[DonYardMan]

Hi,

I accidentally purchased a low voltage 600W transformer without a plug. My question is:
Could I connect the black & white wires to a plug replacement cord so I could plug it into the outside outlet?
Thanks a million.
Don

[Washington1]

Only if the transformer is identified to work with a flexible cord--per manufactures instructions.

[DonYardMan]

Only if the transformer is identified to work with a flexible cord--per manufactures instructions.

Thanks Washington.
I'm not really sure, but the brand new transformer has 2 compartments with a black and white wire on the left compartment for 120V (according to a limited instruction sheet). On the right compartment, there are 0V, 12V, 13V, 14V wires and all these 6 wires are pre-trimmed with 1 inch. There is a seventh wire from the transformer connected to a ground screw.
This is brand new ACME pool or spa low voltage lighting transformer model T-79105-SL style A, Primary 120V 1 phase 60 HZ, Secondary 12, 13, 14 volt taps (there's also a 0V wire?? ). I purchased this brand new transformer online for landscape lighting because the seller described it so, and I thought there is a plug to plug in the outside outlet and terminals for connections - but I was wrong. The seller did not said it's for hardwire.
I wonder if I could connect the 120V black and white wires to a 14 gauge replacement plug cable from HI store that has a black and white wire and green wire for ground??
Thank you very much for all the helps and I hope to use this transformer to its full potential if possible.
Don

[Washington1]

Looks like your unit is setup for being hard wired only.

I will give you an exact answer on 5/30

I will need to know:
Q1: Distance of the wire run from transformer to lights?
Q2: watt of bulbs

Looks like you got the best. The SL designation means you will have to enter a cable from the left side.

[Washington1]

Your Transformer is not listed to be used with a cord.

See this page for figuring your distance to the bulbs to control volatge drop.
12V=10 feet or less using #10AWG
13V=10 feet to 20 feet using #10AWG
14v=20-30 feet using #10AWG

Then the wire size needs to be larger, to go further.
The voltage can be adjusted per manufactures instructions--included with the equipment
Also, see this page for more information: Acme Electric Corporation Product Catalog


RATE THIS ANSWER

[DonYardMan]

Your Transformer is not listed to be used with a cord.

See this page for figuring your distance to the bulbs to control volatge drop.
12V=10 feet or less using #10AWG
13V=10 feet to 20 feet using #10AWG
14v=20-30 feet using #10AWG

Then the wire size needs to be larger, to go further.
The voltage can be adjusted per manufactures instructions--included with the equipment
Also, see this page for more information: Acme Electric Corporation Product Catalog


RATE THIS ANSWER

Thanks again for the info Washington.
I am not quite sure what "12V=10 feet or less using #10AWG" means. Right now, I have 12AWG wire in the ground already and the first light would be ~70 feet from the transformer.

A1: 110 feet of #12AWG on one side, 8 20W bulbs. 70 feet of #12AWG on another side, 3 20W bulbs.

A2: 11 20W bulbs total of 220W. I would like to substitute 5 50W for the 5 spot lights totaling 370W.

It looks like the transformer is a good one, however, I may have to settle with the plug in type because the outside outlet is available.

I've contacted ACME's technical group, but no answer yet.
Q1: What is the 0V wire for?
Q2: Why are there 12V, 13V, and 14V?
Q3: Could you please give me some thoughts regarding to hardwiring if you do it yourself? The main circuit panel is in the garage and accessing is easy.

Thank you very much for your time and answers!
Don

[Washington1]

I am not quite sure what "12V=10 feet or less using #10AWG" means. Right now, I have 12AWG wire in the ground already and the first light would be ~70 feet from the transformer.

12v=10 feet means: If you have a 500W load at a distance of 10 feet--using a #10 wire, and you choose to select 12v to serve that load, then this will work fine--having no voltage drop. Yet, if you decide to run the wire longer than 10 feet, then you will have voltage drop. Note: Voltage drop in some cases can be critical.

A1: 110 feet of #12AWG on one side, 8 20W bulbs. 70 feet of #12AWG on another side, 3 20W bulbs.

Take a look at there chart first, then we will go from there. The chart may clear up some things: Acme Electric Corporation Product Catalog

Type in your model number: 79105 then find your model and wattage

[DonYardMan]

12v=10 feet means: If you have a 500W load at a distance of 10 feet--using a #10 wire, and you choose to select 12v to serve that load, then this will work fine--having no voltage drop. Yet, if you decide to run the wire longer than 10 feet, then you will have voltage drop. Note: Voltage drop in some cases can be critical.


Take a look at there chart first, then we will go from there. The chart may clear up some things: Acme Electric Corporation Product Catalog

Type in your model number: 79105 then find your model and wattage

Thank you Washington - you have a very nice weekend. :D
Don

[KISS]

0V is the common side.

e.g between 0 and 12V you have 12V
Between 0 and 13 you have 13 Volts
Between 12 and 13 you have 1 volt.

[Stratmando]

I've seen Cord relief and Cord used on those, so they can be mounted on the wall and plug in existing outlet with protective "Bubble Cover".
Not sure current code on the cord.

[DonYardMan]

0V is the common side.

e.g between 0 and 12V you have 12V
between 0 and 13 you have 13 Volts
between 12 and 13 you have 1 volt.

Ah, thank you very much KISS, this info is very helpful for me. Landscape cable has two strands, so I could connect one strand to the 0V and the other strand to either the 12V or 13V or 14V - right?

The people at ACME's tech support said it's okay for me to connect the transformer with the replacement plug sold at HI stores. What is your thought about this KISS?

