Hardwire a Landscape Lighting transformer

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AZsparky

AZsparky

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Scottsdale, AZ
Is it OK code wise to hardwire a low voltage landscape lighting transformer as long as there is a means for disconnect? Currently it is plugged into a GFI receptacle that trips very intermittently (about every third day or so) amd have not been able to find the reason for it.
 
AZsparky said:
Is it OK code wise to hardwire a low voltage landscape lighting transformer as long as there is a means for disconnect? Currently it is plugged into a GFI receptacle that trips very intermittently (about every third day or so) amd have not been able to find the reason for it.
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Do you mean cut the cord cap off, then hard wire it? If so, that might be a violation of the listing.
 
First I would replace the GFCI [cheapest route] Then go for the transformer. GFCI's dont just trip for no reason. Yes, there are bad GFCI's but those usually let the smoke out when you power em up.

~Matt
 
ohmhead said:
Well how about a in use cover it will protect from the rain .Take care
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It is thoroughly protected from moisture incursion with an in use cover, silicone caulked around the cover perimeter. I have done everything you can think of to troubleshoot the transformer, the 12 volt lights attached to it, the GFI itself. It doesn't make sense to me, but I feel that the cause is originating from the line side wiring of the GFI. Does that seem possible since the GFI protection doesn't start until the GFI itself? Could a voltage fluctuation do this? The GFI is energized by a lighting contactor which is controlled by a photocell.
 
Nothing on the load side of the transformer would trip the GFCI, so that is out. Have you already tried replacing the GFCI? If so, my best long distance guess would be the transformer itself.
 
AZsparky said:
It is thoroughly protected from moisture incursion with an in use cover, silicone caulked around the cover perimeter. I have done everything you can think of to troubleshoot the transformer, the 12 volt lights attached to it, the GFI itself. It doesn't make sense to me, but I feel that the cause is originating from the line side wiring of the GFI. Does that seem possible since the GFI protection doesn't start until the GFI itself? Could a voltage fluctuation do this? The GFI is energized by a lighting contactor which is controlled by a photocell.
Click to expand...


(Bold added by me)

I think that's the source of the problem. A marginal GFI that trips from the inrush from the transformer.

Replace the GFI or better yet, try to get a transformer with a built-in photocell and eliminate the contactor setup.
 
gfci question

gfci question

i replaced a gcfi today and when i pushed the reset button it made a little noise. i never heard it before on any other gfci. any suggestions besides changing the gfci. the gfci did trio and reset properly with the gfci tester
thanks for any suggestions

? fo the ? are there splices in the t-ll box?
 
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