New to low voltage lighting and trying to DIY a fairly large project. I have the 900w transformer with tap between 12W and 22W. My project is currently planned around using 8 hubs. Distance from transformer to each hub varies from 40’ to about 200-250’ depending on how I wire the furthest few. Having trouble knowing which tap to use at the transformer for each run. I’ve installed the first three and used 12 for the closest (40’) 13 for the next (100’) and 14 for the next (150’). Everything looks great but I don’t know if that’s right. the last three are far, and I’m wondering if I can just extend from my third run to the fourth hub by splitting the source wire and connecting one hub at 150 and another hub at about 175’. Each hub has 5-7 fixtures that are a mix of 4W path lights or 7W spot lights. Total wattage is about 75W if one supply line powered both hubs. Is this possible? If so, what voltage tap would be best? if the above is even possible, that leaves 2 more long runs around 200-250 each. If I want to do a lot of trenching and waste a lot of wire, I could run them separate but if I could do the same as above and go to one then the next, I could do it with a total of 250 feet of wire and 2 hubs. Is this feasible with one of the most powerful taps? Im using 10/2 wire. Not sure if multiple runs should be connected to the same tap to put most on lower voltage taps, or just keep stepping up each one based on distance. I only have 7 taps and need to connect 8 hubs so hoping one of the above options is acceptable. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for the newbie question!
GeorgiaMike, I’m not an expert but it sounds like you’re using the multi tap system exactly the way it was intended to be used. Your main question is sort of a tricky one. Yes, it’s possible to daisy chain multiple hubs. Based on my limited research, however, that approach increases the already strong likelihood of voltage drop issues as you get farther away from the transformer. You have a robust transformer and you have a fairly modest number of fixtures to install. So you have that in your favor. To answer another question, those large taps on your transformer are specifically intended for multiple wire runs and higher gauge wires. For more detailed answers to your questions, I recommend that you contact VOLT customer service directly to discuss your questions and concerns with them live. Furthermore, voltage drop issues related to long wire runs is a question that comes up fairly routinely. If you search some previous discussions, you may find some that address your questions. Finally, there are transformer installation and wiring technique videos, articles, and product documentation on VOLT that you can refer to for guidance. HTH to get you started.
Thank you for the thoughtful response. I’m guessing I just need to test the voltage at the first hub and then at the second, I just don’t know what I’m looking for, and how to ensure the lights on the first hub aren’t overpowered compared to those on the second hub. I’ll call customer service and ask!
