Table of Contents
- 1. Judging Compatibility
- 2. Choosing between a Timer and Photocell
- 3. Stock Up on the Required Equipment
- 4. Cut Off Power
- 5. Track Down the Terminals on the Transformer
- 6. Start the Installation Process (for the Timer)
- 7. Start the Installation Process (for Photocell)
- 8. Turn On the Power
- Conclusion
- References
Meta Description
Learn how to enhance your landscape lighting with timers or photocells. Follow our step-by-step guide for a seamless installation process starting from compatibility assessment to troubleshooting and maintenance.
Main Body
A landscape transformer is a very handy device that is used for efficient landscape lighting. It converts a high voltage of around 120 volts to just 12 volts according to the requirements of landscape lights. Hence it not only substantially reduces the wastage of energy but also provides a protective shield to the lighting fixtures against unnecessarily high voltage.
However, the efficacy of a landscape transformer can be increased many folds when a timer or photocell is installed with it, hence improving the functionality of your outdoor lighting network. Timers and photocells will help automate your lights and improve energy efficiency by turning the lights on and off automatically. Hence, the energy is used only when needed.
A timer installed with landscape transformer will turn the lights on and off following a specific time frame. Whereas, a photocell would do so by detecting the levels of ambient light. Here are the steps involved in installing a timer or photocell with a landscape transformer.
1. Judging Compatibility
The foremost step in the installation process involves thoroughly understanding the transformer so that you can select a compatible timer or photocell for it. You need to have complete knowledge about the output voltage, capacity, and other specifications of your transformer. Once you’ve collected all the relevant information, you can select a compatible photocell or timer.
2. Choosing between a Timer and Photocell
Clarify your preferences according to your needs. Whether you need a timer, a photocell, or both of them. A timer can be set to turn the system on and off at specific times. On the other hand, a photocell will operate the system using ambient light levels instead. Hence, both will automate the lighting network according to their own stimuli.
3. Stock Up on the Required Equipment
For the installation process, you will need some basic tools. Make sure you have all of them available. For example, you will need electric tape, nuts, screwdriver, tape strippers, and of course a timer or a photocell. Keep all the equipment handy before installation.
4. Cut Off Power
Before you start the installation process, you need to ensure your safety. Hence, turn off the power before dealing with electric parts. Turn the main breaker off to cut the power supply to the landscape transformer.
5. Track Down the Terminals on the Transformer
In your landscape transformer, you need to find the terminals or wires that can be attached to other devices. In your case, it is a timer or photocell. Typically, the wires are labelled for ease of detection.
6. Start the Installation Process (for the Timer)
- Once you have located the terminals on the landscape, attach the timer’s wires to it. Timers usually come with three types of wires: Hot (black), neutral (white), and ground (green).
- Connect all wires to the correct terminals on the landscape transformer and use wire nuts to make sure the connections are firm. Loose connections can lead to power hazards.
- Once connections are secured, you can fix the timer near transformer following the instructions on the timer’s manual.
- Now follow the programming instructions for the timer, given in the manual, to adjust timings for turning the transformer on and off automatically.
7. Start the Installation Process (for Photocell)
- start by identifying the terminals on the landscape transformer, once located, attach the photocell’s wires to these terminals. Photocell too has the same number of wires as timers and follows the same colour code.
- Ensure safe and secure connections by using wire nuts for tightly connecting the wires. Make sure no connection is loose.
- Now, you need to be careful about placing the photocell. Make your you fix it on a spot where your photocell can receive ambient light easily without anything creating a hurdle. Besides, make sure there isn’t any artificial light falling on the photocell that can be mistaken as sunlight.
- Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to set the sensitivity level of your photocell according to your requirements.
8. Turn On the Power
Once the installation process is complete, it is time to check whether you have done it all right. Turn on the main power supply from the breaker. Now you need to make sure that your lights network is turned on and off according to the settings you have configured. For example, they it should follow the time you have set for your timer or the ambient level of light in case of the photocell.
If the system doesn’t work as expected, recheck your wiring. It should be tight and secure. Or you should refer to troubleshooting guide provided with your timer or photocell to solve the issue. Moreover, make sure you keep checking your photocells or timers from time to time. Cleaning and maintaining your devices will help them give consistent performance over the years.
Conclusion
installing photocells or a timer in your landscape transformer can be done by following a few simple steps. Although it doesn’t require a lot of technical know-how still if you don’t have any experience handling electronic equipment and do not feel confident enough, it is always better to seek technical help from a professional. While doing it yourself, make sure you have taken the required safety measures. Do not forget to turn off your main breaker for safety before you start the installation process. Safety should always be given priority. To get the best quality photocells for your landscape transformer, visit our site chiswear and get your hands on the certified products.
