Why does low voltage lighting have to be 10 feet from pool?
Feb 02, 2007 by Rob | Posted in Garden & Landscape
I just put in some low voltage landscape lighting and a few of the fixtures are about 3 feet from the edge of my inground pool. The instructions say not to have any fixtures within 10 feet from the pool "for maximum safety".
I thought low voltage lighting was completely safe. Why shouldn't I have fixtures within 10 feet from the pool edge?
you answered your own question "for maximum safety" .
Low-voltage isn't no-voltage and voltage+pools = bad.
RB | Feb 02, 2007
Low voltage lighting overload?
Jul 14, 2006 by jasakel111 | Posted in Garden & Landscape
My low voltage garden lighting transformer is rated for 150 Watts. What will happen if I put 160 Watts on the line? Will it blow the transformer? Breaker? Lights?
The manufacturers always recommend not to over power the line because it can cause a fire hazard. It might, so far i haven't had any problems like that., my ceiling fans and light fixtures have the same warning i usually go over the rate of maximum 50-watts per socket to 60-watts and from 25-watts up to 60-watts per socket and nothing has happen. Your light system is regulated with a low voltage transformer, not like household lighting, i think it safe to go up to 160 but i advise you not to exceed it over 160.
lelekid4ever | Jul 14, 2006
Do low voltage lighting (such as 15 watt halogen bulbs) use less electric then regular incandescents?
Mar 22, 2008 by Tim S | Posted in Engineering
If I put in track lighting, will low voltage halogens save me money as opposed to regular track lighting?
No they won't save you any power. With any further questions like this you can determine the answer yourself. The losses in the lighting are given off as heat. A halogen bulb has a smaller surface area, but gets incredibly hot, it's step down transformer also generates heat. An incandescent bulb also gets very hot. On the other hand a florescent or LED light, which are energy saving technologies remain cool to the touch. You can also tell how much energy will be saved by the power rating in watts. Most of these lights will give a watt/lumen comparison. Something along the lines of "gives the light of a 60 watt bulb, but only dissipates 12 watts".
CB | Mar 22, 2008
How to wire low voltage lighting to transformer?
Jan 02, 2007 by Scott E | Posted in Other - Electronics
I have 14 LED lighting fixtures with 10" pigtails and the transformer (12vdc 2800 mA 36 W) which powers all of them is 5 ft away. Please advise if wire nuts or what is used to extend the wiring from the fixture to the transformer. I assume I need some kind of terminal blocks to connect the fixtures to the transfomer. How do I connect all the terninal blocks to the transformer? Thanks.
I would cut off all the terminal blocks and use some wire connectors to screw all the wires from the lighting fixtures together,then I'd screw a 5ft wire on the connector wire and connect it on the rest of the wires.The connectors I'm talking about can be found in this website: www.boltproducts.com/heyco/wire-protector-terminal-blocks
Michael C | Jan 02, 2007
Low voltage lighting transformer location?
Jul 30, 2007 by keith | Posted in Garden & Landscape
I asked this question a week or so ago and think I may have confused folks. All of these power packs state for outdoor installation only. I called Malibu technical service and all she told me was that it was the UL code.
More simply put, does anyone know of a concern if I mount and plug in my transformer in my basement, and run the low voltage wiring through a small hole to the outside for my outdoor ground lighting?
Hope that's clearer, thanks for any thoughts!
I have mine mounted in a garage. I've had several mounted outside and the connections corrode away after a couple of years, so I got a little smarter this time.
They do get a little hot, so just make sure you don't have a leaky propane bottle or open container of gasoline or your meth lab right next to it.
thegubmint | Jul 30, 2007
Choosing Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
Alfresco landscape lighting has come a long way from citronella candles! Today, the styles of lighting for out of doors areas include an amazing assortment from the elegant to the effective. There are almost as many options for outdoor lighting as for indoor fixtures. Before purchasing out of doors lighting for your landscaped yard, there are a few facts to consider.
Outdoor prospect lighting has come a long way from citronella candles! Today, the styles of lighting for alfresco areas include an amazing assortment from the elegant to the effectual. There are almost as many options for outdoor lighting as for indoor fixtures. Before purchasing open-air lighting for your landscaped yard, there are a few facts to consider.
