LANDSCAPE LIGHTING WORLD® FORUMS

Transformer Output Voltage?

Discussion in 'Ask the Landscape Lighting Experts' started by platipus, Apr 20, 2020.

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  1. platipus

    platipus New Member

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    For an LED based lighting design, what are the benefits or drawbacks of the Multi-Tap 12-15V transformer types vs the clamp type 12 & 15 volt taps? (not asking about ease of use of one over the other)

    At what voltage drop rating do you move from the 12v to 15v on the dual voltage clamp type?

    Thanks!!
     
  2. Community Admin

    Community Admin Community Admin Staff Member

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    With the clamp-connect transformers, you get ease of use with the simple clamp-style - the gas-tight connection is also extremely reliable. Versus the classic screw styles, typically only one wire is recommended for insertion into clamp-connect transformer taps - whereas with the screw style you can generally 'cram' more wires into the tap after twisting them together. Which is better for your project would depend on size and complexity - most 'standard' projects could be completed with a clamp-connect style and they are what is offered in all of our pre-assembled kits for homeowners.

    LEDs are flexible for their actual input ranges (~11-15V average for most to illuminate- decreased light output typically below 12V). So, using a voltmeter is typically best when calculating something like this. Essentially, after testing at the dim or unlit light you would see the input it was receiving and then increase the voltage at the tap accordingly or make adjustments if needed.
     
  3. platipus

    platipus New Member

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    Thank you for this! It really helped as I was concerned about needing to hit as close to 12V as possible. That not being the case for LED coupled with the ease of use for the clamp style kind of seals the deal.
     
  4. Community Admin

    Community Admin Community Admin Staff Member

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    Glad to help!

    Depending on the LED bulb or integrated LED light fixtures you have, we provide the input voltage range specifications in the product documents