Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Transformer

Status
Not open for further replies.

Stupido

Member
Location
Upstate NY
I have to install a transformer for low voltage landscape lighting tomorrow. The transformer is WAC 9150-trn-ss. The company specified the proper dimmer to be used with this transformer is Lutron DVLV-600P-WH.
The dimmer needs to be wired on the "primary" side.
After receiving the transformer today I realized that it plugs in.
I know that it is against NEC code to dim a regular outlet, and cutting the cord from WAC seems to be what I have to do in the next two scenarios, which I worry will eliminate its UL listing, and or void any WAC Warrenties.
I was thinking of
1. Cutting the plug off, and getting a new plug to use with the cord that is different than a regular outlet, and an outlet to match that plug; or
2. Cutting off the end of the plug and hardwiring within a junction box.

This will be mounted indoors, on a utility wall, in a garage.

Has anyone had any experience with this?

Does anyone have any other ideas how how I would wire this to dim while while preserving UL listing and cord from WAC, and is still within NEC code?

I am in an area that is following 2014 NEC Code at this time.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

GoldDigger

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Placerville, CA, USA
Occupation
Retired PV System Designer
FWIW one dimmer manufacturer (I don't remember Lutron or Leviton) makes a special receptacle which has a protruding pin which requires a matching custom plug with a cutout. The same two wire polarized plug will also fit a standard receptacle but a standard plug will not fit the dimming receptacle.
But I do not see a clearly recognized way to change the transformer cord.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
 

Stupido

Member
Location
Upstate NY
Thank you.

I missed my chance to call WAC Lighting to get the okay to cut to cut plug, or get their direction on how they would like it done. I think I am going to reschedule the install to Monday after checking with them.
 

Stupido

Member
Location
Upstate NY
I thought I had responded but don't see it.

Thank you for your help.

I think I will wait to install until Monday so I can call WAC and find out how I can do the outlet, without losing UL and Warrenty by cutting cord.

Was looking into it a bit more, and read I should have a quick disconnect, so plug seems to be the way to go over hardware.

I will reply with WAC Lightings instructions after I speak with them Monday.
 

Dennis Alwon

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Occupation
Retired Electrical Contractor
IMO, you're wasting your time because you will get a tech guy who may or may not say okay. It is still a violation t install the unit differently than what the way it was listed.

Is this an indoor transformer because IMO, it is ridiculous to make an outdoor rated dimming trany that has a cord and plug
 

Stupido

Member
Location
Upstate NY
IMO, you're wasting your time because you will get a tech guy who may or may not say okay. It is still a violation t install the unit differently than what the way it was listed.

Is this an indoor transformer because IMO, it is ridiculous to make an outdoor rated dimming trany that has a cord and plug


Transformer has a sticker with big letters stating for outdoor or indoor use.

The instructions show mounting to an outdoor wall and plugging into an exsisting outdoor outlet.

Most lighting companies will listen to issues that are brought up by people in the field though. Hopefully I will be able to get an answer, or can speak to an engineer who will listen and come up with a legal option.

I have had a company re-write installation instructions for a product, and also change the design of a plate that was not user friendly. You just have to get the right person on the phone and speak to them clearly and knowledgeably and they do listen to you because they want to sell their product, and don't want people like us to recommend another product over theirs.
 

Stupido

Member
Location
Upstate NY
Wanted to let you guys know, I have spoken to WAC Lighting. I asked a lighting specialist for specific instructions on how to wire with dimmer. They told me plug into and dim outlet, and I told them it violated NEC code.

They then contacted their engineers who gave the lighting specialist directions for me which included mounting a junction box, splicing their power cord into the junction box and connecting to switchleg in junction box.

I asked to send an email to have in writing it would not negate UL Listing or break warranty installed this way. I wrote the name of the person I spoke with and the time and date of call.

I also spoke with my inspector, who I forwarded all information too, who said that it is okay to do as they specified.

Thank you guys for your time and help!!
 

Dennis Alwon

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Occupation
Retired Electrical Contractor
The inspector is allowing a rubber cord to be used as permanent wiring? I really don't think that wiring to a transformer was what they were considering in the article below. I don't really see an issue with it but I don't believe it is compliant.

400.10 Uses Permitted.
(A) Uses. Flexible cords and flexible cables shall be used only
for the following:
(1) Pendants.
(2) Wiring of luminaires.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top