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Problem
No power at the plug
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Cause
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Solution
- Reset circuit breaker in a main panel or the GFCI usually located in a bathroom, garage, or kitchen.
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Problem
GFI keeps tripping
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Cause
- Ground problem or defective GFCI
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Solution
- GFCIs are notorious for nuisance tripping. Use a high-grade model such as the Hubbell #GF5252I.
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Problem
The transformer is cycling on and off at night.
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Cause
- Excessive wattage load or short
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Solution
- Reduce lamp wattage, fixture quantity, or increase the size of the transformer. See the shorting solution below.
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Problem
Photocell transformer is cycling on & off in the daytime.
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Cause
- Photocell wiring incorrect
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Solution
- Reverse the hot and common wires on the photocell 120 V input. Request wiring schematic for proper wiring.
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Problem
One cable run not working
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Cause
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Solution
- Test cable for voltage. If none, it is cut. If there is very low voltage and the cable is hot, there is a short. Check all fixtures and splices for defects.
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Problem
Lamps are burning out prematurely
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Cause
- Excessive voltage at the lamp
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Solution
- Drop the affected cable run down to the next lower voltage tap or increase wattage load on that cable to drop voltage. Also, some lamps are rated for a concise life, such as the 4414 (300 hours). Use halogen lamps.
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Problem
The closest lamp to the transformer is burning out prematurely.
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Cause
- Excessive voltage at the lamp
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Solution
- The closest lamp will always have a higher voltage reading than the last lamp. Cable fixtures so that there is about 40' from first to last within a lighting zone. See system layout for details.
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Problem
Lamps have a yellow or golden tone.
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Cause
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Solution
- Move affected cable to the next higher voltage tap or reduce the load on cable. If possible, run additional cable to the first fixture to reduce voltage loss.
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Problem
The lamp goes on and off when fixture is moved
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Cause
- Too much tension on socket leads
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Solution
- With spring type sockets, it is important to leave some slack so the socket contacts make a good connection to the lamp base.
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Problem
System is getting dimmer with age
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Cause
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Solution
- As non-waterproof splices corrode, they create electrical resistance which reduces voltage. To fix, simply dig up all splices on the project and waterproof them with the option here. Do not use black electricians tape.
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Problem
Photocell transformer is coming on too soon
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Cause
- Transformer is in dark location
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Solution
- In order to operate properly, the photocell must have a good look at daylight. Move to a brighter location.
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Problem
Fixtures have a white mineral deposit on them
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Cause
- Irrigation water is hitting them
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Solution
- Schedule the irrigation to come on after the lights have gone off. This is especially true with the 50 W spots — very hot.
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