New installation trouble

Disconnect the fixtures and see if it still cycles. You may have a bad transformer

I am installing a new low voltage outdoor lighting system. There are 5 x 20w spot fixtures and one Malibu Lighting 200W transformer.

After installing the 5 lights, I laid out the 12-2 supply. The furthest lights (2 on one post = 40w) are about 70' from the transformer, and I hooked them up first.

With only those 2 lights attached, the transformer is cycling on/off every 20-30 seconds.

The transformer, fixtures, lamps, cable, and connections are all new. I took pains with the connections.

What am I missing? Please help.

I don't know anything about transformers cycling on/off, but I did help a friend (as ignorant of electricity as I am) shop for parts for her Malibu lights. Seems like 50' was longest run that would work - can the length of cable be the issue?

Hi, And logic tells me start hooking up close one first and keep adding fixtures.

On Fri 11 Sep 2009 03:20:36p, mc told us...

You might have a bad transformer. Additionally, most low voltage systems have a recommended maximum low voltage power line length. Lengths longer that those recommended can cause various problems.

At at previous home we had a large number of lighting fixtures, but divided them amongst numerous transformers with reasonably short line lengths. If memory serves, I think the maximum was 20-25 feet on each transformer.

Also recommended are several shorter line lenths connected to the same transformer.

IMHO, 70 feet seems excessive.

I have run Malibu lights as far as 200'. Used 12 gauge copper wire.

The transformer should not be acting up because of a long wire run. This would merely reduce the voltage at the end and dim the lights.

Sounds like a short in your wiring. The transformer shuts itself off when it sees a short and then tries again after a few minutes.

Thanks Walter. I used brand new cable, 12-2 to the bollard, 16-2 to the light fixture . I used brand new wire connectors, and was painstakingly careful. I have concluded the transformer, Intermatic Malibu 200w, is defective. It continued to cycle (on for 1 sec, off for 20 sec) even after I had disconnected all the load. After 2 defective transformers Intermatic, I'd be a fool to try a third one. Does anyone have a recommendation for a better product? Who makes the best transformers?