Landscape Lighting Troubleshooting

0 January 29, 2025

Brilliance LED Landscape Lighting Troubleshooting Basics

Table of Contents

Common Issues

  • Checking for Power
  • Lights Will Not Turn On / Lights Stay On
  • Transformer Circuit Breaker Tripping
  • Using a Clamp Meter for Troubleshooting
  • Troubleshooting Process / Lamp Check
  • Electrical Overstress and Causes
  • Lights are Dim or Flickering

Cable Issues

  • Cable Connection Devices
  • Installing Cable into a Transformer
  • Identifying Undersized Transformers
  • Sizing the Transformer Using Volt-Amps
  • Voltage Drop Formula
  • Daisy Chain Voltage Drop Calculation
  • Center Feed (Split-Tee) Method
  • Central Point (Hub) Voltage Drop Calculation

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

  • Things to Remember When Troubleshooting
  • Basic Tools Required for Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Checking for Power

  • Set your voltmeter to VAC.
  • Check for a grounded circuit.
  • Insert the black probe into the U-slot and the red probe into the short slot on the receptacle.
  • Expected reading: 110-120 VAC.
  • If no power is detected, check the GFCI reset button and install a weatherproof cover if needed.

Lights Will Not Turn On / Lights Stay On

  • Ensure transformer power is active.
  • Check circuit breaker switch (must be ON).
  • Verify timer settings.
  • Inspect photocell by covering it and turning the timer on.

Transformer Circuit Breaker Tripping

  • Common Causes:
    • Short on a cable
    • Overload on a cable
    • Pinched cable
    • Faulty LED lamp

Using a Clamp Meter for Troubleshooting

  1. Set the meter to AMPS.
  2. Clamp the meter around one cable and turn the transformer ON.
  3. Check for high readings to identify problematic cables.
  4. Remove the problematic cable from the transformer terminal block.
  5. Inspect for damage: loose fixtures, exposed cables, or pinched wires.

Troubleshooting Process / Lamp Check

  1. Find the suspected fixture.
  2. Turn the transformer ON.
  3. Remove the lamp and test for continuity (for halogen/incandescent lamps; LED lamps will not show continuity).
  4. If the breaker does not trip, replace the lamp.
  5. DO NOT insert a new lamp while power is ON.

Electrical Overstress (EOS) and Causes

  • Hot Plugging LED lamps can create electrical arcs, damaging diodes.
  • Loose connections or worn sockets can also cause EOS.
  • Cut wires (e.g., from gardening tools) can create EOS conditions.

Lights are Dim or Flickering

  • Common Causes:
    • Bad LED driver in lamp or fixture
    • LED designed for DC applications only

Cable Issues

Cable Connection Devices

  • Use proper stripping tools to prevent wire strand damage.
  • Loose connections generate heat, potentially leading to fire hazards.

Installing Cable into a Transformer

  1. Ensure tight electrical connections to prevent overheating.
  2. Use the Bite & Break method to remove insulation without damaging strands.
  3. Twist conductors separately before inserting them into the terminal block.
  4. Tighten the terminal screw clockwise and check for slippage.

Identifying Undersized Transformers

  • Transformers should be loaded to a maximum of 80% capacity.
  • Use the Volt-Amps formula to calculate total system load:
    • Wattage × 1.67 = Actual Draw (VA)
    • Example: (7) 4W MR16 lamps → 4W × 1.67 × 7 = 47W
    • (9) 3W G4 lamps → 3W × 1.67 × 9 = 46W
    • Total System Load: 93W → Suitable Transformer: 150W – 300W

Voltage Drop Formula

  • Formula: (Total Watts × Cable Length × 2) ÷ Cable Constant = Voltage Drop

Daisy Chain Voltage Drop Calculation

  • Transformer set to 12V tap.
  • Fixtures on the same cable experiencing voltage drop at the end.
  • LED conversion is recommended to reduce voltage loss.

Center Feed (Split-Tee) Method

  • 100’ of 12-2 cable from the transformer to the central point.
  • Each fixture has 25’ of cable with a 20W lamp.
  • Transformer set to 15V tap.

Central Point (Hub) Voltage Drop Calculation

  • 100’ of 12-2 cable to the central hub.
  • Each fixture has 25’ of 16-2 cable with a 20W lamp.
  • Transformer set to 15V tap.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

Things to Remember When Troubleshooting

  1. Stay calm and take your time.
  2. Ensure you have the right tools.
  3. Ask for assistance if needed.
  4. Reach out to the manufacturer’s technical department.

Basic Tools Required for Troubleshooting

  • Clamp Meter
  • Wire Strippers
  • Multi-tip Screwdriver
  • Hand Trowel
  • Drain Spade

Contact Information

Brilliance LED
Website: brillianceled.com
Phone: 800.867.2108
Address: 7202 E Cave Creek Rd, Suite 3A, PO Box 2281, Carefree, AZ 85377
Published: June 2024