When installing low voltage prospect lighting it is important to only connect the number of lights to the system that it is designed for. Systems are made for up to 12 lights to be connected to one power transformer and if more than the greatest is connected, the ones furthest from the power source may not be as clear.
You must remember that most LED landscape lighting contains generic lighting to suit the numerous purposes of customers. It is therefore up to you to choose which lightings in your kits are most artistically suited for your garden. LED lights are meant to be used in your yard in a wily way — so there is really no point of overdoing things.
Shelter is a minor concern when using low voltage landscape lighting as curious children and pets may end up exposed to wires incorrectly installed. If the wiring is not fully protected insurrectionists before it rises to light the light, lawn mowers or weed trimmers could promise additional work to reinstall new wiring. While the voltage is low, it could cause a impermanent surprise if bare wires are touched.
Protecting Your Lights
Most LED aspect lighting already has light protection so you need not worry about exposing your lights to the elements. However, there are some types of lights that emergency extra protection. To make sure that your lights are well protected, cessation the product description of your lighting before you buy it. Never take things for granted when it comes to your yard or patio lights.
Landscape Lighting World -- America's New Wholesale Landscape PR Web (press release), WATampa, FL (PRWEB) April 16, 2009 -- Landscape Lighting World, America's Wholesale Distributor for low voltage landscape lights announces it new online megastore Wholesale Landscape Lighting Landscape Lighting World inventories over 15000 professional
Federal buildings to become more energy-efficientDaily Comet, LASome of the work could include low-voltage LED lighting for parking garages and fire-exit signs and sensors for stairwell lighting to reduce continual lighting. Another option is special dimming equipment for areas near windows so lights will dim as
Condo, Sweet CondoTheDay, CTAmong the most graceful touches are an exquisite butler's pantry, subtle low-voltage lighting, a hidden sound system and cork floors. ”Everything is new,” says Colonese. “All the doors, the floors, the bathrooms - even the fireplace was redone.
Landscape Lighting Has Evolved A Long Way마인드스포츠올림피아드, South KoreaLow voltage lighting starts with a "transformer" that converts high voltage household current to "low" 12 volt current which is delivered to light fixtures in the garden via direct burial cable. Consequently, the electrical current in the garden is so
New energy saving deviceHindu, IndiaThe device optimises the voltage to reduce the power intake and supplies the required amount of voltage to the electric circuit with lower induction density, according to the company. It converts high impedance power into low impedance power without
Lighting
Intermatic ML121RT Low Voltage 121-Watt Power Pack with Timer, Black
List Price: $50.40
Price: $45.70 You Save:$4.70 (9%)
Product Details
121-Watt power-Party to allow versatility of usage
Whole operation
Key hole mountings are featured for nonchalance of operation
Product Description
121W, Power Away Transformer, With Timer, Plug In.
Customer Reviews
Quick and easy
Just what we ordered and got it installed in minutes. Great to have our lights back in service.
2010-07-28
| Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
Works like a charm
This power pack replaces the same model that we had for several years. The previous power pack was done in by the cold Northeast Ohio winters, but until then, it was great. The plastic housing shields the timing mechanism from the elements, and the unit is easy to operate. You'll love it.
2010-07-15
| Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
Dead within the year
We purchased a 4-light set which came with this transformer bundled in and at the beginning of the second season the timer had already stopped working (we had unplugged it for the winter). We could switch the lights off and on manually for a couple of months and then the transformer began overheating and would trip itself off (thermal switch still worked!) These units had 5-year warranties but it appears that Intermatic changed it to 1-year recently. So I thought I had plenty of time to locate the receipt but by the time I did the warranty had already expired. I think these units have a design defect or are being made cheaply and not as durable as the previous models.
2010-06-13
(New York, NY) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 1
It works just fine
I needed a new transformer as my old one had corroded. This replacement unit was reasonably priced and worked great. It was well packed and arrived promptly. It was a great buying experience.
