In a "Use Area" such as an outdoor dining area - you only need the lights on when you are using the space. Sports and Recreation areas are also good zones for this type of control. Combine with photocell for automatic off in the daytime control.

Doesn't allow for automatic operation. Owner must remember to turn it off. Expensive in remodeling.

A device that automatically turns the transformer on at dusk and off at dawn.

For the Owner that wants the straightforward low-tech way to control their lights. The FX timer is a high quality German made unit that will keep accurate time.

Has to be constantly adjusted to keep the lights going on at dusk since it gets dark at different times. No two timers will come on at exactly the same time because the setting pins are at 15-minute intervals. Try to use one timer per multiple transformer zones.

General purpose landscape lighting. Easy to set and easy to use. Inexpensive.

Mechanical timers don't automatically reset themselves after a power outage like the photocell only does. Use one central photocell/timer on commercial or large residential projects where there are several transformers that need to be switched alike. See also timer and photocell drawbacks.

On new construction where budget is no problem and the Owner wants to have ultimate control.

Big bucks and proprietary equipment that needs to be professionally installed. Since it's computer board based, a static discharge in the wrong place can cost hundreds to repair.

On remodel projects where the owner wants ultimate control but where it is impossible to run new hardwire manual override controls.

Can act flaky at times since it sends signals as a little jag on the existing electrical sin wave. If there is any static or other noise on the line the control signal might not go through. Also, the receiver modules are not built for outdoor use - moisture can cause failure.

A switch that manually turns the transformer on at any time of day or night.

Any of the above options can have a Manual Override switch installed. Typically, electricians will use a "3-way" type switch to accomplish this. See detail drawing for wiring schematic.

A device that automatically turns a light fixture on when motion crosses its line of sight.

With the proper wiring any of the above options can have a Motion Detector override installed. We recommend using this type of actuator on 120v security lights and only in areas that are not used by invited guests. Nothing is more annoying than having a beautiful mood lighting design destroyed by an uncontrolled Motion Detector floodlight.

For real spiffy control, have a timer upstream of the Motion Detector so it will only work after midnight. Consult your electrician on details and wiring schematics on how to achieve this function.

A frequent question we're are asked is how to dim specific lights on a low voltage system.

First, the dimming must occur on the 120 volt side of the transformer since they don't make a low voltage (12v) dimmer. With the PX transformer that means the entire transformer is dimmed. Also, very important, YOU CANNOT DIM A TIMER OR PHOTOCELL MODEL PX. Timers and PC's don't operate correctly at voltages other than 120v.

The PX is a "core and coil" type transformer so you must have a dimmer that is specifically designed for this type of load. Leviton makes the model #6611-P (max rating of 600 watts) for this application. DO NOT use the $6.00 Depot special for a core and coil transformer - it will fail. The alternate is to use an "electronic" transformer that can be dimmed with a common dimmer. These are small, 50-75 watt, transformers that can be fit in an exterior J-box. This is the best solution if you are trying to dim a single or an pair of lights.