Tech Lighting SoCo Modern Socket Pendant Light

The purpose of this manual is to provide you with a precise, step-by-step method of designing and installing low voltage landscape lighting. The types of fixtures available including line voltage, low voltage, compact fluorescent, and LED. Install the low-voltage light bulbs in your individual low-voltage track lighting fixtures. Many lighting retailers also sell decorative and retro light bulbs, shaped to look like rounded or skinny vintage bulbs. The LED bulbs I bought seem as though they will be fine in my current MR16 housings. This is only getting more complicated as LED technology gets ever more energy-efficient, but as long as you remember to look for the equivalent wattage, you will find the right LED spotlights. We sell light bulbs, led bulbs, batteries, ballasts, fixtures and many other lighting products, at great can choose from a wide selection of light bulbs, led bulbs, fixtures, and from all the top brands available. For example if you changed a ‘4 x 60 watt bulb central light’ to LED you would go from switching a load of 240 watts to nearer 30 watts. As for transformer size, if you do go with 10 watt fixtures on your home, then go with the larger 300 watt transformer. Splice low voltage landscape wiring with weather-proof wire nuts that have a moisture-proof grease inside them to prevent splice corrosion in damp conditions. It’s notoriously hard to get good electrical contact on batteries and bulbs by soldering wires on. The spring contacts in flashlights work much better (but even they are troublesome from time to time). To then create yet a different mood you might have a few standard lamps and a few table lights dotted around the room but also want to turn them all on with a light switch rather than spending a few minutes running around. Since the transformer is plugged in, the fixture should light up, confirming the connection is good. As with the MR16 downlights, low voltage capsule lights also need a transformer between the wall plug and lamp fitting. Nearly all fixtures with standard sockets can be dimmed using incandescent or halogen bulbs. The wattage rating of a transformer should be the same or higher than the combined wattage of the lighting system. This heat can melt the light socket as well as the insulation of the wires. These are called low voltage bulbs, and are commonly used where a mains supply isn’t available, like in cars, motor homes and boats. You have to rig up your own socket holders, but much better than buying and installing all new lighting system. For medium base PAR-20, PAR-30 & PAR-38 LED, Halogen or CFL spot or flood reflector lamps up to 150 watts. However, if you install a light fixture with three 60-watt light bulbs, you’ll need a transformer with a maximum wattage load of at least 180 watts. Low voltage LEDs require an LED-compatible driver These work in a similar way to a transformer, but aren’t interchangeable. The most common low voltage LED bulb is the MR16, which is essentially a low voltage version of the GU10. If you are replacing a halogen MR16 lamp with an energy efficient LED light, you may need to consider your home’s wiring. The Sunriver LED landscape light product seems like a good place to start but is still a little pricey. Connect the lighting track to the ceiling if you are installing low-voltage track lighting. Your knowledge on your products and design input has assisted us in improving our lighting solutions and increase our business. These energy codes restrict the types of light fixtures that you install to ensure that they are energy efficient. I am sending you this note to express my appreciation for your excellent support and products for our landscape lighting requirements over during 2006 till present. When you’re satisfied that all the light fixtures are working fine, you have to install them as required. Low-voltage bulbs tend to last longer, too. The natural energy-saving properties of LED light bulbs means that they can offer the same brightness of a halogen equivalent, but using only a fraction of the power. Now, many are more compact (smaller diameter) and offer more light, using even less power – making them almost as efficient as LED. It only takes a small amount of excessive voltage to dramatically reduce the lifespan of an ordinary light bulb and cause frequent blowouts. Then switch the power to it off and on with a wireless outdoor outlet adapter supported by your smart home system, be it SmartThings, Apple, Alexa or Google. Tech Lighting has developed a reputation for excellence in the past 25 years, built on their contemporary lighting designs and low voltage lighting systems. For spotlights, replace a 50w GU 10 with a 4w LED bulb. The rule of thumb: if your lights are being used somewhere where the wiring could become exposed, and therefore hazardous, it is always better to opt for low voltage lighting if given the choice. They are used in 80% of all landscape lighting applications. Low-voltage lighting is more expensive to buy and install, but it’s typically less expensive to operate over time.

