Locate transformer indoors photocell outdoors? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Stainless Steel · 03-09-2009, 09:20 PM

Hi,
Funny thread title, of course I want my photocell outside! I have a nice outdoor 300W transformer that I want to mount indoors (in a furnace room/workshop). Easy routing of the low voltage line through the wall just above the foundation to the outside. I'm going to use conduit for this.

But I would like to run the photocell outside, too. I mistakenly assumed the photocell would be a low voltage device that would perhaps trigger a relay in the transformer. It's clear that it's not, it's on the primary side of the transformer. Is there a best practices way of running this to the outside?

By the way, I've also got a mechanical timer on the transformer. I "could" mount the transformer outside, but I'd really rather not. I'd have to get the GFCI outlet setup out there, etc... Plus I like having that transformer protected indoors.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance,

John

jrpaul · 03-11-2009, 01:53 PM

you could run the photo cell outside to a raintight box and run line voltage to the transformer this would work. Or you can look into a control system called Controlscapes which would control a device as though it were outside. The website is http://www.controlscape.net/. The problem I have found with inside transformers is that when you need to service them it is a matter of setting up an appoitment with a home owner to get inside. If you do not want to mess with the GFCI you can always have an electrican hardwire it with a rain tight cover this way you do not need to worrie about the GFCI.

TDLMN · 03-25-2009, 02:08 PM

Jr. is right on with his suggestions...one other alternative though, is to use a "remote photocell|". It is not really a remote in the true sense of the word, it is a standard photocell with an extra long lead...usually 10' or 15'. Depending on where your trans is located would determine how much lead you will need, longer custom lengths are also avilable. As you will be going trough a wall the photocell lead will need to be in conduit. The photocell would be located on the outside wall using a junction box attached to the siding. Depending on the type of transformer you are using would determine what type of photocell "plug in" you will need. I hope that this helps.

Best wishes,
Gerry De La Vega
www.terradek.com
1-800-609-1130

James Solecki · 03-26-2009, 08:46 PM

1: Check the listing on the transformer and make sure that you can install it indoors. Some LV outdoor lighting transformers are not rated for installation inside. You will have to check the listing on the product and look up its listing online

2: The use of a GFI protected receptacle should not be dependant upon the location of the transformer installation. The transformer is powering up OUTDOOR lighting, no matter if it is installed on the interior or the exterior. You should protect the recepticle from ground faults no matter what. Doing so adds an extra layer of protection and costs very little.

I would agree that the transformer installed at a client's property is most convenient to be located outside. Paul Jr. has it right... makes things much easier to service.

mdshunk · 03-26-2009, 08:51 PM

It's normally only the higher-dollar low voltage transformers that are rated for indoor mounting. Most say "outdoor mounting only". The low voltage wire is seldom ever rated for running indoors or through walls. Check for the "CL2" on the low voltage wire. If you don't see CL2, you can't use it indoors.

James Solecki · 03-27-2009, 07:18 AM

To get really technical about it: None of our Direct Burial, Landscape Lighting Cable is appropriately rated for interior use. It is only 60c jacket and you must have at least 90c jacket for use inside a structure. The only dual purpose LV cable I know of is the Q-wire from Q-Tran which is rated for both interior and direct burial outdoors. That being said, most inspectors will allow for short distances of NMWU or 12/2 Landscape lighting cable to run from a panel or transformer to the conduit which takes that cable to the exterior. If not, you would have to put a junction box on the foundation and make the transition between NMWU and NMD, and this never happens.

MDshunk's comment that it is "only the higher-dollar low voltage transformers that are rated for indoor mounting" is entirely inaccurate. The cost of the transformer has nothing to do with the listing that it carries. Check the listing sticker on the transformer, then go and search the specific listing online and see what it says about mounting locations.

Regards.