Low voltage outdoor lighting transformers systems are popular for landscape lighting for many good reasons. Low voltage outdoor lighting transformer systems are perfect for creative highlighting of trees, gardens, artwork and other landscape features. Low voltage fixtures are easy to install. Low voltage cables can be buried in a shallow trench, run through conduit or buried underground. A low voltage outdoor lighting transformer is flexible. You can easily move fixtures to accommodate plant growth or to change lighting effects. Low voltage systems are safe and energy efficient. Transformers reduce standard voltage from 120 volts to a safe 12 volts. There is no risk of electrical shock to children or animals if the cable is accidentally cut. Lamps use less wattage and may not have the brightness of 120 volt, higher wattage lamps.

Deciding what you want to light and which techniques to use.

The first step in designing any low voltage outdoor lighting system is to determine what you want the light to do for you. Walk around your property, look out your windows and doors, and think about the kind of mood you would like to create. Look for possible focal points for dramatic accent lighting or plan for soft but safe pathway lighting. Create romantic shadows with subtle moonlighting or make entertainment areas come alive with bright party lighting. Next; review the techniques of accent lighting. Select the technique you feel best achieves the mood you with to create. Some light will “spill” from the accent areas. Work outward from these accent points to fill in areas with path or spead lighting. Balance and subtlety are key tools in path and spread lighting. Try out different techniques, and have fun discovering the beauty of your yard at night. Be sure that when you place your fixtures they will not interfere with lawnmowers, traffic or be a source of irritating glare inside your house or to your neighbors.

Using Photometric

Once you have developed your lighting plan, select the style of fixture and lamps that best fit your needs. Use the photometric chart and the lamp guide. PDF to select lamp types and to determine light output and beam spreads. Remember, sometimes less is more…you do not need high levels of illumination coming from individual fixtures. Instead, use several fixtures at lower wattages for better effect.

Selecting Transformers

Low voltage systems require the use of 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 the total lamp wattage. For example: if you have 11 fixtures all rated at 24.4 watts-you will need a 300 watt (VA) transformer. (11 x 24.4 = 268.4 watts). Generally, the total lamp load should not be less that one-third the transformer’s wattage rating, nor exceed its maximum wattage capacity. If you’re total wattage is too high, either divide the load between two transformers or use a more powerful transformer. Refer to the transformers section.