Path Light turns off then back on

The run has 2 torch lights and 3 path lights. It has
been fine for about 6 months. The one closest to the
slim line transformer set to dusk to dawn turns off
for about 15 seconds or so then turns back on for
several minutes and repeats. What should I be
looking for? I am using Volt 16/2 cable &
VOLT® 5W Single Source LED MR16 (30 Watt Halogen)

Thanks for any help.

 

Hi, Chris. A couple questions...First, which wiring method are you using (Daisy Chain, Loop, T, Hub or some combo)? What's the length of the wire between that first light and the transformer? If it's less than 10 feet, it could cause that bulb to fail faster than the others. If you replace the bulb and find that the problem has been resolved, then there's a pretty good chance that fixture being too close to the transformer was the issue. Another good tell would be if that light is (or was) brighter than the two that follow. Evan will correct me if I'm off base but that's my working theory based on what you've told us so far.

 

Hello Mesodude2 Thanks for responding. It is a path light about 6' from the transformer. The bulb prior burned out. I did replace the bulb with the one i mentioned from
VOLT® 5W Single Source LED MR16 (30 Watt Halogen) It does seem brighter. Anything I can do to correct this?

 

Forgot to mention this pathway light is coming from a hub.

 

Hi again, Chris. If I understand you, the pathway light is connected to the transformer and it's also connected to a hub. Correct? Also, when you say the pathway light is 6' from the transformer do you mean that the length of cable connecting the fixture to the transformer is only 6' or do you simply mean that the pathway light is physically 6' from the transformer? If you mean the former then that's probably what's causing the bulbs in that first fixture to burn out too quickly. If you replace the wire between that fixture and the transformer with one that’s 10 feet or longer (I'd cut one 15' or even 20' to be on the safe side), that could very well solve your problem.

 

Hi Mesodude2..thanks again for staying with this. Yes the cable comes from the transformer to the hub then to the fixture which is
tops 4' away, same with the cable. Adding say 20' additional wire underground rolled up I assume would solve this problem?
Thanks

 

You’re welcome. Yes, based on the scenario you’ve described, I am reasonably confident that should solve the problem, Chris. Btw, for potential future adjustments, it’s usually a good idea to leave a little extra cable than you need. Please let us know the results (either way) after you’ve tried this. Thanks.

 

Adding additional cable...what gauge should I use... thanks, I will keep you posted.

 

I added an additional 16' after about 20 minutes same thing it shuts off then turns back on.
I did not bury the additional wire until I was sure this worked. Unfortunately it did not.
Sorry I don't own a volt meter. Any other suggestions? Thanks

 

Hi, Chris. I don't know how I missed this before... First, which path light model are you using? I could be wrong but I'm not aware of any path lights that accept the MR16. I wonder if you're perhaps using a 5W GU4 bulb (see link below). That bulb is meant for the estate size path fixtures and if you're using it in a fixture that's only meant for 4W or less (which I believe is the case for most path lights Volt offers) then that could very well be the real problem. Please let us know. Thanks. https://www.voltlighting.com/low-voltage-lighting-led-g4-5w-2200k/p/GU4-50-22

 

Touchdown! I reduced the wattage to 10W Halogen 100 lumens T3 Bulb from Home Depot
just to try it and it worked.
I don't know which model of path light it is as it is not on the site anymore besides i purchased
this as a complete kit from Costco online as follows.
Kit Includes:

• 6x VOLT® Premium Brass Spotlights with Attached Stakes
• 6x VOLT® LED MR-16 Bulbs (2700K/350 Lumens/30W Halogen Equivalent)
• 3x VOLT® Brass Path & Area Lights with Attached Stakes
• 3x VOLT® LED GU4 BiPin Bulbs (2700K/300 Lumens/20W Halogen Equivalent)
• 1x VOLT® 150-Watt Stainless Transformer (Capable of supporting additional fixtures)
• 1x Photocell and timer (built-in to the transformer)
• 1x Stainless Steel Pedestal Mount for Transformer
• 2x VOLT® Hammer Stakes (For Pedestal Mount)
• 2x VOLT® Weather-Proof Wire Hubs
• 2x VOLT® Hub Stakes
• 1x 100' Low-Voltage Wire Spool (14AWG)
• 1x VOLT® Wire Strippers 1x VOLT® Step-by-step Installation Guide
• 1x VOLT® Lifetime Warranty (Covers all included products)

So to wrap this up I should use & order these bulbs from Volt & I should be good, is that correct?

Thank You
Chris Gallacher

 

Hi, Chris. Evan will correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the recommended replacement bulb for your path light is the 3W G4 LED Bi-Pin (see link below). Also, you have an LED transformer with which I'm not sure it's a good idea to mix and match halogen and LED bulbs. I'm pretty sure there's transformer output compatibility issues with the halogen bulbs, for one thing. Further, the halogen bulbs already don't have as long a lifespan as the LED bulbs and with the aforementioned transformer compatibility issue, the lifespan will likely be further decreased. Another issue is that, at only 100 lumens, that replacement bulb won't be nearly as bright as the other path lights. Finally (and again, Evan will correct me if I'm mistaken), if you're using a bulb that's incompatible with your system, you could damage the fixture (or worse) and you could void your warranty. So, if the bulb linked below isn't appropriate, Evan or someone else at Volt will be able to recommend one. Hope this helps.

https://www.voltlighting.com/low-vo...YEtJObV3NQO4QMEmcrtQ7b4Wezxiv6zhoCh9cQAvD_BwE