Figuring out the best way to hook up a low voltage lighting system that somebody else prewired.

I have a total of 11 feeds that the person who installed my paver patio left pre wired I have 8 lights to mount on my steps (8watts per light) 3 wall mounts (8 watts ) and then I have 4 beds around the patio where I will probably use some 15 watts lights x 8 which should be fine for a 300watt transformer . How is the best way to test if it is a closed loop system via continuity or attach one end to a transformer and find if there is power on any other wire which would be the closed end of the loop? Does the closed end need to be on the same voltage in a multi tap transformer. If it starts on a 12 volt it should end on a 12 volt in the multi tap connections ? Do you have a good book on describing the open and closed loops open I understand its the closed that I get confused and can you get a multi tap with all 12v taps because the wire looks to be a 12 gauge so it would make life easier. Thanks

You need to pick up a inexpensive multi-tester that has an ohm meter and volt meter. The ohm meter will allow you to identify each wire to see where it starts and where it ends up. The volt meter will allow you to check for voltage drop if the wires are too long or too small. If you strip back each wire and twist one end together that will allow you to use the ohm meter on the other end to find each wire.

After you label them, then you can start DESIGNING YOUR LOW VOLTAGE LIGHTING SYSTEM and seeing the best way to terminate them. If you just have one or two lights on each home run wire, you can splice them at the transformer or double lug them if you transformer has screw terminals like the 300 WATT TECHLIGHT TRANSFORMER.

We have many transformers that will work. I suggest that you view one of my previous OUTDOOR LIGHTING BLOGS to learn more about calculating loads and sizing transformers.

Thanks for visiting Residential Landscape Lighting & Design. We certainly appreciate your business and look forward to serving you now or in the future. Feel free to call at 800-239-2939 if we can help!

http://www.residential-landscape-lighting-design.com

Labels: Low Voltage Lighitng System Installation, Techlight Transformer, Transformer Calculations

posted by xinger @ 12:51 PM