Forums/Light Sources/Low Voltage Lighting
Answered
Help with under-cabinet low voltage lighting
A Member from Previous Forum
asked this on March 21, 2011 04:40 pm
--- Originally posted by kimputer Jul 21, 2009 ---
Hi, I am interested in installing the Xenon low voltage puck lights under my kitchen cabinets. I am a bit confused as to what I need to purchase and how it gets installed. I want to purchase 9 lights so I was going to purchase 3 of the 3-pack kits. I want it hardwired. I guess that's where the confusion begins. Each of the 3-pack kits comes with a transformer. Would I use all 3 transformers? Or do I need to purchase a separate transformer and if so, what size? Also, will any dimmer work or are there special low-voltage dimmers? Thanks for all your help!
Comments
--- Originally posted Jul 21, 2009 ---
We will try to clear up any confusion you might have. First, each standard circular puck light uses a 20-watt xenon lamp, therefore if using 3 puck lights (3 x 20-watts = 60-watts), the answer to your question is yes.. you will need to use one 60-watt transformer for each set of 3 pucks. However if you choose to use a (1) or (2) light kit, you would still use a 60-watt transformer. Basically, the 60-watt transfomer will power any combination of lamp wattage up to 60-watts.
FYI-
Even though it is not currently posted on our website we do offer single puck lights to accomodate various applications. For example if you require 9 lights with the intent of the lights being installed in close proxcimity to each other you would not need to purchase 3-kits, but can purchase 9-single puck lights and (1) 300-watt transfomer to power all 9 lights. If other combinations of lights are necessary we can accomodate those requirements as well.
In response to your dimmer question: A dimmer designed specifically for low voltage lighting products must be used.
I hope this information has been helpful and if not please don't hesitate to contact us either via the forum, email or phone for further assistance.
Should you desire to place an order for the single puck lights you may do so by contacting any of our Customer Service Representative for assistance.
--- Originally posted by kimputer Jul 21, 2009 ---
Thanks for your quick response! How would I find out the cost for the single lights? It sounds like I need to order 9 lights and a 300 watt transformer. Although I saw something on the site about the lights needing to be no more than 10 ft to the transformer. My kitchen is in an L-shape with the light switch at the one end of the L. From end to end, the lights would have to extend about 15 ft. It looks like the lights are all individually wired into the transformer rather than in serial so I suppose I could put the transformer in the corner of the L and this way the furthest any light would be from the transformer is 8 ft or so. Is this a correct assumption? Also, does it matter where I put the transformer? I would probably put it on the top of the wall cabinet since we have decorative molding on top that would conceal it. Thanks again!
--- Originally posted Jul 22, 2009 ---
Since the intended area for the lights is an "L" shape, it might be to your advantage to use two transformers (dedicate one for each leg of the "L"). By doing this help in eliminating voltage drop.
First determine how many lights would be used for each leg. Then use the formula (number of lights x the 20-watts of each light= total watts)
In most cases one wall switch or dimmer switch can control all the lights via both transformers, but it is important that you consult with your electrician for confirmation that this can be accomplished for your particular application. They can also advise you on proper placement and location for the transformer(s).
--- Originally posted by Sytteg Jul 30, 2009 ---
Depending on the wire you use you can probably go 30ft or more on a single cable. 300W at 12VDC is 25.5A so you'd need 10ga. cable which is the reason the 3 puck kit limits distance since it uses smaller cable and at 30ft the light would be very dim. If your willing to use other cable try Pegasus PNDSC-BC rated at 30A and the linear strand fixtures which come in 20W MR11 halogens like the pucks and use the same 300W transformer. These are bare bulbs meant to be behind trim or fascia but your cabinets probably have one on the bottom and this won't be a problem.
I would like some help in selecting a complete LED undercabinet system for a residential project. The attached file indicates the cabinet layout. I prefer the Pegus Ultra bright LED flexible light tape, 16.4 reel, damp location, 12 volt. amber color, (5000). Please include all the parts and power supplies that I will need for a complete system. We will be providing a swiched outlet for the power supply source. See my comment/question #7769 in your system.
Thanks,
Dick Dye