CABLE STATS
Low voltage lighting systems are typically installed using UF (underground feeder) rated stranded cable. The most common cable used is referred to as 12/2 stranded cable. The size of cable used in wiring the lighting system will be determined by the wattage load and the length of cable run from the transformer to the lighting fixtures.
It is very important to note that all low voltage cable has a maximum safe rating. Overloading cable can create a dangerous safety hazard so be sure to cable your lighting system with the proper size cable.
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| Wire Size |
Max Load at 12 Volts |
| 16/2 |
10.4 amps - 125 watts |
| 14/2 |
12 amps - 144 watts |
| 12/2 |
16 amps - 192 watts |
| 10/2 |
24 amps - 288 watts |
| 8/2 |
25 amps - 300 watts ** |
** 8 gauge cable has the capacity of handling up to 32 amps and 384 watts of load; however, the maximum capacity of the circuit breaker in the transformer equals 25 amps or 300 watts.
LOW VOLTAGE CABLE
Each low voltage lighting cable consists of two parts. One part of the cable is designated to carry the voltage load and is referred to as the “hot” lead. The “hot” section is installed into one of the low volt “hot” lugs on the terminal block. The other section is referred to as the “common” lead and is installed into the lugs labeled “common.” Voltage is carried out from the transformer to the fixtures via the “hot” side of the cable and returns back to the transformer “common” tap via the other half of the cable thus completing the circuit.
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LOADS PER CABLE
Add cable runs as necessary
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Close Zone 0–40'
12 Gauge 160 watts max. 10 Gauge 180 watts max. 8 Gauge 220 watts max.
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Mid Zone 40–80'
12 Gauge 120 watts max. 10 Gauge 140 watts max. 8 Gauge 200 watts max.
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Far Zone 80–120'
12 Gauge 100 watts max. 10 Gauge 120 watts max. 8 Gauge 180 watts max.
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Distant Zone 120–160'
12 Gauge 60 watts max. 10 Gauge 100 watts max. 8 Gauge 160 watts max.
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LED LOADS PER CABLE Add cable runs as necessary.
For maximum efficiency, input voltage to LED should be between 10 and 15 volts
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Close-Zone 0–40' using voltage tap 12
14 Gauge 115 watts max. 12 Gauge 180 watts max. 10 Gauge 300 watts max.
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Mid-Zone 40–80' using voltage tap 12
12 Gauge 95 watts max. 10 Gauge 150 watts max.
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Far-Zone 80–120' using voltage tap 13
12 Gauge 100 watts max. 10 Gauge 160 watts max.
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Out There-Zone 120–160' using voltage tap 14
12 Gauge 110 watts max. 10 Gauge 175 watts max.
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