john wrote:
I am considering a low voltage lighting system for my yard. Why do they all
say that the transformer must be mounted outside. I wanted to mount mine in
the garage as there is a GFCI receptical there. I can run the wire out the
wall to the yard. Any ideas why they say must be mounted outside. Is it safe
to mount it on the wall inside the garage?

John W


John,

I can think of no reason why they would say that since it's low voltage,
but I wouldn't just mount it againt the wall. Those transformers can
over time overheat and the windings short and there is a poential for
fire although small. Personally, if I wanted to mount it inside I would
put it in a metal box that can breathe and that metal box mounted on
something metal in case it does overheat. Another thing you could do
for safety is to mount a thermal fuse on top of the transformer. I
guess if it was outside in a metal box and it overheated it could cause
no damage ??

J