Putting green lights - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Ironwood Land · 02-08-2008, 11:26 AM

I have a question for you guys. I recently did a service call and the putting green has four 35 watt lights which are on their own 300 watt controller. When he tries to turn them on at the controller, it stays on for about 3 seconds and then the switch trips off. Do you all think that their is a short in the line somewhere or can you think of something else. Hopefully we don't have to dig up the putting green b/c I doubt the original installer thought about this and put sleeves under the green. Thanks

James Solecki · 02-08-2008, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironwood Land

I have a question for you guys. I recently did a service call and the putting green has four 35 watt lights which are on their own 300 watt controller. When he tries to turn them on at the controller, it stays on for about 3 seconds and then the switch trips off. Do you all think that their is a short in the line somewhere or can you think of something else. Hopefully we don't have to dig up the putting green b/c I doubt the original installer thought about this and put sleeves under the green. Thanks

When you say 300W controller, do you mean Transformer? What is the brand and model of transformer?

Do you have a digital volt meter? How about a clamp on ammeter? These are necessary diagnostic tools in order to find the issue.

It sounds to me like you have a magnetic breaker inside a transformer that trips as soon as it is put in the on position. My first guess is you have a short somewhere. It could be a cut cable, faulty socket, faulty fixture lead wire, a bad connection, or a failed transformer.

You will need to troubleshoot the system and report your findings for a better diagnosis.

Regards.

Ironwood Land · 02-08-2008, 06:32 PM

Yes I meant to say transformer. I am still use to irrigation controllers.

I do have a digital volt meter and I am not sure what type of transformer it is. However, I ruled out being a faulty transformer b/c I hooked a strand of lights up to it that I had extra and it turned them on.

Do you think that I should try to replace all of the sockets first and then move on from there to the connections, and finally checking the wire underneath the putting green? Thanks for the advice

NightScenes · 02-15-2008, 07:35 AM

What brand of fixtures are they? Most people who install these fixtures make a single connection (hub method) outside of the green. I would look for some kind of junction/valve box where this connection would be located. Also, look to see if someone recently trimmed around the edge of the green and cut the wire.

Just a couple of thoughts.