Low Voltage Lighting Problem

[Mordi]

My apologies if this subject appears to be off topic, but there is a tie in to the garage

The 300W low voltage power pack (transformer) for one of my outdoor lighting runs is located on the wall in my garage. The system has worked for 2-3 years like a champ until a few days ago. I only have a few lights on the system, so I don't believe it is a question of capacity. The 12V wire that attaches to the 2 screws located at the bottom of the unit is stretched tightly to connect to the screws at the bottom of the power supply. Last week, I moved the transformer from the wall in order to paint the drywall behind the unit and then remounted the unit to the wall. Everything worked for a day or two. However, now the lights no longer work. (Actually, they came on for a few minutes last night and then went off). I checked the timer settings and they look good. There is power to the transformer and the timer seems to be operating properly - but no lights . I did notice some loose cable strands around each screw, but the connections still seem tight. I suppose a break in the wire is a feasible explanation, but my gut tells me the problem has something to do with my moving the unit off the wall and remounting to the wall. What could have happened

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Mordi

 

[Vicegrip]

Is there 12 volts coming off the two output connections?

 

[Kevin54]

Take a meter and check the voltage as Vicegrip stated. If you have 12 volts, then the problem is the cord going to the lights. You say that the wire is stretched "tightly". Can you move the transformer so you have slack in the wire? I am guessing that you may have a break where it goes through the wall.

 

[Mordi]

Guys,

Thanks for the replys.

As it turns out, the low voltage wire that was connected to the transformer was a short piece (about 2 ft long). The short piece of wire was connected to a longer piece of wire with 2 wire nuts. I tightened up the connections at the wire nuts and the lights came on and stayed on, until the timer shut them off.

I will keep an eye on it and see if it works properly tonight. If it does, I will permanently secure the connections and hopefully I should be good.

Thanks again,
Mordi

 

[rickairmedic]

Mordi if the connections are outside dont forget a litle shrink wrap tubing when you make the permanent fix with **** connectors.

Rick

 

[Scotto]

That's a good idea of having the transformer in the garage. I'm going to be adding 12V lighting outside my house and was going to use an outlet outside, but the garage is a better idea - didn't even think of it. ***** that I just finished up the electrical and drywalled my garage because I would have added an outlet near that wall wned:.