2010-06-10
(MD) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5
Welcomme replacement
Bought as replacement for same unit that begain to make noises aftyer 10 years of continual use in a desert climate. Werll made.
2010-04-03
| Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
Moonrays 95534 10-Fixture Low-Voltage Plastic Lighting Kit, Black
List Price: $49.98
Price: $42.61 You Save:$7.37 (15%)
Product Details
Includes 48-Watt transformer and 50-Feet of radio
Firm plastic construction
Lights mount to deck or can be installed in settle
Product Description
ODYSSEY Glissade FLIGHTCASE 10in MIXER AND 2 CD PLYR
Customer Reviews
DON'T BUY THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do not buy this!!!! I never leave reviews but this should really be taken off the market. I bought this for my elderly grandmother and just like the other reviews the transformer blew about a month after installation. Now I am out $50 and I have to buy a new lighting system for her.
So close yet so far..
Moonrays 95540 Low Voltage Path Lighting Kit with Power Pack
I actually bought the Moonray kit with the spot lights, but wanted to also list my review on here since they are essentially the same kits (sans spot lights).
Like others have stated with these type of lights and systems, is you get what you pay for. Don't get me wrong, they are not horrid, but by no means are they a great system. The problem with Moonrays is the connection. It is made at the light bulb base where there are two pins under the base that pierce the cable. The problems are: The cable that comes with this unit is a very small gauge (18 Gauge is what is supplied despite the picture showing 16 Gauge). In order for the pins to hit the wire when the cable is pieced they have to be perfectly aligned. I learned from other reviewers and just bought some 14 Gauge wire instead, which gave me the desired thickness of copper to work with while maintaining flexibility when trying to bend the wire and push the pins into it. To keep the transformer on to check each connection I simply used a small piece of electrical tape over the sensor. I used a small nut driver to push the cable up into the light base pins while using the base of another (screwdriver) to hold the top part (where the light bulb goes) into place. Also contacts for the bulbs come very close together, are easily bent. If the bulb doesn't light after some manipulation of the bulb, pull the bulb base off, look at the wire and likely you'll see the perforations were off kilter, though with the 14 or 12 gauge wire this should not be a problem. Use your screwdriver to bend the pins in the proper direction and try again (but don't push the cable up into the housing with anything that will conduct electricity if you still have the transformer on. Having a voltmeter handy is nice, so if still the bulb doesn't lite, you can check the voltage across the bulb contacts. On a couple of mine it was hard just to get the bulb to contact properly and that's what was wrong even though the cable connection was good. Don't stake any of the lights down until all are connected and all are lit.
Once you get the idea of what your doing on the first light, the rest are quite easy to install. Unplug the transformer... install light, plug in to check if it works... repeat until finished.
Now all this works great for the pathway lights, the spot lights are another matter entirely. What a major pain in the butt to get installed. The major problem with the spot lights is there is no cam (the little thing that in the pathway lights, helps to keep the cable connected to the pins) for use in these. You push the pins and cable together, and attempt to set the "correct" angle for your spot lights, and place in the ground, the problem comes that if you Move the angle in which the spot light is set in the slightest without some major coordination of moving the cable along with it, the pins will come right out of the cable and your back to square one. Major flaw in setting these up. Setting up the two spot lights took longer than setting up the pathway lights.
So only 3 stars for this product with the spot lights, minus one star for the crappy 18 gauge wire they sent, and I had to go out and buy 14 gauge wire. Minus another star for the shoddy spot lights. If it was just the pathway lights, I'd give it 4 stars.
Otherwise, it was a fairly simple set up. I haven't had any problems with my transformer blowing yet, so do not know as to the longevity of the product.
If anyone knows of a link to finding decent / equivalent LED's for these lights, please let me know. Getting into Lumens / mCd vs Watts is a whole other story.
Not ready for prime time.
