Low voltage fixtures
#1
12-11-08, 02:42 PM
Low voltage fixtures
I am replacing existing exterior light system with a low voltage system. I have been doing electrical work all my life but this is the first time dealing with low voltage. Not a problem but the customer wants to put regular exterior lights back not low voltage. His argument is that if it is designed for 110 then why wouldn't it work on 12. I see his point but am sure I will regret doing it.,
,Please advise.
bbwolf5
,Please advise.bbwolf5
#3
12-11-08, 02:57 PM
Originally Posted by bbwolf5
His argument is that if it is designed for 110 then why wouldn't it work on 12. I see his point but am sure I will regret doing it., ,Please advise.
,Please advise.Watts = Amps * Voltage
When watts are held constant, you drop the voltage by 10x, the current increases by 10x which your existing wiring may not be able to handle. The other major complication is that higher voltage can travel longer distances, so if you have a large system you may have trouble with too high of current and too much voltage drop if the wire runs are long.
Example: You have 500W of lights on a 15A circuit using #14 wires. This means 500W / 120V = 4.16A of current. Drop the voltage to 12V: 500W / 12V = 41.6A current which far exceeds the 15A ampacity of your #14 wire.
#4
12-11-08, 03:22 PM
Originally Posted by thinman
Can you provide us with details? Is the low voltage wiring only from the fixtures to the their power source?
#5
12-11-08, 03:31 PM
Originally Posted by bbwolf5
Yes the transformer is about 60' away and am running the low voltage wire to fixtures that are not low voltage fixtures. 8 in all. Sounds like it is a no go.
