Installation Guide
2
1) Finding Transformer Load: Low voltage systems require the use of a transformer to reduce standard
120-VOLT power from your home to 12-VOLTS. To determine the transformer size you will need, add up the
wattages of all lamps you plan to use. Select a transformer that matches as closely as possible to the total
lamp wattage. For example, if you have 12 xtures all rated at 15 watts, you will need a 200 watt (VA) trans-
former (12 x 15 = 180 watts). Generally, the total lamp load should not be less than one-third the transform-
ers wattage rating, nor exceed its maximum wattage capacity. If your total wattage is too high, either divide
the load between two transformers, or use a more powerful transformer.
2) Determine desired location for mounting transformer. NOTE: When deciding location for mounting
consideration should be taken for the requirements listed above.
3) To mount directly to a wall surface, use the included screws. Minimum mounting height, to the bottom of
the transformer, is 1 ft. (.305 m) above ground. When installing the screws, the spacing between the screw
centers is 3-9/16 in. (90 mm). See the template for correct spacing.
4) If mounting to a solid surface such as wood, siding, etc;
A) Drill 1/8” diameter pilot holes at positions marked in Step 3.
B) Drive screws approximately half way into holes.
If mounting to drywall:
A) Drill 1/4” diameter holes at positions marked in Step 3.
B) Push plastic anchors into holes and tap until ush.
C) Drive screws approximately half-way into plastic anchors.
5) Slip large portion of keyholes over head of top screws and allow transformer to slide down.
6) Drive screw through bottom slot and tighten until transformer is secure.
7) Choose cable run layout:
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
• Group xtures into zones by distance from the transformer (examples: 0-50', 50-75' and 75-100'). Do
not have a xture that is 10' away from the transformer on the same cable run as a xture that is 100'
away.
• Try to center load your runs as much as possible to minimize the voltage dierential between the rst
and last light (one volt dierence is optimum, two volts is too much).
• Run several separate cable runs to reduce the load per cable, thereby minimizing voltage loss.
Typically a 200-watt transformer has two separate cable runs with about 80 to 120 watts on each cable.
T
A) B)
E)D)
T
TT
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C)
T
LLLL
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L = Light Fixture
= Transformer
= Landscape Cable
A) Series - Most common. The cable is run as one long run with lights located along the run.
B) Split - Run up to the recommended maximum distance in two or more directions from the transformer.
C) Tee - Allows more even distribution of power to the center of a run or to a run some distance away. Heavier gauge cable or a
double run should be used to make the tee. All cable to cable connections should be soldered.
D) Split Tee - Allows uniform distribution of power to both legs (e.g. to both sides of the yard). It's like doing a Split layout with Tee
layout in each leg.
E) Loop - Allows for relatively uniform light output - However, you must be extremely careful to connect the same wire ends to the
proper transformer terminals.
1ft
(.305m)