Walkway lights

[dmw56]

I want to add a spot light in my low voltage walkway light circuit. I currently have a 88 watt transformer and I'm only using about 60 watts. The spot is 50watts. I have another 44 watt transformer.

The question is can I wire the second 44 watt tranformer in parallel (output from the first to input on the other) and have a total output of 132 watts? o r will I just have to buy a higher out put transformer. I know I can run another circuit bit I don't want to have to or buy another transformer.

Thx Don

 

[Gary S]

I personally wouldn't wire them in parallel. If they are AC, the sine waves will be out of sync and won't work. If they are DC, and the output voltage of the two transformers is enough different, the one with lower voltage will try to pull voltage from the higher one.

A single larger transformer would be best, or split your lights on the two transformers so each one has its own dedicated lights to power.

 

[dmw56]

Yeah after thinking a little more about it I've decicided that's not going to work. I can split it into 2 circuits fairly easy but I will still need a larger transformer.

 

[rwhite692]

I personally wouldn't wire them in parallel. If they are AC, the sine waves will be out of sync and won't work. If they are DC, and the output voltage of the two transformers is enough different, the one with lower voltage will try to pull voltage from the higher one.

A single larger transformer would be best, or split your lights on the two transformers so each one has its own dedicated lights to power.

Gary this answer is correct, BUT if he has two transformers that are of the same exact type and size, he can easily hook up the two transformers and check to see if they are in sync (Outputs) by connecting them in parallel and checking the total output voltage, then swapping the output wires and checking again...the measured voltage when they are in sync (ie, when they aren't fighting each other) will be much higher.

Obviously, you wouldn't want to run the transformers for any extended period if they are connected out of sync; but to do it just for a minute or so while determining if they are in sync or not, wouldn't be a problem.