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| In
order to have the new lighting system closely match your client's
lifestyle it is necessary to explore the many Switching Options
that are available to them. This will allow your firm to design
a lighting system that will have the "use zone" flexibility and
reliability that they require. Below is a discussion of the features
and benefits of each Switching Option. |
| Manual
Switch |
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A
hardwire connection between the transformer and a specific light
switch or switches.
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Best
Use:
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. |
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Drawback:
Doesn't allow for automatic operation. Owner must remember
to turn it off. Expensive in remodeling. |
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Photocell |
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A
device that automatically turns the transformer on at dusk and
off at dawn
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Best
Use:For
zones that will primarily provide a security buffer such
as a perimeter pathway that has AccentoLumeŽs or a series
of TrellisSolareŽs. Very dependable and inexpensive. |
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Drawback:If
used with high wattage lamps this type of control can run
up an electrical bill because it keeps the lights on from
dusk to dawn. No two photocells will come on at exactly
the same time because they receive different sun exposures.
Try to use one photocell per multiple transformer zone. |
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Timer |
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A
device that automatically turns the transformer on and off at
specific times.
|
Best
Use: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. |
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Drawback: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. |
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Photocell/Timer |
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A
combination that automatically turns the transformer on at dusk
and off at a specific time.
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Best
Use:General
purpose landscape lighting. Easy to set and easy to use.
Inexpensive. |
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Drawback:
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. |
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Smart
Home |
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A
wide range of products from different manufacturers that can control
any device from anywhere in the house. Typically controlled by
computer.
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Best
Use:On
new construction where budget is no problem and the Owner
wants to have ultimate control. |
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Drawback:
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. |
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X-10 |
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A
wide range of products that can control any device from anywhere
in the house through existing 120v wiring and have a central timer
for simplicity.
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Best
Use:On
remodel projects where the owner wants ultimate control
but where it is impossible to run new hardwire manual override
controls. |
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Drawback:
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. |
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Manual
Override |
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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. |
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Motion
Detector |
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A
device that automatically turns a light fixture on when motion
crosses its line of sight.
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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. |
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Dimmers
for Low Voltage Systems |
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A
frequent question we're are asked is how to dim specific lights
on a low voltage system.
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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.
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