lights. We also have some LIGHTED STARS that would work well at the top of the pole for decoration.
Good luck and Merry Christmas. Send me some pictures of the finished tree.
Labels: Christmas String Lights, Holiday Decorations, Lighted Sculptures
I am remodeling my home (currently totally gutted down to studs) and am in the process of re-wiring. I would like to install some low voltage lights in several places -- under kitchen cabinets, in laundry area, in upstairs hallway, etc. Can I set up one transformer and have several sets of these lights hooked to the transformer and control each set up lights with a simple on/off toggle switch? I realize that I need to be careful to not put more wattage in lights on the transformer than what it is listed to handle -- I was thinking 10, 10 watt lights, hooked up to a 120 watt transformer --- all the lights may or may not be on at the same time. Does the length of the wire affect the math in this equation? I want to run the wire in the walls since I have them opened up --- what size wire should I use to do this? Where can I get individual lights that I can hook to the circuit -- everything I am finding is typically already tied to a small transformer that your just "plug in the string". What is the best way to connect the lights to the lead wire under my cabinets?
Take a look at our PHANTOM LIGHTING STRIPS for an easy and effective form of low voltage lighting. The low voltage strips are designed for use with a remote MAGNETIC TRANSFORMER and can be dimmed with a MAGNETIC TOGGLE DIMMER SWITCH.
Since the walls are open, run a home run 12/2 romex to each individual run of light strips back to the transformer. I would use a 24 volt system to minimize voltage drop issues related to wire lengths. Do not exceed 50'' of wire length from the transformer to the lights and do not exceed 280 watts per run.
I don''t recommend using one transformer for all the locations.
Labels: Dimmer Controls, Low Voltage Strip Lighting, Phantom Lighting System
I have a matha stewart pre-lit christmas tree and one row of branches will not light up and I have checked the bulbs and there seem to be none broken and I cant figure out why the branches will not light. Can you please help me? Thnak you
I am not familiar with the Martha Stewart PRE-LIT CHRISTMAS TREES. I would suggest that you purchase a CHRISTMAS LIGHT BULB TESTER. Light bulb testers indentify bad light bulbs, cut wires and bad sockets. One of the disadvantages to pre-lit trees is the inability to easily replace LIGHT STRANDS.
Good luck and Merry Christmas!
Labels: Christmas Light Bulb Tester, Christmas String Lights, Pre-Lit Christmas Tree
When I plug my lights into a timer they blink on and off (no matter what the timer is set on) and if I plug them in without the timer they stay on all the time. What do you think my problem is?
Sounds to me like the TIMER is failing and it is time for a new one. If the lights would fine when pluggeg into the wall, that tells me the problem is in the timer itself.
Labels: Christmas Lights, Holiday Lighting Supplies, Timer Control
can i add strip lights after the fact for my pool sheer water falls to light them up and hook them into my outdoor lights low voltage? thanks
Unless your pool builder made specific provisions for lighting, I would not recommend adding them after the fact. Typically, strip lights are countersunk into the tile or stone wall in a grout joint and conduits provide a means for wires to get back to the transformer. You might be off using a well place PIN SPOT to dramatically illuminate your water feature. You can mount the feature light on the house or in a tree.
Labels: Fountain Lighting, Low Voltage Pin Spot, Outdoor Lights
What is the best method or process to straighten icicle lights to take the pigtail twist out? Thank you in advance. Jim
You have to be creative with ICICLE LIGHTS and NET LIGHTS. Try taking a blow drier and heating the slightly wire as you apply tension. This may cause the icicle lights to relax and hand straighter for you. I have also seen people use lead fishing weights on longer strands that worked pretty well.
Let me know how you finally get it solved.
Labels: Christmas Lighting and Decoration, Icicle Lights, Net Lights
I have a Toro 52941 transfomer that I need to replace. It's output is 36w max...... input 120v 60hz 1.oA ... 12vac lamp load 4 .... what unit to replace this transformer.... thank you
You have some pretty small transformers from Toro. The only thing we have that comes close is the MALIBU TRANSFORMER ML88T which is rated for 88 watts of light. Having the extra capacity will not effect your current lights, but rather give you a little extra capacity to add more.
We have these low voltage TRANSFORMERS and other low voltage LANDSCAPE LIGHTING FIXTURES in stock.
Labels: Landscape Lighting Fixtures, Low Voltage Lighting System, Malibu Transformer
One section of pre-lit Xmas tree is dark. We have tested all bulbs with tester and removed and replaced all original bulbs....fuses have been tested and are good. The rest of the tree is gorgeous. It is not the plug in to the next section of the tree as we have removed the top portion to work on it separately and have it plugged in to wall socket. Can you help?
I can only think of two things left that you can check on your PRE-LIT CHRISTMAS TREE. One of the lamps is twisted and the wire lead on the base is not making contact. Pull each light bulb one at a time and check to see that the two copper wires are in the correct position on the sides. Have you checked to see if the wire is cut or pulled loose from one of the sockets.
If that doesn't fix the problem you will have to install a new strands of lights in the dark area.
Labels: Christmas Light String Troubleshooting, Holiday Decorations, Pre-Lit Christmas Tree
IM AN ELECTRICIAN AND I HAVE A CLIENT THAT IS ASKING ME FOR A COLOR CHANGING LANDSCAPING SPOT LIGHT TO LIGHT UP A TREE HE HAS AT HIS RESTAURANT. HONESTLY I HAVE NEVER SEEN THESE COLOR CHANGING SPOT LIGHTS.IF THEY EXIST, WHERE CAN I BUY THEM AND FOR ABOUT HOW MUCH?
Thanks for the question. I hope that you will return for other lighting and electrical products in the future.
Here are some links to a vendors who have color wheels:
http://ww6.christmasdepot.com/prod.cgi?ul0541
http://www.cheesylights.com/miscprod1.html
Labels: Color Wheels, Landscape Lighting, Spot Lights
I am planning on using some of your down lighting to light my backyard. I would be putting in some 100w Mercury Vapor fixtures. I will be mounting these to the side of the house aprox. 30 ft high. I would like to know how big the light pattern is from this height? How much area will this illuminate? Some areas will use a 50w, what is its light pattern from 10 ft for these fixtures?Thanks for your time.
The 100-watt mercury vapor down light with the R30 or R40 lamp has a approximate beam pattern of 55 degrees. So if you are ounted at 30'' you can expect the light pattern will be about a 60'' diameter without the shield and about 50'' diameter with the shield.
If you are looking for a soft light, go with the 50-WATT R30 KITS and for a brighter level, go with the 100-WATT R30 KITS. You might want to hide the ballasts in the attic for a cleaner look.
Labels: Down Lighting, Landscape Lighting Kits, Mecury Vapor Fixtures
