I have a 200 watt "Malibu" transformer and I want to connect 5 three tier 12V lights and two landshap lighting 20W. should I use a smaller wattage transformer? Do I have to use more lights to equal to 200 watts?
Also, I have 100 feet of 12 gauge wire do I have to use it all or can I cut what I don't need off?
Nick
The wattage rating is the MAXIMUM you can use. Use a single light if you wish...no problem...just a lot of excess capacity. You can use up to 10
20watt lightsYou can cut the wire off, but tape./seal off the ends if it is to be buried.
Here's another bit of info from the Malibu FAQ page:
** Should transformers be used to their full capacity? ** Yes. As the load decreases, the output voltage of the transformer increases. Therefore, the life of low voltage lamps will be shortened unless the transformer is carrying close to its rated capacity. The rule of thumb is to use at least half the transformer's wattage rating.
Good to know. Thanks.
Nicolas, you're planning to use the 12 gauge wire from the house to the transformer, right? You don't need heavy stuff like that for the
12v lights. No offense meant.Meirman
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Change domain to erols.com, if necessary.
Thank you and thanks to everyone else who replied. This weekend I'll try to install what I have. I hope it doesn't blow up. DL
Nick
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