WWW.FXL.COM
SYSTEM LAYOUT
We have developed this series of field installation guidelines to assist you in correctly
installing fixtures and transformers insuring customer satisfaction and trouble free service.
If you have any questions please call your local distributor or the FX TechLine at
800-688-1269
before proceeding. Follow all NEC guidelines and local electrical codes.
For further info see our website: www.FXL.com
Single Transformer:
Multiple Transformers:
Circuiting Guidelines:
Lamp Life:
T
Custom
Home
T
T
T
When using only one transformer, it is very important to center the transformer on the wattage
load. If the project calls for 135 watts in both front and back yard, the PX-300 or PX-600 should
be centered on the side of the house that will receive the most lighting. A common mistake is to
locate the single transformer on the service side of the house or in the garage, which might result
in excessively long cable runs to reach lighted areas. The primary goal in laying out low voltage
systems is to minimize cable runs because of the negative effect voltage drop has on lamp output
performance.
A common mistake in laying out multiple transformer circuits is to group several transformers in
one location because of utility or visual considerations only. As with any low voltage layout, the
prime directive should be to locate the transformers as close to the fixtures as possible in order to
minimize cable runs and resulting voltage drop. The other multi-transformer layout consideration is
“use zoning”. Having several transformers allows the client to selectively control light in separate
areas. This approach is similar to irrigation design in that the goal is to individually control areas
that have similar needs. In lighting, a recreation area has different lighting needs than does a front
entry. Therefore, the lights that serve these different lighting use areas need to be on separate
transformers and switch controls.
Loads
PER CABLE
A
dd cable r
uns as necessar
y
T
T
Close-Zone 0-40’
Mid-Zone 40-80’
Far-Zone 80-120’
Out There-Zone 120-160’
T
T
12 Gauge-160 watts max. 10 Gauge- 220 watts max. 8 Gauge 280 watts max.
12 Gauge-120 watts max. 10 Gauge- 200 watts max. 8 Gauge 280 watts max.
12 Gauge- 80 watts max. 10 Gauge- 140 watts max. 8 Gauge 200 watts max.
12 Gauge-60 watts max. 10 Gauge- 100 watts max. 8 Gauge 160 watts max.
Volts at
Lamp
Lamp Life
of Rate
Lumen Output
of Rated
13.0*
12.5*
12.0
11.5
11.0
10.5
10.0
50%
75%
100%
200%
300%
500%
900%
350%
175%
100%
80%
75%
65%
50%
* This voltage is not recommended
• Lamp life is rated in hours of operation. If lamps are rated for 4000 hours
at 12 volts it means that at 4000 hours, 50% of the lamps are still work
ing and 50% are not.
• For maximum light output, tune lighting circuits to provide between 11.5
and 12.0 volts as measured at lamp terminals when all of the lamps on
the circuit are operating.
• For longer lamp life, adjust voltage down so lamps receive between 10.5
and 11.5 volts at the lamp terminals.
• Voltage can be regulated by adjusting circuit load/run by using FX Po
tenxaX Transformers.
• To determine circuit voltage, use FX Digital Voltmeter.
Sample diagram of home with transformer
and lamp placement