Installation Guide
STEP III Continued... Voltage Drop
Voltage drop can be measured with a volt meter at the light source. For example, if you run a 12V line 20ft.
with 12 gauge wire, the voltage at the fixture will be approximately 11.9V and is not cause for concern. How-
ever, with more lights and longer runs, voltage drop can become an issue if any lights are 10.8V or lower.
Things to do to help boost the voltage!
1. Decrease wire gauge – thicker gauge wire can carry more voltage
2. Increase voltage tap – Multi-tap transformers have higher voltage outputs to compensate for voltage
drop. A 13V or 14V run can cause the voltage drop to occur around 12V for normal operation
3. Below is a brief explanation of each layout and where it would be used Use shorter cable or minimize
distance from Transformer
4. “The Enhancer” K15520 - Great for if you need to increase the voltage of just one light, this item boosts
voltage by approximately 20%. Example: a light with affected by voltage drop and is at 10V, by using
"the Enhancer" it will boost the voltage to 12-12.5V
Note: Voltage drop can actually work to your advantage if differences in light bulb brightness levels are not objectionable.
Lower voltage will extend the life of a light bulb, requiring less frequent replacement
Wiring Methods
Straight: The straight wiring method is a “straight” run of fixtures connected directly to
the transformer tap in a “daisy chain”. The furthest fixture from the transformer will ex-
perience the largest voltage drop and therefore will be the dimmest; likewise, the fixture
closest to the transformer will be the brightest. Use this method when it is not practical to
loop it back to the transformer. If any of the fixtures are rated at less than 10.8V, please
see the section above on methods to boost the voltage.
Junction: The Junction wiring method represents a group of fixtures that are each con-
nected to a hub, which is then connected to the transformer. This hub would need to be
buried in a location central to all fixtures; however fixtures do not need to be equal-
distant from this hub, so long as the wire length is uniform. Any extra wire should be bur-
ied near the fixture, and never cut. This allows for complete distribution of power to each
fixture ensuring even brightness in all fixtures. This type of install is ideal for circular drive
ways or paths where voltage drop among fixtures might be noticeable.
Wiring methods continued on next page...
Questions or comments?
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Broughttoyouby:
Kichler Model # K15901 Junction Box - Click Here