Thank you and you guys have a wonderful weekend!
Don:D

[DonYardMan]

I've seen Cord relief and Cord used on those, so they can be mounted on the wall and plug in existing outlet with protective "Bubble Cover".
Not sure current code on the cord.

Stratmando,

What is Cord relief? Is it similar to the replacement cord with plug at HI stores?

Thx.
Don

[Stratmando]

It holds the cord secure so it won't be pulled easliy and cut into the metal and short.
Electrical Supply houses have them and will have 4 or 5 different inserts for different diameter cords, I was thinking this went into the bottom.
The way it was described earlier, means knockouts in the side?
I see it was mentioned Not listed for cord use, I'm not sure.

[DonYardMan]

It holds the cord secure so it wont be pulled easliy and cut into the metal and short.
Electrical Supply houses have them and will have 4 or 5 different inserts for different diameter cords, I was thinking this went into the bottom.
The way it was described earlier, means knockouts in the side?
I see it was mentioned Not listed for cord use, I'm not sure.

Thank you for the name and it's a great idea. I was actually looking for something similar to what you said, but did not know what it is so I was thinking about the something like the rubber grommet for the knockout on the side of the transformer. By the way, the tech support person at ACME said it's okay to connect the transformer to a replacement power cord with plug.

Thanks a million guys!:D
Don

[Washington1]

Ah, thank you very much KISS, this info is very helpful for me. Landscape cable has two strands, so I could connect one strand to the 0V and the other strand to either the 12V or 13V or 14V - right?

The people at ACME's tech support said it's okay for me to connect the transformer with the replacement plug sold at HI stores. What is your thought about this KISS?

Thank you and you guys have a wonderful weekend!
Don:D

DO NOT connect it with a cord--unless the manufacture can supply you with documentation that it can be done. I talk to ACME tech department and they told me the same thing, yet he also said that it would violate the UL listing. Those guys aren't consistent. I have no idea why he would tell someone to connect the cord, then tell you it would violate the equpiments UL listing??

[DonYardMan]

DO NOT connect it with a cord--unless the manufacture can supply you with documentation that it can be done. I talk to ACME tech department and they told me the same thing, yet he also said that it would violate the UL listing. Those guys aren't consistant. I have no idea why he would tell someone to go ahead and connect the cord, then tell you it would violate the equpiments UL listing??????????????????????????????????????????? ?

Washington,

Below are the 2 exact emails I sent ACME and the answers I got from a gentleman name Ronald:

"
(1)
-----Original Message-----
From: Ky Zy [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 10:35 PM
To: pdpdtechsupport
Subject: Need help with transformer wiring

Dear Sir/Madam,

I recently purchased online an ACME transformer model T-79105-SL 500W
For my landcape lighting. I did not know the transformer is for hard
Wiring, without a power cord. I would like to know if I could connect
The 120v black & white wires on the primary side to a
16 gauge replacement Power Cord Grounded Plug from home improvement
Store so I could plug the transformer to an outside outlet? I really
Don't want to do hardwiring, but I would like to use the transformer.
Thank you very much for your help.
Hoang


From: "pdpdtechsupport" <[email protected]> Add Mobile Alert
To: "Ky Zy" <[email protected]>
Date: Fri, 30 May 2008 07:19:30 -0500
Subject: RE: Need help with transformer wiring

Yes, that would be ok; it would need to be out of the weather for this
Application.
Thanks, Ronald

(2)
-----Original Message-----
From: Ky Zy [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2008 4:39 PM
To: pdpdtechsupport
Subject: RE: Need help with transformer wiring

Hi Ronald,

Thank you very much for a quick response. I have a GFCI outlet cover
With a weather box. I have 2 more questions and need your help:

Q1: The 10' replacement cord with plug has 3 wires - black, white, and
Green. I guess the green wire is ground and should connect to the
Ground nut from the transformer, right?

Q2: The instructions sheet is limited with info. What are the 0V, 12V,
13V, and 14V wires for? The 12AWG cable for landscape lighting from
HI stores have two separate insulated wires. How could I use the
Cables
From the transformer?

Once again, thank you very much for your time and answers.

Hoang


From: "pdpdtechsupport" <[email protected]> Add Mobile Alert
To: "Ky Zy" <[email protected]>
Date: Fri, 30 May 2008 15:55:06 -0500
Subject: RE: Need help with transformer wiring

The green wire should be connected to ground, the 0V and the 12V is
Your two leads for the 12 volts output.
Thanks, Ronald
"
...
Washington,

I've tried connected to the 16AWG appliance replacement power cord with plug, connected 0V and 12V to the landscape lights, sealed the 13V and 14V wires, plugged into a GFCI outlet inside a weather box - and it works! I have not wired the cable permanently yet, just wait for more answers to confirm the connection. I also have a Malibu 300W transformer which I plan to give to a friend!
Thanks for reading and all the helps.
Don

[Washington1]

Well, it's on Ronald if something goes wrong (you have it in writing)! :)

Ask Ronald to do the calculation for you--see what he comes-up with! LOL!

Good to see you took the steps you did, "Good job"!

Just for information. Read NEC 411

[DonYardMan]

Well, it's on Ronald if something goes wrong (you have it in writing)! :)

Ask Ronald to do the calculation for you--see what he comes-up with! LOL!

Good to see you took the steps you did, "Good job"!

Just for information. Read NEC 411

You got me again Washington.
What is NEC 411?
Thx.
Don

[KISS]

Go here: NFPA 70: National Electrical Code®

and select view.

NEC ::= National Electric Code
411 ::= Section 411