I have existing lighting on my deck - 8 step lights, 18 deck lights on posts and 6 landscape lights. The landscape lights are on one cable run, about 60 feet long. The step/deck lights are on a separate cable run, probably 150-175 feet long (and yes, the ones at he end of the string are dimmer!). None are LED. The step lights and landscape lights have been reliable, but the deck lights are all failing due to the fact that the fixtures are open and the light bulb sockets are somewhat exposed to weather. I have been looking at replacing some or all of these fixtures with the following Volt Lighting products: 1. Deck lights, cast brass w/antique bronze finish (18 total) - these are the main motivation for my upgrade 2. Brass Bunker Open Face Step lights (8 total) - the step cutouts of my current lights are smaller, the current lights work fine, should I upgrade? 3. Top Dog Cast Brass Spotlight (6 total) - easy to upgrade as they are in a garden around the deck My questions: 1. Can I use my existing Intermatic Malibu 600W transformer and mix LED (deck lights and possibly the spotlights) and non-LED (if I keep my non-LED step lights), or will I experience some problem? I currently run my transformer on a timer and a photocell so that I can limit the time they are on each night. 2. If a new transformer is required, what model do you recommend? I would like to have a timer and photocell so I can run the new lights as I do now. Thank you! Rick
Hey there Rick, I'd be happy to help! (...) 2. Whether or not you should update your pre-existing step lights would really be a matter of personal preference. Personally, if I was already going through the effort of replacing a large portion of my system, I would want to update my antiquated lights for the better quality and also peace of mind later on in the future. Our step lights are indeed easy to install with the proper measurements/dimensions in play. (...) 1. As long as your current low-voltage transformer has a magnetic core and an output of AC (alternating current), it can be used; both of these criteria must be met for use with our integrated LED fixtures and LED bulbs. As far as mixing LED bulbs with incandescents on the same system, it is possible but is something we typically advise against. We advise against it because the stricter rules of balancing voltage for incandescent bulbs would still apply and having the LEDs mixed would make balancing the voltage very tedious even with a voltmeter. Also, if used in close proximity, the look of the light outputs may differ greatly depending on the bulbs. 2. My transformer recommendation would be mainly dependent on the total wattage of your new layout and taking into consideration whether or not you may want to expand in the future. From the sounds of your layout, more than likely either a 300W or a 600W would be needed (both of ours are able to be controlled by timers/photocells). But, be sure to verify those criteria with the manufacturer of the transformer that you already own!
