"The power pack
is the heart of the system"
The power pack/transformer plugs into a standard outlet and
reduces the regular household current (120 volts), to a safe 12
volts. Transformers range is size from a small unit, which
powers a single entrance light, to large models that can safely
operate 25 or more lights.
To determine which
power pack you'll need, simply add up the wattage of all the lamps you
plan to use (this total is referred to a total nominal wattage -
TNW). Select a transformer that most closely matches the total
nominal wattage of your lights. For example, to power six
11-watt lamps, you'll need a power pack that has an output of at least
66 TNW. As a rule of thumb, the total load wattage of the lamps
should not be less than half of the transformer's TNW or VA rating,
nor should exceed the transformer's maximum capacity. If the
total nominal wattage rating of the lamps is too high, divide the
electrical load between transformers or use a more powerful power
pack.
For added security,
economy and convenience, transformers are available with a variety of
control options. Some feature a timer that automatically turns
lights on and off. Others have photo controls that switch the
lights on at the dusk and off at dawn. Another transformer uses
a photo control to turn lights on and an interval time setting to turn
lights off.
Automatic timer - This
option is preferred when the lights are used for set periods each
evening (for example, on at 8 p.m. and off at midnight).
Photo control - With
this option, lights automatically turn on at dusk and off at
dawn. One of the biggest advantages of a photo control is that
it automatically adjusts to the lighting system for long winter nights
and long summer days. With a photo control, you never have to
worry about lights being on during the day.
Photo control w/
timer - This option provides the homeowner with even more
flexibility. You can use the photo control to turn lights on a
dusk and automatically off at a set time, say 10 p.m. This helps
give homes a "lived-in" look even when homeowners are on
vacation or at work.
Manual control - This
simple option is preferred when lights are installed in pool areas, on
patios, around decks and at other locations that require only
occasional lighting. With a manual control, homeowners can turn
the lights on and off whenever they desire.
|
Total
nominal
wattage of
transformer |
16-gauge
cable |
14-gauge
cable |
12-gauge
cable |
|
max.
watts |
max
length |
max.
watts |
max.
length |
max.
watts |
max.
length |
|
44
watts |
44 |
100 |
44 |
125 |
44 |
150 |
|
60
watts |
60 |
100 |
60 |
125 |
60 |
150 |
|
88
watts |
88 |
100 |
88 |
125 |
88 |
150 |
|
121
watts |
121 |
100 |
121 |
125 |
121 |
150 |
|
200
watts |
200 |
100 |
200 |
125 |
200 |
150 |
|
300
watts |
300 |
100 |
300 |
125 |
300 |
150 |
|