Malibu low voltage lights

[Buzz 502]

I have a set of low voltage lights lining my drive way. They are the type with the photo eye, on at dusk, off at dawn. They didn't come on the other night so the next day I covered the photo eye which usually turns them on. Nothing. Checked the receptacle the are plugged into, OK. Not sure how to check the transformer output. I used the 12V setting putting the neg. probe into the ground outlet on the receptacle and the pos. probe on the power outlet on the transformer and got 0.35V. I figured the transformer was bad so bought a new one with timer, still nothing even when it's in the test position. What now? Do I have to uncover all the wires and look for shorts. Open to any and and all suggestions.

[Redbirdman 7]

did ya check all the bulbs?

At about a buck apeace I think a GE gnome sneaks around at night burning them all out.

But start with where the wires go into the transformer by disconnecting and wire brushing the wire ends (and testing a bulb right there) and then reconnecting, because mine always seem to end up with a poor connection right there. And I have found a whole string to be burned out ???? Not sure if it is from a surge, lack of maintenance or that gnome.

Over the years with Malibu transformers I found one week point to was the stupid plastic gear on the drive motor. It would split and then you had to replace the hole motor.

Ed

ps: spelling mistaks added delibertly

[HorseFixer 2,013]

Buzz if ya have a voltmeter you can ck voltage or take a 12V Known good bulb and solder test wires on it. Take a couple safety pins and pierce each side of the wire on the 12v side of the transformer and touch test leads to them and turn on. (the safety pin piercing deal is so you dont have to cut the wires) If the light, lights or meter says 12v yer good. I would then test the bulbs with continuity meter (ohms) or pic up some bulbs and try swapping as Ed mentioned.

Cheers ~Duke

:ROTF:

[Buzz 502]

Hmmm. I never considered that all the bulbs could burn out at once. Power surge from the transformer? It has two places where the wires attach. If I cover the photo eye to mimic nightfall, and if I touch the neg. probe to one terminal and the pos. probe to the other, should I get 12V? If so do I work my way "downstream" and check voltages at each light socket? I have some spare bulbs to try, they are the 4W ones. Thanks guys.

[HorseFixer 2,013]

Yes you should get 12v Oh, And by the way MJ said (while cleaning out the basement the other night) that there was a whole bunch of lights in a box If they are Malibus you are welcome to them. I will ck. Never hurts to have spare parts.

Cheers ~Duke

:ROTF:

[Buzz 502]

Well I went home and checked the old transformer, 12 V AC, good. Cleaned the connections, hooked up the wires and plugged it in. Nothing. Replaced the bulb closest to the transformer and ta-da, they all lit. Now I've had other bulbs burn out and the rest stayed on, so I'm not sure why the first bulb put them all out. Not complaining, they work. A lesson learned the hard way is remembered forever. thanks guys.

[rmaynard 16,078]

All of the bulbs should be wired in parallel. Maybe the first bulb was hooked in series?

[Redbirdman 7]

hmmmm is right. I dont think one not working should affect the whole line.....

unless there maybe a loose connection somehow. but even that does not seem right because each bulb is 'tapped' off the main line. (What about that first bulb maybe was shorting ????).....

ed :D