There are dozens of low-voltage lighting fixtures and accessories available in a variety of styles, sizes, colors, and finishes. For more than five years, our landscape lighting has been working perfectly fine off of a 500 WATT transformer with 12V, providing power to four sections. Changing the lighting to LED will reduce this heat input, so the heating system will have to run that bit longer to compensate. The transformer needs to have enough capacity to support the cumulative wattage of the lights in the system. Using fixtures that are UL listed ensures that they have been tested for safety when installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. There’s also a lifetime warranty item, which is something you don’t see on many lights. Start by digging a 3-inch trench next to the walkway where your lights are going to go. This is where you’re going to place the electric cable. If it has pins, this is low voltage lighting and is a little more complicated. This concerns me. With a working bulb in a socket you will never see any phantom voltage. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about replacing Halogen MR16 light bulbs with LED light bulbs. But when I replace the burned out bulbs, the new ones seem to burn out in a very short time (days or a few weeks). Most light fixtures will work with standard dimmer switches, including those with halogen and incandescent lamps. Your variety of products, from transformers to lighting fixtures is remarkable, and the quality of your products is unsurpassed. Between fixtures, the cable is buried in a shallow trench. Halogen bulbs use so much electricity for the light they produce – just feel their heat – that it’s a false economy to wait until they blow to replace them. Recessed lighting replacement socket for low voltage housings. For example, a 300-watt transformer can power 100 feet of 16-gauge cable, or 150 feet of 14-gauge cable, or 200 feet of 12-gauge cable. This lets you know of any weak lights or transformers before they become a bigger issue. With a simple turn of your wrist, existing rigid fixtures or recessed down lights become instantly adjustable. Our clients are thrilled with the lighting so far, and all I can say is the last four projects which we brought you in on for consulting were a huge success. LEDs are a relatively new kind of lighting, and the way they work is different to more traditional lighting solutions – some major, and some minor. LED BR bulbs don’t require the reflector material. Remove the light bulbs from the fixture to expose the mounting screws. If they are LED products are you are using an AC (the Malibu transformer is AC) transformer you MUST use the VA number when sizing the transformer and the wire. If people can get into that pond of yours, I would recommend using a pool and spa rated transformer and fixtures that are also rated for pool and spa use. My transformer is a clock timer as well and I have it set at time a and goes off at time b. It is a simple set up… 10 landscape lights. An LED light bulb with an equivalent wattage of 35W is a direct replacement for a 35W incandescent light bulb. The image is from the Screwfix catalogue ( BG Nexus 13A 2G RCD Switched Socket ) but equivalents are readily available from good electrical wholesalers. Electronics HATE moisture and lower quality LED landscape lighting products can allow moisture into them which causes problems. If you want to buy a vintage light bulb, make sure you choose LED. The bulb has a threaded metal base which screws into a matching socket. One negative trait is that these lights have to be installed in a certain way. You can even clip these remotes to the visor in your car, so you can control your dimmable lighting fixtures before you walk into your home. I am assuming that these are the spotlight type bulbs. The first place we see corrosion is in the socket where the lamp is installed. Enhance the nighttime curb appeal of your home—and add a measure of safety and security—with low-voltage landscape lighting. A wedge base is a type of electrical connector used as a fitting for small light bulbs It is similar to the bi-pin connector , except that the two “pins” are the same wires that extend into the bulb (rather than being rigid), and the wires are bent up onto the sides of the base, where they make contact with the socket. You need to know a few things about LED bulbs before you start this upgrade. A digital timer may be used for more complex lighting systems where multiple start times are required including start times on different days of the week. Line-voltage lighting is best for applications that require more diffused ambient light. Electronic transformer input pin with two electrodes of the lamp connected electronic transformer low-voltage output pin through the bottom of the ceramic insulation tube extending outward respectively connected to two electrodes with low-voltage halogen quartz bulbs, ceramic insulation barrel barrel open vents located outside the outer envelope, the bottom assembly shell.

