Landscape Lighting Transformers

1
Landscape Lighting Transformers

• If you are installing your own landscape lighting
  system and you do not intend to hire an
  electrical contractor, then you should only use
  low voltage products. This is for your own
  safety. In order to be able to tie these lights
  into the electrical system from the 120 volt AC
  power supply of  the average home, you will need
  a low voltage transformer. Many landscape
  lighting package sets come equipped with these
  included, but if you are creating your own
  design, you will need to purchase the components
  separately, including the outdoor lighting
  transformer. There will be several things you
  need to know before making your final purchase in
  order to ensure that you have the correct product
  for the job, and you will install it properly.

2

• The purpose of a voltage transformer is to either
  raise or lower the voltage available for use.
  Most transformers encountered by lay people for
  their use are designed to lower the high current
  of 120 volts coming from electrical outlets down
  to 12 or 24 volts for use in low voltage
  landscape lighting products. These are called
  step down transformers, and they are commonly
  packaged with pre-created low-voltage lighting
  kits. It is important to properly install these,
  but their wiring is easy enough for anyone to do.
  You should inform yourself about your specific
  project voltage and lighting needs so that you
  can reap the two fold benefit of the transformers.

3

• The primary benefit of a voltage transformer is
  that it will render the project safer for
  installation by anyone. Even a weekend
  do-it-yourself electrician, can with the right
  instruction and advice, install a landscape
  lighting system if it does not require high
  voltage. High voltage systems, as are commonly
  seen in commercial applications, outdoor sporting
  field and arena lights, and some outdoor flood
  lights should only be handled by an expert
  electrician. Professionals are well versed in
  methods of dealing safely with high voltage
  electrical currents. If your project
  requires home security lights, call a
  professional for your own safety and to prevent
  mishaps that can too easily occur when dealing
  with electricity.

4

• The other advantage voltage transformers have is
  that they can help to save on energy costs.
  Landscape lighting is often on throughout the
  night, and unless the current is regulated, high
  voltage will equal high electric bills. By lower
  the voltage to the lights, the brightness might
  be affected slightly, but the cost savings will
  override it. You will also save the costs of
  having to hire a contractor to install your
  landscape lighting. With a voltage transformer,
  you can put the lighting system in yourself,
  since the lower voltage lights are safer to work
  with.

5

• Installation of most voltage transformers is
  simple. While landscape lighting information can
  vary by brand, most of them involve simply
  connecting the wires. There are some safety
  considerations to take when you are installing
  these. You should always have one of the
  secondary terminals and the metal bases grounded.
  Never touch the other bare wires, terminals or
  leads since these could result in a shock. You
  should also not have the secondary terminal short
  circuited. This could cause the unit to
  malfunction very quickly by overheating.

6

• If you are still in doubt about how to install
  your Focus low voltage transformer or any other
  component of your landscape lighting, it will be
  best to consult with an expert for your own
  safety and your project's ultimate success.