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    arodich's Avatar
    arodich Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    May 12, 2012, 07:35 AM
    12 vs 14 gauge wire
    I had new landscape lighting installed with 16 lights totaling 280W on a
    300W transformer. The last 7 lights on the run are are ON but "dim". I think there are two different gauge wire connected. Is this a problem or could there be a improper connection?
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    May 12, 2012, 07:57 AM
    Sounds like Low voltage lighting.
    12 Volts drops fast.
    I have had to use number #6 before around the outside of a very large screened in pool enclosure, then tap off with #12 and go up to each light.
    What are the distances?
    If you didn't want to change the wire, may use lower wattage bulbs at the start?
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #3

    May 12, 2012, 08:40 AM
    Strat is on the right track, length of the run really plays in here. In most applications with long runs many manufacturers recommend not making a single run of the wire but actaully making a complete loop so both ends of the wire are connected to the transformer. Extra expense for double the wire but that's what it takes to get the lighting you want.
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