I've got the wrong wire haven't I?

[attractivebrunette]

Am putting up a 12v wire lighting system.

I have a 300 VA toroidal transformer and the track length is about 12 meters with 6 x 35 watt lamps.

However, while the lamps fixed near the transformer are bright, the lamps shine progressively dimmer the further from the transformer they're placed. After about 4 meters the lamps have next to no light coming from them at all.

I think it might be because I've purchased the wrong stainless steel wire? I got the usual 4mm stainless steel cable coated in clear nylon, but I didn't get it from a lighting shop.

What's more, the cable is very warm to the touch, while cables I have for other 12v systems in the house, which were purchased as part of a kit, aren't warm at all.

So, can anyone tell me if there is a special type of stainless steel wire required for 12v lighting systems? Does it need to be a particular impedance or be rated for carrying a particular current or wattage?

Thanks

 

[attractivebrunette]

S'ok, I got the answer. It's the cable that's incorrect. Changing it now

 

[securespark]

What you probably had was wire too thin for the load and distance, hence the reduced light output and raised temperature.

 

[Gees]

Stainless steel wire

 

[joinerjohn]

Nylon coated

 

[333rocky333]

http://www.lightingstyles.co.uk/Cei...age-wire-systems/Low_Voltage_Tension_Wire.htm

 

[electronicsuk]

12 metres is a long run @ 12v with that kind of wattage. I'd be surprised if any tension wire you can purchase (that will still fit the lamp terminals) will be big enough.

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

I have a 300 VA toroidal transformer and the track length is about 12 meters with 6 x 35 watt lamps.

From that site:

What is the maximum length you can make the wire track?
Five metres is a good length at which to start considering using more than one transformer. On longer runs an isolator can be used so that two each side of a longer run can have up 300 watts of lights. You can use a single transformer for 6-7 metres without being to concerned about voltage drop. Ten metres is possible on 6pm cables but you will see the lamps as brighter closer to the transformer.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

The OP thinks that correct cable sizing is the work of the Devil.