UPB for garden lighting

[ewiz]

Hi there, I have a large garden split into 3 distinct areas. It has existing wiring in place for general lighting - for simplicity let's just say I can control 3 outdoor lights for the garden whereas I would like to control up to 20 lights/waterfalls/pond lights/holiday rope lights.
I'll be using CQC. Inside the house I use CBus.

I'd rather not run 20 new long point-to-point runs for CBus, plus I'd like the flexibility to change the configuration of the garden lighting in the future. I guess powerline options like UPB would be the way to go, but I can't find outdoor receptacles nor can I find much information on outdoor configurations like I'm considering. Maybe because I'm on the wrong path?

Do any of you do soemthing similar? Is powerline the way to go? Where's a good source for outdoor gear?

Thanks
ewiz

 

[refinished]

I have a Vista transformer (can't recall if it's 600w or 2x300w) that has a place inside the box where a standard plug-in wall timer can go. I have a UPB appliance module wired in with a transformer-safe dimmer instead. The box is weather resistant - sort of - and mounted outside. I've had no problems in two years of running other than the module forgetting it's settings and needing to be refreshed. That happened once and took five minutes to fix without even unplugging the module. I bought 15 or so of these modules at Fry's for four dollars each and expected them to be expendable items that the weather would kill off every now and then - I'm still on the first one.

 

[mustangcoupe]

I have a Vista transformer (can't recall if it's 600w or 2x300w) that has a place inside the box where a standard plug-in wall timer can go. I have a UPB appliance module wired in with a transformer-safe dimmer instead. ......................

I have the same setup but with a Mailabu transformer and lightning, I kept the transformer in the basement. the problem with the concept and your problem is that you would need a transformer for each lighting zone. The other problem is that I don't believe there is an outdoor rated UPB module.

 

[refinished]

I have the same setup but with a Mailabu transformer and lightning, I kept the transformer in the basement. the problem with the concept and your problem is that you would need a transformer for each lighting zone. The other problem is that I don't believe there is an outdoor rated UPB module.

The first problem is hardly a problem for me since I have no desire to have my outside lights come on at differing times. The module is on the line side of the transformer, so each of my runs (a couple off the 11v terminal, a few off the 12v terminal, and one off the 13v terminal) are covered with one UPB device.

The second problem is only a problem if you aren't willing to take a chance on using indoor modules in a outdoor box. I only point out that it has been working for me with what I percieve to be minimal risk.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Possibly use this a controllable outlet and mount it in an approved outdoor enclosure.

I did this to control my outdoor lighting with an X-10 controlled outlet.

Details HERE.

 

[hucker]

Possibly use this a controllable outlet and mount it in an approved outdoor enclosure.

I did this to control my outdoor lighting with an X-10 controlled outlet.

Details HERE.

I'm using a UPB relay module mounted in an outdoor recepticle. There was some question as to whether it would work for low temps since the spec sheet's low temp isn't that low... Others had told me here that their outdoor units were working fine. The UPB relay worked like a champ through the winter. Seattle winters are pretty mild but we did have a bunch of snow this year. I configured it to keep an LED on in all cases to get a TINY bit of free heat...

 

[mustangcoupe]

The first problem is hardly a problem for me since I have no desire to have my outside lights come on at differing times. The module is on the line side of the transformer, so each of my runs (a couple off the 11v terminal, a few off the 12v terminal, and one off the 13v terminal) are covered with one UPB device.

Sorry Refiniched I was posting for ewiz but referencing your post. I see the OP want options for 20 items lights/waterfall/rope lighting/holiday lights ect so I figure he needs more then one module

 

[ano]

I have a Vista transformer (can't recall if it's 600w or 2x300w) that has a place inside the box where a standard plug-in wall timer can go. I have a UPB appliance module wired in with a transformer-safe dimmer instead. ......................

I have the same setup but with a Mailabu transformer and lightning, I kept the transformer in the basement. the problem with the concept and your problem is that you would need a transformer for each lighting zone. The other problem is that I don't believe there is an outdoor rated UPB module.

Maybe no outdoor rated UPB module, but I've been using a HAI UPB relay switch in a weathertight oulet box outside, and its been working for years.

 

[robolo]

Maybe no outdoor rated UPB module, but I've been using a HAI UPB relay switch in a weathertight oulet box outside, and its been working for years.

Same here

 

[electron]

I actually put my box with the UPB relay inside the house, allowing me to UPB-ify my in-wall exterior GFCI outlets.

 

[ewiz]

Thanks everyone. It looks like using an indoor module in a outdoor weatherproof box is the way to go.

 

[pete_c]

Personally like to keep my commercial lighting transformers inside along with my power line switches. I use five.

For the "bank" of transformers I ran new circuits to the fuse panel and did not tap into existing electrical.

The powerline switches are setup to turn all of the transformers on at one time. I have numerous zones and they utilize 10-12 guage wire.

IE: My deck lighting is one zone, mostly divided the zones so that they have less than 10 lamps per zone.

My preference to keep my transformers inside is just historical. In the past no matter how much I would spend I would still see weather affecting the boxes. I do like the newer style commercial grade multivolt transformers. I am experimenting with LEDs which replace the halogen lamps. My first purchase a couple of years ago (bought a case of LED style 12V lamps) from China wasn't impressive and I went back to using the Halogen lamps (from 10 watts to 75 watts).

 

[ano]

I actually put my box with the UPB relay inside the house, allowing me to UPB-ify my in-wall exterior GFCI outlets.

Actually I did that as well. Install a box inside opposite an outdoor outlet, install a relay, put on a blank plate and your complete.