Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Apr 16, 2011 9:01 pm Excuse my ignorance but I have no clue. I am planing on putting some lights in the garden and want something decent compared to something like solar lights. So, the question is.....what does it mean if a light has an inbuilt transformer? Obviously it still means power needs to be sourced from somewhere-eg: in the garage etc etc. What are the benefits of a built-in transformer? Some lights will be 240V (only a couple) and the rest probably 12v. Any help much appreciated. I'll be getting an electrician to install the lights as I have no idea and so not even going to try and attempt it due to safety issues. Re: Transformers. Garden Lighting. 3Apr 18, 2011 8:55 pm Dollar Excuse my ignorance but I have no clue. I am planing on putting some lights in the garden and want something decent compared to something like solar lights. So, the question is.....what does it mean if a light has an inbuilt transformer? Obviously it still means power needs to be sourced from somewhere-eg: in the garage etc etc. If the light has an inbuilt transformer it means the transformer is part of the light fixture, hence you will need to run 240v ac to it. This means any cabling to it will need to be run by an electrician and put in conduit. I would use low voltage lights, they are safer to use for garden type senarios. Either way speak to your electrician. Re: Transformers. Garden Lighting. 4Apr 19, 2011 11:50 pm So, the question is.....what does it mean if a light has an inbuilt transformer? There are two things: 1. a transformer will use energy, even if you put in LED's in these fittings, so consider normal 240 volt lights with energy savers, will take a while to warm up and give you the good light, but it will save you lots. Remember there are many colors like warm white, cool white etc. Warm white is usually the best. 2. Transformers break down. Obviously it still means power needs to be sourced from somewhere-eg: in the garage etc etc. Yep, it doesn't really matter which you pick, unless you get these lights with a cable and a transformer where you just clip them on the cable and stick em in the ground, you know the cheaper ones, then you just get some powerpoints and devide them over the garden, deck lights, path lights, small light posts, and if you want, plug in some 240v floodlights (use the energy savers, fluro floodlights, prevent fires. I'll be getting an electrician to install the lights as I have no idea and so not even going to try and attempt it due to safety issues. Dig the trenches yourself, will save you heaps. Re: Transformers. Garden Lighting. 5Apr 20, 2011 8:39 am If you are talking about lights in your garden as in not attached to the house, eg following a path. If you use a light with a transformer built in or a 240v one the cable running back to the power source will need to be in conduit and I think it is 60cm below the ground. If you use low voltage lights you will not be required to run the cabling inside conduit or dig a deep trench. If you are running multiple lights you would have to size up the transformer and use a thicker grade of cable to allow for voltage drop etc.. Your call either way, just my 2 cents. Re: Transformers. Garden Lighting. 6Apr 20, 2011 1:29 pm Thanks Skippious and Jetson. So you just have the power running externally if it's got a built in transformer. Mainly I want something with decent light and a bollard. Mainly for the front yard too. The back will need to have 12v if we d decide to have any feature lights for the trees. Oh the digging! Yeah I heard if you dig the trenches yourself will save a bit. Thanks again. Will let you know how I go. It'll be some time away especially this time of year. Building Standards; Getting It Right! 1. optional, you can but normally just use the earth from the main switch board 2. should be enough but the distance determines voltage drop - sparky should work it… 1 28805 I have a really long hallway which is 1100mm W x 11500mm L I would appreciate if anyone can give suggestions to light it up with Linear LED lights that goes from wall to… 0 8811 What? It's a lighting question, the control joint is only needed at 12m centres, a bulkhead or change of direction will suffice as a 'break' in the ceiling, just make… 8 8557 |