Landscape Lighting Transformer
The size and features of your low voltage landscape lighting transformer will be determined by your lighting layout. Many different features are available in the transformers. We will look at the options that are available for your landscaping needs.
Planning your layout
When planning your layout make sure that you have a place in mind for the transformer. If not in a central location you will have to make long wire runs and connections to make sure that each light does get the proper voltage. Use this link to get more information on proper wire size. Use this link to get more information on connectors to use for your project.
The location of your transformer must be close to a 110 Volt grounded outlet, most will have a 6-foot power cord. Most transformers are weatherproof, but will not be able to stand in water.
Check the location of your lights to any standing water feature, Pond, Spa or Pool. Most require that you have a minimum of 10 feet of distance from these types of features. Do not hook up a pond light to a regular transformer, this will get someone hurt. Pond lights require a special transformer with a special shut off for any extra load.
Total wattage for your needs
The total wattage of your transformer will need to be at least 10{96f33b858e93d952285e8b3613cda120f6f3c7bc4d8324032c36c2b960be5b97} more than the total wattage of all of your wire runs. You will have to make your drawing of your layout to determine the best wire run and the total wattage of lights. This will let you decide what would be the best transformer for your layout.
Number and output of wiretaps
The number of leads that you need to run out of your transformer will be determined by your layout. Most will have at least two. Some will have up to 5 outputs.
Wiretaps have different voltage. They range from 12-15 volts. This is because that wire will lose a certain amount of voltage during its journey to your lights. This will be referred to as Voltage Drop. Several things go into this such as-number of lights-size of wire-length of wire-type of connectors used.
The voltage drop will happen on the longest runs, so these should be put on the higher output to have the same light output on each run. On very long runs, you should have the power tap in the middle of the run in the shape of a T. This will allow the most lights to get the same voltage. You may have to adjust the output voltage after viewing the lights after sunset.
Extra features
Extra features Hour Timer
Single output transformers will have a clock built in to turn the lights on and off. These types will allow you to set two times a day to turn the lights on and two times to turn them off.
Dusk to Dawn Photocell
Most of the premium transformers will have an outlet for a remote photocell to turn the lights on at dusk. This will allow you to mount the transformer in a location that does not get a lot of light. Some will have a timer to turn the lights off after a set time limit.
Remote Control
Not many remote control devices are available directly for your landscape transformer. Several companies have some kind of an App for your portable device to monitor your home and when lights go on and off. These types of devices can be wired into most electrical systems with proper knowledge. This would give you some control of your lighting while away from home.
Conclusion
There is a lot to consider before you go out and buy a Low Voltage landscape lighting Transformer. If you follow the steps outlined here you will get the correct transformer the first time and will have many years of Comfortable landscape lighting.
Any questions or suggestions for this information please contact me with the forms below and I will get back to you shortly.
Hello and thank you for a great website and interesting article on low voltage landscape lighting transformers. As with most jobs like this, it pays to do some careful planning and your info is a great help.
Peter
Very informative and a good read. There is a wealth of information here to assist people. Thanks for sharing your expertise.
Donna,
There is a lot of information on this subject, just trying to get it in the same place.
John
This is great information. I don’t have a yard to landscape but I will make sure to pass this post on to my friends who are big into making their yard look beautiful!
Jared,
It is OK to share. I will continue the series on how to install low voltage lights in your yard.
John
A very good and thorough write up on this product, thanks for sharing such clear info.
Best of luck to you.
Ty
I will keep writing on what it takes to install Low voltage lights. Next one will be layout.
John
Look for to it John, I love this kind of stuff.
All the best.
Ty
Hi John, What a very informative post summarizing a very complex subject and simplifying it.
I have learnt a lot from it.
I like the idea of the remote control App. Do you have any further leads where one can read more about that?
Otherwise the post is well illustrated and branded.
Thank You
Stan,
The Iris app sold by Lowe’s is one system that will control you lights remotely. There are several others that are getting into the outside controlling via an APP.
John