Voltage Loss and low voltage lighting for landscape systems

How to use large transformers:

First of all there are three important facts to consider before loading any transformer.
(1) Total Load (2) Distance (3) Wire Gauge. All three must be considered when
designing a system.

Larger transformers need to be used in a manner that will allow all lighting fixtures on a
specific run to evenly illuminate. In some cases there will need to be more than one line
out from the transformer.

An example of a system using 2 output lines from the transformer would be as follows:
(Line 1) 12 gauge wire with a 150 watt load extending a total of 43’ from the
transformer (Line 2) 12 gauge wire with an additional 150 watt load extending 68 feet
from the transformer, with the first fixture starting at 43’ from the transformer. The two
different wire runs would attach to the same place on the transformer.

Our 600 watt transformer have two 300 watt outputs. Use these 2 separate outputs to
split the load instead of trying to run 600 watts on one run. If the loads are not split the
system will not work. The 900 watt transformer has three 300 watt outputs. Consider
our multi-tap transformers for longer runs and larger loads.

Voltage Drop Chart

Maximum Recommended Distance from the Transformer
Wattage: 50W 100W 150W 200W 250W 300W
Wire Gauge
12 Volt Output 14 ga. 81' 40' 27' 20' 16' 13'
12 ga. 129' 65' 43' 32' 26' 21'
10 ga. 204' 102 68 51 41 34
8 ga. 317' 158' 105' 79' 63' 52'
* Note: Min. Volts on the load is 10.5V @ 20 ° C Distance in feet