self locking nylon cable ties 

Tip: If necessary, set the light fixtures on top of the folded sod to prevent it from flopping back down. Either way, the transformer, and your lighting system need to be attached to a power source. Putting in a typical low-voltage lighting system requires three major steps: laying the cable, installing the transformer, and connecting the lights. Smaller capsule light bulbs use bi-pin caps in a range of sizes. We charge a $75 fee — which can be applied toward the cost to repair your landscape lighting — if that’s the best option, or install a new, top-quality system. Selecting the right collection of light fixtures is important, because they will ultimately be responsible for the aesthetics. Replacement low voltage light sockets. Correctly connect hot and neutral wires when you replace a lamp switch and socket to keep your lamp safe. LED bulbs provide as much or more light while consuming far less wattage. I confirmed there is power to the fixture since the bare wires spark when touched together. Some transformers are pool and spa rated, meaning that they can be used to operate appropriately rated lighting in bodies of water that are meant for human use. These lights are usually low wattage and only produce a small amount of illumination. Over time, as your lights are turned on and off, on and off, the electrical connections get loose. You should also change any old bulbs or fused wires as soon as you find out. Many MR bulbs operate on low-voltage wiring systems, which makes them great for outdoor and landscape applications such as driveway lights, path lights, gazebo lights, paver lights, and malibu lights that have weatherproof housings. A term used to compare LED light bulbs with their incandescent alternatives. Turn on the current light fixture that you intend to replace with low-voltage lighting. We have found them completely filling a transformer and lighting fixtures. If you are replacing an old bulb, especially one concealed by a lampshade or inside an oyster lamp, check how much clearance you need around it. You may need to choose a shorter or more compressed CFL to fit. Most light bulbs operate off mains voltage ( see below ), but some light fittings are designed to be lower voltage. Assemble your new a low-voltage lighting fixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Set the pathway light fixtures on the ground where they’ll be installed — usually about 8 to 10 feet apart. Transformer: The power behind every low-voltage system is the transformer. I checked the bulbs on the non-working lights and they are ok. The connectors are the cheap squeeze, poke in the wire method. Most of us will have our standard or table lamps wired into a normal 13 amp plug, with a 3 or 5 amp fuse to protect it, and plugged into a standard 13 amp socket. Line-voltage switches do not work with low voltage lighting fixtures. Installing low voltage LED light bulbs on a transformer designed for halogen lighting requires you to find the equivalent wattage ( see above ) for the LED light bulbs, so as not to overload the transformer. Most existing ceiling lights, track lights, or recessed lights are easily converted to low voltage by simply removing the existing lamp and screwing in the Swivelier Light Converter. If you’re looking for a set of low voltage garden lights that offers a lot of flexibility, this one might be the right set for you. I just googled and found that you could get a pair of these bulbs for $10. Insects can wriggle into fixtures and nest there if they’re not properly sealed — these tiny pests will even fill fixtures with so much dirt, it completely blocks the light output. Replacement socket set for various Tech Lighting low voltage pendants. Just recently, one section wouldn’t light up with the rest of the lights when the timer kicked in, but would then suddenly light up a few hours later, sometimes not at all and then at other times, would light up at the right time with the rest of the lights. Leave a bit of slacked cable at each fixture point for making the connection to the light fixtures. If you are replacing down-lights or spotlights, take one out (when it is cold and switched off) and see if it has ‘pegs’ or ‘pins’. Low voltage lamps need a transformer to step it down to 12V. With four unique series of lighting fixtures, we provide a compatible style for any environment. Yes – dimmable LED lights are very reliable now. You can pick LED, fluorescent, or halogen lighting depending on your needs. LED bulbs are also made that will retrofit incandescents with the same base, but may affect the electrical relay that controls the blinking of turn signals, or cause others sensors to assume that a light bulb is out (see idiot light ). In this type of “bulb”, all of the LEDs may light regardless of which of the contacts are activated on the base, but like a dimmer or a three-way screw-in fluorescent, the brightness is changed instead by the bulb’s internal electronic wiring.