I can see why folks are saying the transformers blew. I just blew one myself. The overall idea is a good one: Cheap lights like Malibu, theoretically easy to install, but with the connection between the light and the cable is up in the light housing protected from the weather. That's the problem with Malibu lights: the connection to the cable is outside exposed to the elements and it corrodes fairly quickly. The problem with Moonrays is also the connection. It is made at the light bulb base where there are two pins under the base that pierce the cable. The problems are: The cable that comes with this unit is a very small gauge, probably 14 or 16 gauge. In order for the pins to hit the wire when the cable is pieced they have to be perfectly aligned. In my case, over half were not and it took hours of troubleshooting to make all the lights lite up. In order to accomplish this I had to have the transformer on, otherwise I'd never know whether or not I made a good connection. I used a screwdriver to push the cable up into the light base, and I must have bridged the two pins and blown the transformer. Also contacts for the bulbs come very close together, are easily bent, and I bet if a drop of moisture gets in between this tiny space: there's goes the transformer. I think the thing to do if you decide to get these anyway is to install with the transformer on (unless you have some condition where exposure to 12 volts, 4 amps will somehow harm you) and use the tip of one of the plastic stakes to push the cable up into the light housing and push the pins through the cable. If the bulb doesn't light after some manipulation of the bulb, pull the bulb base off, look at the wire and likely you'll see the perforations were off kilter. Use your screwdriver to bend the pins in the proper direction and try again (but don't push the cable up into the housing with anything that will conduct electricity). Having a voltmeter handy is nice, so if still the bulb doesn't lite, you can check the voltage across the bulb contacts. On a couple of mine it was hard just to get the bulb to contact properly and that's what was wrong even though the cable connection was good. Don't stake any of the lights down until all are connected and all are lit. I may install a 5 amp inline automotive fuse in one of the two lines. Will that work since it's AC? I don't know I'll have to figure that out. There are cheap, auto re-setting circuit breakers; I may try one of those. If I had to do it over again I would not buy these lights.
2010-05-09
| Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 1
Don't bother
Bought this item twice from a retailer.
Both units lasted only 6 months. The Transformer and eye sensor box keeps burning out.
2010-04-18
(North America) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 1
Don not purchase
Within one week of being installed, the transformer blew out. Very dissappointed with product.
Intermatic ML300RTW Malibu 300-Watt Power Pack with Timer and Ground Shield
List Price: $107.00
Price: $70.99 You Save:$36.01 (34%)
Product Details
6-year fixed warranty
Instinctual multiple on/off timer
Coverts 120-volt AC to 12-volt AC power
Product Description
The Malibu 300-watt power kitbag with timer and ground shield comes with 2 sets of trippers and a sod shield to help you program your lighting system. It converts 120-volt AC to 12-volt AC power and has an robot multiple on/off timer with manual override deflection. Control wattage outputs for your Malibu low-voltage lighting with this party, which is protected by weather-resistant housing and is backed by a 6-year restrictive warranty.
Customer Reviews
Intermatic ML300RTW Malibu 300-Watt Transformer
Although I've not install this transformer at this writing, I've opened the package and read the manual. The unit appears to be sturdy and well-built. Most of my lights to be connected are LED and should not add up to anywhere near the capactiy of this transforner, but I did want one that could handle whatever else I intend to connect in the future. There will be a combination of assorted lights including a gas lamp post being converted to low voltage, concrete pagoda, rock lights, solar pagodas converted to low voltage, etc. The area being covered includes front, back and side yards. This project has been in the planning stages for over a year mainly due to locating the appropriate fixtures to create the look I wanted. The gas lamp post is being converted from natural gas to low voltage using a kit, but not all of the inclusive parts because I'm integrating with the rest of the lighting. The solar pagodas are being converted by extracting parts from available LED fixtures and retrofitting into the pagodas. Had intended to purchase "ready-to-go" fixtures, but these just aren't available anywhere. The lighting is primarily intended to highlight various landscape features such as several fountains, birdhouses, etc. along with pathlights. The entire system will be controlled by this transformer with the optional photocell. I'm a hardcore DIY person and not timid in experimenting or doing what had not been done before.Intermatic ML300RTW Malibu 300-Watt Power Pack with Timer and Ground Shield
Good but not great!
