How many 50w low voltage halogens on a 5 amp circuit?
Question:Do I add up the transformer totals and then divide by 230v even though they are 12v transformers?
Answers:
The 5 amp circuit will theoretically carry 24 x 50 watt lamps, (but this would not be good wiring practice!) whether mains or low voltage, but since you have low voltage lamps the transformer rating is also relevant. Each 205Va transformer can take a maximum of 205 watts @ 12 volts, so only 4x 50 watt lamps per transformer, and a maximum of 6 transformers on the circuit. Use 5 amp cable to each lamp, and wire separately to transformer, remember each lamp is drawing 4+ amps.
I need to know the voltage. Are you talking on the line side or the load side. Where did you get the 5 amps.
Twelve if it's 120v.
Each light has a 12V transformer? Or is it one transformer with a 5A rating that powers the lights?
Watt = V x A That is the formula for watts.
First consider the 240 Volt side - that is up to the transformers. If you allow for a bit of inefficiency you would be OK with say 15 out of a theoretical 22. I assume then that you are buying transformers complete with lights because this is where you need the heavier cable. If you only use the supplied number of lamps with the supplied transformers and cable then you will be OK but do not add extra lamps without working out the extra thickness of cable which will be twenty times as heavy as the higher voltage! I hope this makes sense. The short answer to your question is 'yes' but allow for inefficiencies
It is the capacity of the transformer that counts in this problem. What the house circuit that feeds the transformer can handle is not relevant. The lamps are 12 volt ones and are driven by the 12 volts coming out of the transformer. If that is rated for 4 of those 50 watt lamps then that is your answer right there.
Q: Do I add up the transformer totals and then divide by 230v even though they are 12v transformers?
Answer = YES.
Rule-of-thumb is 1000W total on 5or6A breaker
20* 50W lamps or 10*100W
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