TierramadreLandscape.com

I have been looking at Malibu Solar landscape lights and notice that they post no information as to how much light they put out. They have some solar lights that have two LEDs and some with three LEDs. How do these compare with the standard 4 watt low voltage lights?

About the same but more importantly for solar non-wired lights, what is the average run time? Some cheap ones will last only 4 hours while others can make it all night.

2006-05-29 23:09:18 by Alby

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I am installing low voltage lighting and have a couple of questions: I'm working both with 4 watt and 11 watt tiered path lights. I plan to use the 11 watt fixtures on corners and at steps. How far apart should I space the 4 watt fixtures along the path? Also, can I change out the 4 watt bulbs with 11 watt bulbs if some areas need extra lighting? Is it true that I can pierce the low voltage cable and if I'm not happy with the location, that it is OK to remove the fixture and place it elsewhere (meaning the cable is really self sealing?) I have about 240 watts of lights to be controlled by a 300 watt transformer, on 12 gu cable, and the run is approximately 150 feet. Should I run two, 75 foot cables to the transformer, or have one long 150 foot cable to it?

Using only paths lights and that many path lights along a walkway is going to produce the runway affect. Do you ogle at airport runways every time you drive past at night ? Maybe you should consider a little variety in your walkway lighting design.

If you have 240 watts of lights and a 300 watt transformer, you will not have the ability to change out the 4 watt bulbs for 11 watt bulbs because you are going to overload your transformer. There is something called voltage drop on the wire.Your 12-2 copper wire has resistance just like each light bulb. When you pass a current through the wire, you produce a voltage drop on the wire due to this resistance. You typically deload a transformer to 80% of its maximum to account for voltage drop on the wire. That means that you have 240 watts available for light fixtures (300 watts x 80% = 240 watts), which is what your current total load is with the 11 watt and 4 watt bulbs in those fixtures.

The National Electrical Code only allows 12-2 copper wire to carry a load of 192 watts at 12 volts. 240 watts of lighting on one wire exceeds the capaity of 12-2 copper wire. You need to run at least to runs or use larger wire.

Putting all your lights on one 150' run means there is at least 140' between the first light and the last light (Malibu transformers recommend that lights are not closer to the transformer than 10'). This means you are going to have a significant voltage difference on your lights. The first lights will be real bright with lights getting progressively dimmer until you get to the dimest lights at the end of your run. It is recommended that you have no more than 50' difference from the first light to the last light. To maintain this requirement, you probably will need three wire runs.

Were you planning on using the diasy chain wiring technique? A better wiring technique is to use the "T" wiring technique. With the "T" wiring technique you will get a more consistent voltage to each fixture and more consistant lighting from each fixture. So plan on three wire runs using the "T" wiring technique. Good luck.

2007-05-15 21:36:00 by drbernice843

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Durable steel construction with beautiful antique finish
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I am going to be installing low voltage landscape lights. The fixture that was picked out is a Malibu 12 volt with an 11 watt bulb. The only problem is I'm not sure how much light the 11 watt bulb will put out. Is it okay to change it to a 18 watt bulb. I am not going to be using a Malibu transformer. I will be using a 900 watt multi tap transformer, so capacity is not an issue.

You can use the 18 watt. the 11 watt is pretty bright. Your transformer can handle it so go for it. I dont like the ones that are 4-6 watts because they look so cheap.

Good Luck.

2009-05-31 18:32:27 by Jim D

Price: $66.30 $51.78

Add light to walkways, steps, and curbs
traditional path lighting kit with bonus spotlights
Completely waterproof construction

Hello,

Does anyone know if NYC code requires conduit pipes for low voltage wiring around an outdoor garden area?

If so, does the conduit need to be running along the floor or can it be mounted along a concrete wall?

Thanks.

call the local building code inspection office you dont have to tell them who you are just ask the question or call the local electrical supply house where the pros shop they know they sell the parts then go to the local home depot and tell them your plan and ask for the electric sales guy he can help you choose the right stuff

2007-04-09 09:04:40 by Blueiceman646

I would like to know if the cable connectors on low voltage landscape lights are rated for direct burial.The reason I ask is because the end of the wires coming off the light are bare.

I also read that at the end of a run I can just cut the wire and bury it without capping it off, or sealing it in any way.Wouldnt burying cable with bare ends cause the reset switch on the power pack to trip.

Thank you for your time.

I would seal the end of these wires with silicone or some other sealant to at least keep water out.

2008-08-12 17:35:22 by john l