Line-voltage and low-voltage fixtures and bulbs. If your equipment is using a high intensity discharge or Xenon bulb you must use the exact same bulb and you are not able to replace it with a bulb that has different specifications unless you consult with the equipment manufacturer or one of our lighting specialists. Low-voltage cable is commonly available in 12-, 14-, and 16-gauge. This is different from a light bulb’s stated wattage ( see below ). You can easily find 40W halogen bulbs at most hardware stores that run on 12 volts of electricity (AC or DC). The 5W LED light bulb is the ‘equivalent wattage’ of the 35W halogen light bulb. Low voltage MR16 downlights use a GU5.3 bi-pin cap. You can also use the 90º Elbow to vertically mount screw-in medium base PAR-20, PAR-30 or PAR-38 LED, Halogen or CFL spot or flood reflector lamps. Because more modern lighting options are available with low-voltage lighting in terms of fixtures, lenses, bulbs and beams, low-voltage lighting is ideal for illuminating artwork, creating a desired ambiance and lighting work spaces. Wattage tells you how much power a bulb uses, not how much light it puts out, though the two are at least directionally related. Therefore, to help the bulbs last for their full life rating, the fixtures are arranged in a spider” or hub” configuration. Generally, landscaping light fixtures are equipped with what’s known as snap-on connectors. RCD protection is now compulsory for some electrical devices, so check with an electrician if you’re not sure if yours has it. When fitting lights outdoors make sure you only fit weatherproof lights that are especially designed for outdoor use. Plug it into the matching socket labeled “Photocell Plug” on the face of the transformer. There are dozens of base types for light bulbs, most of them made up of a series of letters and numbers. Tech Lighting’s SoCo system of Sockets & Cords delivers choice, flexibility and the power of custom design. On a light colored home I usually use 4 watt LED products and on darker surfaces I may go up to a 6 watt LED product. First, the heating power in the bulb goes as the square of the voltage, at least until the voltage gets big enough for the bulb to heat up and increase its resistance. Firstly, they might be very hot (hotter than incandescent light bulbs); secondly, the oil from human fingertips can damage the quartz envelope when it is heated. This style light socket can be used to replace existing sockets, or add new lights to your system. You should check if there are already lighting fixtures installed. Poor connections — it’s the number one problem we see when we show up to repair landscape lighting. I have 2 gu4 halogen bulbs in my fireplace. The 5 amp small round pin socket is now primarily only used for lighting circuits. As this comes with a +10% tolerance, electrical equipment with a stated voltage of 240V is still fine to use on standard UK mains circuits. LED (light-emitting diode) light bulbs are the most technologically advanced and energy-efficient light bulbs available. In this configuration, the switched lamp one live terminal for the night light socket is exposed externally on the base of the socket, to be wired to the remote candelabra socket. Using higher quality bulbs, ideally LEDs, will generally avoid these problems. The Illinois-based company has applied that same standard to a growing collection of decorative and functional lighting. When properly connected to a 3-way socket containing a 3-way bulb, this switch will first power one filament, then the other filament, then both, then return to the off position. Second, the amount of visible light produced in the bulb is virtually zero until the filament temperature gets close to the standard operating temperature. The lights take their power from the transformer via ordinary two-core cable. They’re a bit longer than PAR bulbs and tend to protrude from light housings but are used in similar applications, such as track lights, recessed lights, display lights, or can lights. You can also choose from 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year low voltage light sockets, as well as from screw low voltage light sockets, and whether low voltage light sockets is wall socket, plug with socket, or tabletop socket. I think most of the LED’s sold for home use have some sort of rectifier etc to adapt to 115 V ac house electrical power. A specialist lighting retailer (or an electrician) can help ensure you choose an energy efficient LED that will work best. Next, it’s time to prepare the ground for your outdoor lighting. Sometimes the cost to repair landscape lighting will be enough to get you thinking about replacing the system instead. Converts from medium base to GU or GZ-10 base for line voltage ES16 or ESD16 halogen lamps up to 50 watts. For example, a 40VA transformer can handle up to a 40-watt halogen light bulb, while a 10-60VA one can carry between 10 and 60 watts worth of light bulbs.

