[svmaloco]

I want to light up some lamposts on my track. They are made by Modelpower. Is it safe to run them off a garden transformer / timer I have for low voltage walkway lights? /DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/sad.gif

 

[Greg Elmassian]

You need to match the voltage... what voltage do they take? Are they incandescent or LED? Have you measured the voltage of your transformer (should be AC).

Regards, Greg

 

[Dan Pierce]

The model power lights are definately incandescant. Voltage rating on the box is 12-18 volts for street lights and signal lights.

Biggest issue is no UV protection, the plastic parts will fade and disintegrate fast. These need UV protective clear spray in the outdoors.

 

[svmaloco]

Thank you guys, good advice.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Outdoor transformers are inexpensive, and thus the output voltage varies wildly with load. The open circuit voltage will be significantly higher than when under load. They are normally rated at 16 volts, so under a reasonable load, like a couple of amps, they should be fine. 

Regards, Greg

 

[svmaloco]

THanks Greg, very helpfull.

Vince

 

[Dan Pierce]

And remember that for incandescant lamps, a lower voltae will give longer bulb life and a yellow tint/glow.
So run those Model Power lights on the low voltage lighting system power packs such as Malibu.

 

[lurch]

I have an old 12 volt battery that I run my whole layout with. I recharge it every 3 to 4 months. No 110 volt wiring to worry about.

 

[svmaloco]

Again, thank you Lurch and Dan. I like that batterey idea. Very simple.

Vince