Low voltage landscaping lights

Guy669

Member
Hi everybody,

I was looking into buying a low voltage transformer to start some landscaping lights project with the intention to have my isy control the lighting but had some questions.

If I want to control the front lights separately then the back lights do I need two transformers? Also should I use the isy or my M1 to control the lighting?

Thanks guy always appreciate your help
 
If I want to control the front lights separately then the back lights do I need two transformers?
In general, yes.  Depending on power, one could use IOlincs, but they are rated pretty low.
Also should I use the isy or my M1
I see no reason not to use the ISY
I'm looking at the Volt model. Any feedback?
 Are you talking volt transformer or fixtures?  I have been very happy with my LED landscape lighting and lower power transformers. The transformers are quiet (no hum) and can be mounted indoors.  Volt fixtures, I understand, are quite nice. 
 
I referring to Volt transformer. Thanks for the feedback. I think I prefer having my transformers installed in my shed versus outside
 
I have one of the volt units - great if you have the budget
http://www.landscapelightingworld.com/Low-Voltage-Transformer-Outdoor-Lighting-Landscape-Lighting-s/31.htm
 
Very solid construction, seems to be built like a tank. I put a UPB appliance module inside where the timer is supposed to plug in and it works perfectly.
 
They mount outside, which I think is the safest way to go and is probably the only legal way per code - as the 12V wire is not really supposed to be passed through walls. I wouldn't worry about it being exposed to the elements as it is designed to do so - the way it is constructed it will probably outlast the house itself...
 
That Volt does look like a nice unit.  I just got one of the supplies from my local hardware store and mounted it on my brick wall outside, control it via an X-10 outlet.  It's been up for over nine years with no problem.
 
As for needing one or two transformers, I think you will find that getting two transformers is probably easier if you have a place to plug them in at the desired installation locations.  That way you don't have to worry about going with a larger gauge of wire for long distance runs (or the hassle of burying that in the ground).
 
Remember to use appliance type of 120 vac switching devices (vs something for an incandescent).
 
I prefer to switch the AC to the transformer rather than hassle with running the low voltage wiring to a relay and switching that on and off.
 
Personally I didn't want to put mine outside mostly because of the money I spent on them.  My neighbor installed his commercial style outdoor transformers adjacent to his outdoor outlets and behind bushes with worked for him.  The electrical code is relative to placement outside and not shorting out (weatherproof can).
 
I ended up with 4 of the 900-1200 watt multitap multivoltage with separate circuit breakers for the 12VAC runs.  Inside I mounted them in one corner of the basement and used a separate circuit for each (ran new cable to new breakers in the fuse panel). Some of the runs are very long so stuck with the 10 or 12 guage wire and 15VAC taps.  I utilized multiple wires though for smaller zones; IE so one area on the other side of the house is made up of say 4 zones with four wire runs.  I could have shortened the runs by just placing the transformers closer to the lighting.   I installed similiar transformers for my sister using two of them; one for the front LV lighting and the other for the back; its been a few years now and they continue to function well.
 
 
I did have issues with Insteon, UPB and Z-Wave appliance switches throwing the breakers.  I ended up using the older style X10 breakers with the LV transformers. 
 
I did though switch over to all LED lighting with smaller DIN mounted 12VDC transformers and do have them all switched by one UPB light switch today.  I did continue to utilize the LV AC transformers for the LED lamp transition for a bit.
 
Any recommendation for LV lights? I need some for around my pool, front path, side or the house path and backyard ambiance
 
I redid my older LV lighting to LED.  That said what I see that weathered the best were the Kichler LV lamps that I utilize outside. 
 
The malibu bollard and mushroom style lamps did OK but the weather seals fell apart. 
 
I did also purchase some glass and metal "lanterns" which also lasted just fine over the years.  They needed assembly and they have little glass opaque covers over the actual lamps so are double protected from the weather.  I have not seen them in few years but I am guessing that they are sold still.  I utilize these for my walks and a couple of berms.
 
I did notice too that for whatever reasons the LV incandescent 7 watt bulbs and the little mini two pin 10-20 watt halogen bulbs were always needing replacing which became a real PITA This was one of my reasons for going to LED.
 
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