Doing landscape lighting with X-10
Jean-Claude Terrier
Hi everybody,
While we are still hip deep in snow and dealing with subzero
temperatures here in Montreal, I am trying to plan the landscape
lighting i intend to install as soon as the stuff melts.
1) To keep this a DIY project and for reasons of safety, flexibility and
changeability, I have decided on a low voltage power system (12V).
2) In order to minimize wire runs, I am planning to use multiple
transformers, 3 of them in the 350-500W range, each feeding a number of
circuits (say 3 each) for the "zoning" of lights (ie independent control
of circuits on each transformer).
3) For easy integration into my X-10 setup (switches, modules,
controllers, remotes, motion detectors, and soon cameras, under
Homeseer) and for climatic reasons (see above) I'd prefer to install the
transformers -- as well as the switching -- indoors. In fact, I
envisionned a set up where each circuit would be controlled by a X-10
Universal Module.
The problem I am faced with is that the Universal Module is rated for 5A
at 24V and 5 amp under 12V is only 60 Watts which amounts to 3 20-watt
lamps or 5 12-watt lamps with no slack left. That multiplies the number
of circuits needed and increases considerably the wiring required. Is
there any way I can use the UMs to switch bigger loads or is there
another solution that fits the above parameters. I am no expert on
relays but I can follow a detailed explanation and get outside help if
need be.
Ancillary questions:
a) Could I dim the lights by "dimming" the transformer (If yes, any
restrictions as to type of transformer)
b) Is there some kind of terminal (screw type?) available I could use to
easily split the output of the transformer into all these cicuits (many
10- or 12-gauge wires)
Thanks in advance for any advice.
JCT
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Mark Lloyd
relays capable of switching 10A. This unit can be controlled by X10
(using a TW523) or connected to the Ocelot.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://go.to/notstupid
Dan Wright
"Jean-Claude Terrier" <jter...@sogetra.com> wrote in message
news:3AA0887B...@sogetra.com...
>
>
>
> Hi everybody,
>
> While we are still hip deep in snow and dealing with subzero
> temperatures here in Montreal, I am trying to plan the landscape
> lighting i intend to install as soon as the stuff melts.
>
> 1) To keep this a DIY project and for reasons of safety, flexibility and
> changeability, I have decided on a low voltage power system (12V).
>
> 2) In order to minimize wire runs, I am planning to use multiple
> transformers, 3 of them in the 350-500W range, each feeding a number of
> circuits (say 3 each) for the "zoning" of lights (ie independent control
> of circuits on each transformer).
>
> 3) For easy integration into my X-10 setup (switches, modules,
> controllers, remotes, motion detectors, and soon cameras, under
> Homeseer) and for climatic reasons (see above) I'd prefer to install the
> transformers -- as well as the switching -- indoors. In fact, I
> envisionned a set up where each circuit would be controlled by a X-10
> Universal Module.
>
> The problem I am faced with is that the Universal Module is rated for 5A
> at 24V and 5 amp under 12V is only 60 Watts which amounts to 3 20-watt
> lamps or 5 12-watt lamps with no slack left. That multiplies the number
> of circuits needed and increases considerably the wiring required. Is
> there any way I can use the UMs to switch bigger loads or is there
> another solution that fits the above parameters. I am no expert on
> relays but I can follow a detailed explanation and get outside help if
> need be.
Look at an x10 based relay controllers. Applied Digitial makes one (8
relays) as do others. I want to remember that at least one vendor makes
them in 4 relay configuration.
>
> Ancillary questions:
>
> a) Could I dim the lights by "dimming" the transformer (If yes, any
> restrictions as to type of transformer)
>
> b) Is there some kind of terminal (screw type?) available I could use to
> easily split the output of the transformer into all these cicuits (many
> 10- or 12-gauge wires)
Look at mouser.com or equivalent for terminal strips.
Jean-Claude Terrier
Dan Wright wrote:
> "Jean-Claude Terrier" <jter...@sogetra.com> wrote in message
> news:3AA0887B...@sogetra.com...
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> Look at an x10 based relay controllers. Applied Digitial makes one (8
> relays) as do others. I want to remember that at least one vendor makes
> them in 4 relay configuration.
>
An 8-relay controller would be overkill, not to mention expensive. I'll search
for a 4-relay version
>
>
> > b) Is there some kind of terminal (screw type?) available I could use to
> > easily split the output of the transformer into all these cicuits (many
> > 10- or 12-gauge wires)
>
> Look at mouser.com or equivalent for terminal strips.
>
Thanks for that link. They should have what I am looking for.
Harvey Jeane
Use appliance or fixture relay modules to switch the primary side of the
transformers (i.e., 120VAC side), not the low voltage side. This reduces the
current requirements by a considerable amount. I currently X-10 control two
600W transformers using a fixture relay module in each. They have been
running for over 2 years with no problems.
With appliance and/or fixture relay modules, you do not have the ability to
dim. My experience with Malibu type lighting is that you don't want to dim
it - it is dim enough at its brightest.
Harv
"Jean-Claude Terrier" <jter...@sogetra.com> wrote in message
news:3AA0887B...@sogetra.com...
>
>
>