placing malibu transformers

[skantipudi]

Hi
I am planning to install low voltage lights in my front yard. I bought a kit ( mailbu ) from Hoe depot and wondring where to install the transformer. I mean inside the house or outside house. Primarily i am trying to find out if it can be installed inside and if it can any pros/cons. Would appreciate opions or any links


Thanks
Sri

[sitelights]

There are three good reasons for installing your "Malibu" transformer outside: (1) They hum. Also you don't want to hang them on the outside wall of a bedroom. (2) They are made for exterior mounting and if a photocontrol is incorporated with a clock timer or interval timer it needs to be exposed to daylight. (3) It is preferable to plug into an outdoor receptacle (with a raintight-in-use cover) rather than penetrating an exterior wall with the secondary (12v) wiring.

I have occasionally seen wonderfully preserved Malibu transformers in the basements of homes where I have been called in to upgrade outdoor lighting. The rust-free, shiny, heavy-gauge metal cases (usually dark green) of the older transformers have the appearance, a quaint echo, of an unrestored antique automobile lovingly enshrined in a heated garage.

[skantipudi]

Thanks for the reply

Out side my electrical point is located on the front wall at a rather higher position. My problem is consealing it from curb view.More particulary i am trying to find out from saftey aspect is it less safe if i install it inside.


Thanks
sri

[sitelights]

You can safely place an outdoor transformer inside but not an indoor transformer outside.
Lighting transformers are air-cooled so place it where there is good air circulation.

The shorter the cable run(s) the better the performance so try to minimize the length of low voltage cable needed to reach the first light.