If I leave one led bulb in and install 1 halogen bulb in the led light lights up. The halogen bulb does not. Connect the Lights Attach a plastic “while-in-use” cover to the outdoor electrical outlet. At this point, it’s important to note that if it is a halogen transformer, this maximum load applies to halogen light bulbs only. If you decide that you don’t need that much light on your home, then go ahead with the lower wattage unit and you’ll have plenty of space for added lighting at a later time. You have to remember, the day your lighting system is installed, Mother Nature starts attacking it. Water seeps into low quality fixtures and rots the sockets and causes wire corrosion. Once outdoors, you should supply your lights via 1.5mm² three core steel-wire-armoured cable (SWA). This is truly the easiest turnkey solution for your low voltage lighting. As you pull each incandescent bulb from your garden lights, try to read the wattage rating printed on it. Then shop for LED bulbs whose wattage is promised as equivalent. When I install the new led bulbs they dont work. Spotlights are ‘directional’ light bulbs that emit light in a focused beam. If you want to be able turn on your step lights from both upstairs and downstairs, you’ll need to install regular switches at both locations. Don’t confuse this project with installing those cheap solar LED garden lights. If you’re reading through an LED lamp – I couldn’t tell you what to expect for voltage, I haven’t the experience with that yet. It sounds to me like one or more of your LED fixtures or lamps (light bulbs) got moisture in them and it’s causing a short in your circuit. If you’re set on using low voltage landscape lights , there are a few tips you can follow to get the best type for you. Secure the lighting shade to your flush-mount fixture or your pendant fixture. Path or area lights are best used to give down lighting on pathways, sidewalks, breezeways, driveways, or beds with seasonal color. Lay the low-voltage cable along the concrete walkway, following the line of light fixtures. Low-voltage pendant and flush-mount fixtures have black and white electrical wires connected to the built-in transformer. The one-to-one communication of TCP low voltage light socket would not permit that. If you have low voltage halogen light bulbs installed with a transformer, the first thing you need to do before replacing Halogen MR16 light bulbs with LED light bulbs is to find the transformer’s maximum load. When you want to dim the lights in your home, check voltage requirements first and then determine whether your fixtures require magnetic or electronic dimmer switches LED fixtures, for instance, may work with standard dimmers, but some may need a specialized dimmer. Dimmers for line-voltage lighting are also less expensive than those used with low-voltage lighting. Bulbs from cars are usually designed to work with about 12V, the output of a car battery or of eight standard battery cells in series. Here are some of the best models of landscape lighting you can try. If that’s a standard old-fashioned incandescent screw-in bulb, it’s designed to be powered by a voltage of about 120 V. It’s a nuisance to put together a battery to power it. I’d recommend getting a 12V LED light and powering it with a single car battery. Dock and step lights are just a few samples of this type of lighting. It looks like you could get some blue LED bulbs with the same base that use only 0.5W, much more efficient. Next, unroll the spool of low-voltage electrical cable and lay the cable beside the fixtures. You can connect them by spurs from your existing lighting or power circuits. Two light models are angled from their base, so the extension dimension will also vary depending upon their adjustment position. That would work, but for camping I’d recommend an LED-based light, because it would be more efficient, so you could use less bulky batteries. Before starting any electrical work, stay safe – get yourself a socket tester (or voltage tester for lighting circuits). Now, take the time to install the transformer and make the electrical connection. While it’s difficult to focus the beam of a high-voltage bulb that tends to scatter light, low-voltage bulbs offer a high degree of optical control using just the bulb’s reflector. The flagship of Unique Lighting Systems, made to last a lifetime. For example, if you have one 35W halogen installed in your kitchen, ensure you swap it for 35W equivalent LED The actual wattage of the LED light bulb may vary, but the equivalent wattage must be the same as your current halogen light bulbs. How many lights tied together at a hub will depend on the total wattage of the hub. The light produced by low-voltage bulbs is sharper and looks more natural than higher voltage bulbs, which produce warm light that’s more diffused. If you use a bit too low a voltage, the bulb will glow orangeish, because it can still put out some colors of light but not the blue part of the spectrum.