This transformer is well made but lacks sophistication.It is extremely heavy and uses an antiquated pin system to turn the lights on and off.The pins are small and can be easily lost making the unit unusable. The pins need to be adjusted constantly as the seasons change with longer or shorter daylight. Why no automatic light sensor to adjust to seasonal change?Who wants to constantly adjust these tiny pins all the time,not me.I understand that sensors can be added but thats a pain why not build it into the product or include it??
2010-08-27
| Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3
Terribly disappointed
I purchased this item the Intermatic ML300RTW low voltage transformer in August of this year, 2010. This was the fourth one which was purchased between July and August of 2010. All four items experienced similar problem. To Amazon.com credit, they did replace the items promptly. The problem is that the clock slows down considerably as much as 4 to 5 hours behind schedule. This was after an average of 2 to 3 days after being placed in service. The transformer was used to power my driveway lights.
The last item was sent back to Intermatic for replacements. They refuse to honor a 2 day delivery as was done by Amazon.com saying that it was too costly. It was now 4 days and I am still waiting for the replacement from Intermatic. I found Intermatic very unprofessional and unresponsive. I would avoid their products at all cost. If the replacement does not work this time, I will just ask for a refund.
2010-08-21
| Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1
great item
Great item, easy to install. Definately worth the money. Very happy with my purchase.
2010-08-06
| Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
great timer
This is an excellent timer for a great price with 300 watts of power.
It is running all my landscaping lights in the front yard
and I also have wattage room to expand in the future.
List Price: $118.54
Price: $88.22 You Save:$30.32 (26%)
Product Details
250-Feet hunger
For low Voltage lighting systems
Out of doors light systems keep your family safe
Product Description
LOW VOLT Out of doors WIRE. Use for outdoor lighting systems. 150 Volts - UL Listed. 2 wire spool. Starless
Customer Reviews
Excellent price on a great product!
I received this wire quickly, but with winter fast approaching, I was unable to install and will need to wait until spring of 2010. I did notice this is a quality wire for my outdoor low-voltage lighting system and I was able to purchase at a much better price than what was available in the big name stores.
2010-02-01
| Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
Moonrays 95540 Low Voltage Path Lighting Kit with Power Pack
List Price: $66.30
Price: $56.39 You Save:$9.91 (15%)
Product Details
Photocell sensor automatically turns lights on at evening and off at dawn
Includes bulbs and perquisite deck mount
unwritten path lighting kit with bonus spotlights
Product Description
14 Call it a day, Low Voltage, Plastic Tier Light Kit, Includes 12 Disgraceful Plastic Tier Lights, 2 Lowering Plastic Floodlights, 60W Control Piece, 50', 18 Gauge Low Voltage Cable, Fourteen 4W Bulbs, Guide Unit Is Photocell Operated, Dusk To Brighten Operation, For Replacement Bulb Use #95503, Straightforwardly Value #122-428.
Customer Reviews
Very fragile,low grade lights.
These lights are not what they were detailed to be.
They were very low quality,very difficult to install.
I would have liked to have known the low quality and
how cheaply they were manufactured before i purchased
the lights.Best regards,Bobby.
2010-08-08
| Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2
MoonRay
I bought this through Amazon. This is the third type that I have bought. This was by far the easiest one to hook up. Also, with the connection taking place as it does, it is less likely that the wires will become disconnected when accidentally hit as some of my others have. The only down side is that the power supply did malfuncation after about 3 weeks. However, after I contacted the company (not through the number included in the package but one I found on the internet), they sent me another power supply that had a higher voltage. Since then, no troubles.
The number included with the material is just an office number not very helpful with my problem at all.
2010-07-26
| Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4
outdoor lighting with USELESS WIRES
this product is totally NOT GOOD because the wire they manufacture for this product is NOT GOOD it has very small strended wire inside that the pins of the lighting are very short to touch wires ,so you buy this lighting and call electrician to install waste money rip everything and buy new wires cost me triple,I DONT RECOMMEND TO ANYBODY.
2010-07-11
| Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 1
Mostly works but not perfect
The pack includes 10 lights and 2 spot lights. I find these as better lighting than solar lights which wanes after a bit. Have set the 10 lights up a month ago. They give out a nice warm glow around our yard. I gave up on the 2 spot lights. As the previous reviewer mentioned, I just could not get the pins to stay connected to the wire and the wire to stay in place - there was nothing to hold the wire in place with the pins - unlike the other ten lights for which you can actually screw the wire tightly into place with the pins.
