pool light transformer=landscape lighting needs?

[Rich]

it appears that my pool light transformer (120v to 12v,13,14v) has
died...As I looked at the wiring, there are 3 seperate low voltage
wires available 12,13 & 14 volts. My pool light was connected to the
14v leg, my question is, (after I buy a new one) can I also connect a
series of landscape lighting fixtures to the unused legs? i.e the 12
or 13V??? I believe the transformer is 300W. PS, any info on where to
get a transformer like this from anywhere but a pool store would be
appreciated. Thx

[Jeff Warren III]

well, how many lights and how much total wattage are you going to use?
What is the wattage of your pool light? what size wire went from the txfr to
the pool light? why was it tapped at the 14 volt? is the pool light 12 volt?
Important questions all.
I would use a 600 watt stainless steel txfr from HADCO
www.hadcolighting.com
These are great products. I use them on all of my landscape lighting jobs.
We also stock these.
--
Jeff Warren
Journeyman Electrician
Lutron Lighting Control Specialist
Lighting Designer
Mr. Electric
Va. Beach, Va.

"Rich" <rbob...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
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[Gfretwell]

My bet is the rest of the taps are dead too. If they are working I bet the
transformer is OK and it is just the terminal.
Certainly a pool transformer is more than safe for landscape lights within it's
listed load..

[Wes]

Rich:

You could actually tap the 14 terminal again if you wanted, IF, the light
fixture uses less than 300 watts, which it probably does. For example, if
the pool light is a 75 watt fixture, then you can use the remaining 225
watts for landscape lights. HOWEVER, keep in mind that in low voltage
lighting, distance of run and size of wire are MAJOR considerations.

The reason the transformer is multi tap is to help overcome voltage drop
encountered in longer runs. For example, on #12 cable, you should never run
beyond 75-100 feet max.

UL will no longer allow transformers larger than 300 Watts to be used for
landscape lighting. Therefore, when you see 600 or 900 watt transformers,
what you're REALLY buying is a box with multiple 300 watt transformers
enclosed, and therefore, multiple taps to be dealt with.

You can get complete information at the www.kichler.com website. I would
encourage you to visit a lighting showroom in your area. You'll receive
excellent qualified information, and I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised at
the pricing.

Hope that helps.

Wes

"Rich" <rbob...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
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