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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: So Cal
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[QUOTE=DanS911;9180256]
Quote:
Originally Posted by dad911 View Post
except don't the landscape transformers put out AC? /QUOTE]

The transformers convert AC to DC you plug it into your house current and then run 12V (safer) to the outdoor lights.
Transformers do NOT convert AC to DC. Transformers convert AC to AC, sometimes stepping up the voltage, sometimes stepping down, sometimes neither and acts only as an isolation transformer. In the case of a low voltage landscape lighting transformer, it typically steps down from 120VAC to 12VAC. There are some low voltage systems that incorporate a bridge rectifier along with the transformer - that puts out DC.

You can run incandescent bulbs on DC, but they don't last as long. Generally speaking, you cannot run LED's on AC, although there is development being done on this front.
Old 06-29-2016, 03:07 PM
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