I initially tried one lamp indoors to make sure it works before I actually took the entire pack outside. You just have to invert the power box face down so the sensor is covered to make lamp light up to test if it works.
Thereafter I assembled all the lamps and positioned them around the yard and laid the wire out to get an idea of where I should actually assemble the lamp because once you fix the lamp to the cable, I would not personally advise removing them and trying again several times as the pins puncture the wire. One thing to keep in mind is that the wire has to make contact the pins in one particular direction. Polarity is the key factor here. If you think you have fitted/pushed the pins through the wire correctly and the bulbs do not light up, then just flip the wire over and try again.
Overall, love the soft lighting and hopefully lasts longer than solar lights. -1 star for the lousy spot lights and -1 star for the setup. Would've preferred a easier way to set up these lights but I guess you get what you pay for.
Could have been better...
Like others have stated with these type of lights and systems, is you get what you pay for. Don't get me wrong, they are not horrid, but by no means are they a great system. The problem with Moonrays is the connection. It is made at the light bulb base where there are two pins under the base that pierce the cable. The problems are: The cable that comes with this unit is a very small gauge (18 Gauge is what is supplied despite the picture showing 16 Gauge). In order for the pins to hit the wire when the cable is pieced they have to be perfectly aligned. I learned from other reviewers and just bought some 14 Gauge wire instead, which gave me the desired thickness of copper to work with while maintaining flexibility when trying to bend the wire and push the pins into it. To keep the transformer on to check each connection I simply used a small piece of electrical tape over the sensor. I used a small nut driver to push the cable up into the light base pins while using the base of another (screwdriver) to hold the top part (where the light bulb goes) into place. Also contacts for the bulbs come very close together, are easily bent. If the bulb doesn't light after some manipulation of the bulb, pull the bulb base off, look at the wire and likely you'll see the perforations were off kilter, though with the 14 or 12 gauge wire this should not be a problem. Use your screwdriver to bend the pins in the proper direction and try again (but don't push the cable up into the housing with anything that will conduct electricity if you still have the transformer on. Having a voltmeter handy is nice, so if still the bulb doesn't lite, you can check the voltage across the bulb contacts. On a couple of mine it was hard just to get the bulb to contact properly and that's what was wrong even though the cable connection was good. Don't stake any of the lights down until all are connected and all are lit.
Once you get the idea of what your doing on the first light, the rest are quite easy to install. Unplug the transformer... install light, plug in to check if it works... repeat until finished.
Now all this works great for the pathway lights, the spot lights are another matter entirely. What a major pain in the butt to get installed. The major problem with the spot lights is there is no cam (the little thing that in the pathway lights, helps to keep the cable connected to the pins) for use in these. You push the pins and cable together, and attempt to set the "correct" angle for your spot lights, and place in the ground, the problem comes that if you Move the angle in which the spot light is set in the slightest without some major coordination of moving the cable along with it, the pins will come right out of the cable and your back to square one. Major flaw in setting these up. Setting up the two spot lights took longer than setting up the pathway lights.
So only 3 stars for this product, minus one star for the crappy 18 gauge wire they sent, and I had to go out and buy 14 gauge wire. Minus another star for the shoddy spot lights.
Otherwise, it was a fairly simple set up. I haven't had any problems with my transformer blowing yet, so do not know as to the longevity of the product.
If anyone knows of a link to finding decent / equivalent LED's for these lights, please let me know. Getting into Lumens / mCd vs Watts is a whole other story.
Here is another projectile of the dear chaser at our nursery at dusk. Low voltage lighting systems can add so much to a tree or mineral water feature. With ...
Lighting MEDIA
The person shake has been bomb dropped! Took my last test on a wonderful day. Went to work for a few hours...
...and then my life picked back up from 4-1/2 months of studying...
I spackled, sanded and recoated a few basement walls. Coating to follow shortly.
: $24.95 
