Trouble-Shooting

Trouble-Shooting

System Problems

Entire system will not operate

1. Check 120v outlet to ensure you have power to the outlet.
2. Check for power to the transformer with a volt/amp meter. Check reset button on GFI outlet and breakers in the house panel for proper circuit.
3. Check or reset circuit breakers on transformer.
4. Make sure timer switch is “on”.  If problem not solved, remove timer.  Insert male plug into the outlet inside transformer.  This by-passes the timer and indicates if the problem is the timer.
5. Cover the photocell with a cap or black electrical tape. If this does not solve the problem, remove photocell.  Insert jumper into photocell inside transformer.  This by-passes the photocell and indicates if the problem is the photocell

Circuit breaker on power console trips

1. Check all breakers on transformer.  Tripped breaker indicates which run/runs the problem is on. Immediate tripping is usually a dead short, delayed tripping is usually an overload.
2. Check end of cable to ensure copper strands are not touching.
3. Recalculate total wattage to ensure that you have not exceeded rated wattage for transformer. 
4. Use volt/amp meter to check tap amperage does not exceed rated amperage.
5. Check all connections and fixures for dead shorts.

Fixture Problems

Fixture will not light

1. Check lamp for broken filament.
2. Check lamp for proper fit into socket.
3. Check connector to cable to ensure that pins have pierced insulation into copper strand.

Fixture has moisture build-up inside

1. Check to ensure that shrouds and lens rings are installed properly.
2. Check that the gaskets are clean and free of debris between gasket and housing.
3. Check drainage holes for blockage.
4. Check water-tight fittings on inground fixtures.
5. Refer to installation instructions for exact fixture.

Fixture is on, but dim

1. Check voltage at fixture with volt/amp meter to ensure it’s receiving a minimum of 10.8v (halogen/incandescent lamps)
2. Check total wattage calculation.  Use lower wattage lamps, remove one or two fixtures from circuit or connect to higher voltage terminal.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do Use More Fixtures and Less Wattage

It’s important to place the light exactly where you want it.  This is better accomplished by using small wattage sources aimed directly at the subject rather than using a higher wattage source in hopes of washing light over the subject.

Do Hide the  Source of Light

Glare is one of the evils of light.  Use shrouds, louvers, and natural obstructions such as rocks, shrubs, etc. to hide the source of light.  Consider viewing angles and aim away from them.

Don’t Overlamp

Overlighting is the most common mistake made in landscape lighting.  Too much light will wash out a landscape.  Remember, a full moon only produces 1-2 one-hundreths of a footcandle of light.  More fixtures at a lower wattage will create a more natural effect than a few bright lamps.

Don’t Put Fixures in the Way

Consider lawn traffic; pedestrian and maintenance lawn.

Information source: Philips Hadco