DIYbanter - View Single Post

Charles Schuler

"James" no wrote in message
...

I have one 300 watt transformer. I want to feed 6, 50 watt bulbs.

the transformer has two outputs, to balance the load. So, I will be
using (2) 150 watt outputs.

So, on each circuit, I will have 3 fixtures, each using 50 watt bulbs.
What I am trying to determine is how to "balance" the fixtures. I know
that the fixture nearest the transformer would have the most voltage, and
those on the end, less voltage.

I want to keep the fixtures wired in parallell, so I don't want to use a
loop. I "think" that I may want to use a "T" hookup, where the
main feed goes out to a "T" , and the "T" feeds the three bulbs. But
as I say, I don't know how to "balance" this.

Some time ago I had a good website that had some diagrams of differenct
ways this can be done. I even went to the Malibu website, but could not
find the info I need.

Some points:

1/ Loading a 300W transformer to 300W is OK, IF the transformer is of decent
quality.
2/ The voltage drop can be ignored ... the fixture near or far will be close
to the same voltage (unless your system uses wire that is too small).
3/ Parallel is your only choice, unless you change the voltage ratings of
the loads. e.g., if the transformer secondary is 12 volts, and the bulbs
are 12 volts, then all of the bulbs must be wired in parallel.