I N S TALLATIO N G U IDE
L OW VO LTAGE TRANSFORME R
300W 600W 900W 1200W
ATTENTION:
Please read and understand thoroughly this
installation guide to ensure safe and efficient operation of this Power Module
WARNING (for conduit connected POWER UNIT)
RISK OF SHOCK. Install power unit 5 feet 1.5m) or more from the pool or spa and 10 feet
(3.05m) or more from a fountain. Where the power unit is installed within 10 feet (3.05m)
of a pool or spa, connect unit to a GFCI protected branch circuit.
Our Bottom Plates feature double knock-outs for adapting to standard conduit
sizes, as well as a 1 5/8” diameter access hole to allow for a larger, centrally
located 1 1/2” conduit for a cleaner, more professional looking installation.
Inspect contents for any damage that may have been incurred during shipping.
Open the side flap inside the shipping carton and remove the mounting hardware and landscape wire connection hardware bags that are supplied
with the unit.
Open shipping carton and carefully remove the transformer.
1
WARNING (for power supply cord connected POWER UNIT)
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. Install power unit 5 feet 1.5m) or more from the pool,
spa or fountain. Where the power unit is installed (a) within 10 feet (3.0m) of a pool,
spa, or fountain, connect power unit to a receptacle protected by a GFCI.
EXAMPLE:
Bottom Plate Hardware Bag
EXAMPLE:
Bottom Plate
MOUNTING THE UNIT
DETERMINE THE LOAD
B) Measure the approximate distance from the transformer to the first fixture on each
run. Refer to Chart 1 to pick the correct tap for each run. You may use multiple
taps or the same tap multiple times, depending on the runs collective total wattage (not to exceed 250W per tap.)
A) Add up all fixtures wattage. Divide your total wattage into 250W max per circuit,
with a maximum of 150W per run. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO EXCEED 150W
PER RUN!
Our multi-tap transformers are equipped with secondary circuit breakers that are
connected to the COM. Each circuit can be loaded up to a recommended maximum of
250 watts to insure 20% buffer from capacity.
3
Secure the transformer using the appropriate wall anchors for the wall surface used.
(Wall mounting screws and anchors not supplied.)
Mount the transformer to a solid surface using keyhole slots in the mounting bracket.
(NOTE: The transformer must be mounted at least one foot above ground level.)
2
24
30
40
60
AWG
10
n/a
38
50
76
AWG
12
48
60
80
120
n/a
57
76
113
AWG AWG
10
12
72
90
120
180
AWG
10
n/a
76
101
151
AWG
12
CHART 1 (Distance in feet to first fixture)
n/a
250-300
25
150-199
19
38
100-149
200-249
AWG
12
WATT
96
120
160
240
AWG
10
TAP 1 12V TAP 2 13V TAP 3 14V TAP 4 15V
NOTE: It is most accurate to
start with the 12V tap and
test for the voltage drop by
using a voltometer at the
fixture(s). The volts it has
dropped below 12V help
determine which tap to use.
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
EXAMPLE: A 100’ run with 150 watts on it using 12 AWG wire will have:
150w x 100 ft / 7490 cable constant = 2 voltage drop. Accordingly the run
should be connected to the 13 or 14 volt tap so that after it loses 2 volts, the
fixtures will still receive between 11-12 volts for most optimal lighting.
WARNING! Running halogen lamps under 10.5 volts reduce lamp life and result
in dim, yellowish outputs. Voltages over 12 significantly reduce lamp life as a
result of over volting. For example; 13 volts will cut lamp life by 50%, 14 volts
will cut lamp life by 75%.
20000
18000
16000
Total watts on Cable X length of run (in feet) / Cable size constant (from chart
below) = Voltage Drop
CALCULATING VOLTAGE DROP FORMULA
16 AWG
12 AWG
10 AWG
CONSTANT
Constant
8 AWG
NO
YES
12/2 Gauge cable should be
sufficient for your needs
YES
NO
8/2 Gauge cable should be sufficient for your needs
YES
Is the length of your farthest
run more than 200 feet?
NO
10/2 Gauge cable should be sufficient for your needs
Is the length of your farthest
run more than 200 feet?
YES
Is the length of your farthest
run more than 100 feet?
Is the length of your farthest
run more than 100 feet?
NO
BOTH
HALOGEN
Will you be using Halogen or LED fixtures?
LED
YES
YES
IMPORTANT! Please note that we do not recommend
any runs longer than 300 ft. for voltage lighting.
NO
Is the length of your farthest
run more than 200 feet?
NO
Is the length of your farthest
run more than 100 feet?
What gauge cable do I need for home to run my Landscape Lighting System?
CONNECTING THE CABLES
Turn off ALL the circuit breakers in the transformer unit. Plug the 120V line cord
into a grounded 120V GCFL outlet. Turn on one breaker at a time to ensure that
your low voltage cable runs are connected per TABLE 1, and to ensure that there
are not any short circuits.
REMEMBER: MAXIMUM 300W PER CIRCUIT
Connect one of each side of the two-pronged cable to the COMs and low
voltage taps labeled on the terminal blocks. NOTE: Cable is not polar.
Make sure that all connecting screws are secure and tight.
Run lighting cables through knockouts in Bottom Plate.
Loosen the screws that hold the bottom plate in place, and remove
bottom plate.
4
CHECKING LAMP VOLTAGES
Voltage Level by Lamp Type:
Halogen lamp installs should be between 11.0 and 12.0 volts LED lamp installs
should be between 11.0 and 15.0 volts
Check the voltage at each fixture using a Voltmeter, and make sure you have the
proper voltage to the lamp.
5
The transformer is marked with a label showing the maximum input current.
If input current exceeds the maximum rating, either remove fixtures or reduce
lamp wattages in the fixtures until input current is sufficiently reduced.
REMEMBER: DO NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM INPUT CURRENT!
Your transformer is provided with a long loop in the optional photocell outlet
-that you may utilize to measure the input current. Simply apply the clamp on
the Amp Meter around the loop and measure the current. (See Chart 3)
CHECKING THE INPUT AMPS
AMPS
5.0A
600W
7.5A
900W
CHART 3 (Input Current)
2.5A
300W
PHOTOCELL JUMPER
(EXAMPLE: 600W)
10.0A
1200W
15486 N. Nebraska Avenue | Lutz, FL 33549 | 1-813-978-3700
www.VOLTLIGHTING.com