PX Troubleshooting Guide

It is challenging to troubleshoot an electrical system without the proper tools. The two most essential diagnostic tools used for electrical troubleshooting are the digital voltmeter and the amp clamp. The amp clamp has both voltage and amperage reading functions and is the tool of choice for the professional lighting installer.

Most problems with 12 volt systems stem from inadequate cable size, incorrect cabling methods, and non-waterproof wire splices. Refer to our circuiting guidelines.

Problem

No power at the plug

Cause

  • Tripped breaker or GFCI

Solution

  • Reset circuit breaker in a main panel or the GFCI usually located in a bathroom, garage, or kitchen.

Problem

GFI keeps tripping

Cause

  • Ground problem or defective GFCI

Solution

  • GFCIs are notorious for nuisance tripping. Use a high-grade model such as the Hubbell #GF5252I.

Problem

The transformer is cycling on and off at night.

Cause

  • Excessive wattage load or short

Solution

  • Reduce lamp wattage, fixture quantity, or increase the size of the transformer. See the shorting solution below.

Problem

Photocell transformer is cycling on & off in the daytime.

Cause

  • Photocell wiring incorrect

Solution

  • Reverse the hot and common wires on the photocell 120 V input. Request wiring schematic for proper wiring.

Problem

One cable run not working

Cause

  • Cut cable or short

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.

Problem

Lamps are burning out prematurely

Cause

  • Excessive voltage at the lamp

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.

Problem

The closest lamp to the transformer is burning out prematurely.

Cause

  • Excessive voltage at the lamp

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.

Problem

Lamps have a yellow or golden tone.

Cause

  • Voltage too low

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.

Problem

The lamp goes on and off when fixture is moved

Cause

  • Too much tension on socket leads

Solution

  • With spring type sockets, it is important to leave some slack so the socket contacts make a good connection to the lamp base.

Problem

System is getting dimmer with age

Cause

  • Splices are corroding

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.

Problem

Photocell transformer is coming on too soon

Cause

  • Transformer is in dark location

Solution

  • In order to operate properly, the photocell must have a good look at daylight. Move to a brighter location.

Problem

Fixtures have a white mineral deposit on them

Cause

  • Irrigation water is hitting them

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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