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Landscape lighting dimm?

I have a run of lights that was dimm, I took it off it's transformer & put it on it's own transforner hoping it would solve the problem, it did not, what things should I check next? there is only 6 lights on the run

Public Comments

  1. Need more information. What sort of system? required voltage for each light? All wired in series? Many landscape lights just aren't very bright.
  2. There are several factors that can contribute to dim outdoor lighting. A major reason is voltage drop across the low voltage wiring. In a low voltage outdoor lighting system, you must consider the voltage drop on the wire. The longer your wire lengths are, the more voltage loss on the wire. Also, the wire gauge affects the voltage drop. The smaller the diameter (larger the gauge number) of the wire you use, the more voltage that will be dropped on the wire. These losses can be significant and often cause dim lighting. To correct, try to keep the wire length from the transformer to the lights as small as possible. Also, keep the distance down between lights. Often times the wiring scheme you use can help with these two issues. Another solution is to use larger diameter wire from the transformer to the lights. Finally, use of a multitap transformer can give you the option of using a higher voltage at the source to compensate for the voltage drop on the wire. To offer more concrete advice I would need to know more details about your specific configuration.
  3. I have to agree with Nit Wit this time, it's dangerous to give people advice on electricity. A transformer has both high and low voltage taps and occasionally a shared ground, even with wiring diagrams, they can be confusing. If your skill level requires this forum, you need an expert of some sort.
  4. Sorry Guys, but the post from "A Well Lit Garden" was right on the money. If you are using an approved Landscape Lighting Transformer that is CSA or UL approved for Low Voltage Landscape Lighting you have little to no fear of any electrocution risk. Most of the pro grade transformers from Nightscaping, Unique, Kichler, Hadco, Vista etc all have secondary side protection and their primary sides are fully shielded and isolated from the secondary (low voltage) side. They are safe. A good rule of thumb for the DIYer is no more then 100 watts on 100 feet of 12/2 landscape lighting wire. If all else fails, call a local professional for some help.