ARK Lighting Low Voltage Installation

DESIGN OF LOW VOLTAGE LIGHTING SYSTEM

DESIGN OVERVIEW:
LVL system is a creative and flexible alternative for low voltage lighting. It is easy to install, safe to operate and maintain longer lamp life and significant energy savings. The two components of LVL system are class 2 cable and transformer.

12 VOLT TRANSFORMER SIZING:
Transformer reduces 120V to a safe 12V needed for low voltage lamps. The total lamp wattage of all fixtures connected to a transformer must be less than the capacity of transformer. To determine the size, add up wattage of all lamps and add 10% more for safety factor.

TRANSFORMER SIZE = TOTAL FIXTURES WATT X 1.1

Select a transformer that matches as close as to your total lamp wattage. If total wattage is too great, either divide the load between two transformers or use a more powerful model.

LOW VOLTAGE CABLE LENGTH:
Voltage drop has an important impact on LVL systems. Voltage drop occurs along the length of cable and lamps at the end of run dimmer at the beginning. Voltage drop is a function of cable length, cable size, and total fixtures wattage. Voltage drop can be minimized in several different ways:

• Use heavier gauge cable
• Shorten cable length or runs
• Reduce wattage of each fixtures
• Use multiple transformers
• Reduce total number of fixtures on a run

LOW VOLTAGE CABLE LENGTH GUIDE

CABLE LENGTH FORMULA:

12 VOLT CABLE LAYOUT OPTIONS

TIP: Connect all lamps in parallel. Connect one side to "COM" and other side to "12V" terminal.

LOOP INSTALLATION: Fixtures are arranged in a loop, reducing voltage drop.

SPLIT LOAD INSTALLATION: Fixtures run is two or more directions from transformer. Locating the transformer in the center of run reduces the effect of voltage drop.

STRAIGHT RUN INSTALLATION: Fixtures run in sequence directly from transformer

"T" INSTALLATION: Allows more equal distribution of power to center of the run, or to run some distance away. Main cable must be heavier gauge (10-2 or 8-2).