Low Voltage LED System Layout
We have developed easy “rules” to follow to ensure that your low voltage LED system is
installed with even voltage to all your fixtures. By doing a bit of “leg work” upfront, you WILL get the 50,000 hour lamp rating that most LED manufacturers claim. By following these rules, your DIY low voltage LED system will be installed like a professional, and will provide you with years and years, of maintenance free enjoyment!
Because most LED’s can operate at a wide range of voltages with NO CHANGE in light output or lamp life, the “rules” for installing and layout a Low Voltage LED System are pretty relaxed. The wide range of 12V LED’s that we keep in stock can operate anywhere from 9V-14V without any change in the lamp’s properties or characteristics.
- Maximum of 180 watts per each #12-2 gauge wire run.
- Use a center ” T ” wiring method for best results. Where you splice your wire into the middle fixture first, and then “T” off to the other fixtures to the right and the left.
- Again, because our LEDs can operate anywhere from 9V-14V you can continue to add fixtures to either side of your “T” connection as long as you:
- Don’t exceed 180W on one continuous run of #12-2 gauge wire
- Don’t fall below 9V or over 14V (although if you are using a Multi-Tap transformer, this shouldn’t be an issue)
- For more information on Voltage Drop and working with a Multi-Tap Transformer see Installing & Working with Multi-Tap Transformers
- Make all connections at the fixtures using silicon filled wire connectors, stripping back the insulation a minimum of 1 inch. Although a lot of manufactures supply their fixtures with plastic “quick connectors”, we recommend that you throw those away, and use silicon filled wire connectors. This will ensure that over time, dirt, bugs, and other elements, will not disturb the connection.
- Use Kleinhuis Cord grip (water-tight) connectors on all wires exiting the transformer.
- Record which lamps you used for each fixture, including their wattages, on a separate sheet and keep it somewhere handy for the future.
|
