Last Fixture Doesn't Work

[czimmer]

I recently undertook my first low voltage project-- I thought it was very simple with 4 separate 20 watt fixtures connected in a straight line. I used a transformer rated for 120 watts and 10 gauge wire. Everything worked fine until I got to the very last fixture at the very end of the line (less than 40 feet from the transformer). For some reason, the last fixture wouldn't light up. I checked the obvious things-- bulb, connections, etc... but I feel like I might be missing a "trick" of some kind for the last fixture. Can you help me? Thanks so much.

[sitelights]

Insert a lamp that you know works (you did not mention the type...this would help) and check to make sure it is fully seated in the socket. If it is a bi-pin or MR (bi-pin) socket you can determine if the socket is getting current by shorting across the "jaws" that would hold the lamp pins by using a conductive metal i.e. copper wire bent into a "U" shape. Low voltage current (12v) will not give you a shock (you will not even feel it) but do not touch the spark point which can burn your finger: no spark, no current to the socket. You will want to make just momentary contact so touch the socket terminals lightly with the conductive "jumper".

If there is no current at the socket the connector is not making contact. Strip the ends of the 10/2 and wire nut the thinner stripped leads from the lamp socket to the stripped cable end. You want to make a direct copper-to-copper connection and bypass the pierce point connector if that is how you have tapped into the main cable.

If the lamp still doesn't light up run the thin wire through your fingers to detect a break.

There are four points of contact in a low voltage lighting circuit: at the transformer, at the connection to the main cable, at the lamp to socket interface and at the point where the filament of the lamp bridges its supports. You have an open circuit at one of these points.

If this is not clear to you, reply to this post and name the lamp type. The search function using the word "contact" will take you to a number of related posts.

[czimmer]

I am so grateful-- especially for your straightforward response. I am actually out of town for a few days, but I will try your suggestions when I return. The lamp type is "bi-pin"-- (the kind you see often) the fixture itself is one of the "inground" well lights. Anyway, if I understand you correctly, there is nothing special about being at the "end of the wire"-- I should be able to make the "wire nut connections" and it should work... Would it be worthwhile to buy a voltage meter to check the voltage?-- or is the "shorting method" clear enough?

I really appreciate your being so patient with a novice like me-- thank you again.

[sitelights]

I recall that Henry David Thoreau once wrote: "Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes." If one changed "clothes" to "Tools" this quote would sum up my approach to buying marginally useful equipment. Read more in the Product Review Forum under "volt meters".

However, if you intend to enlarge or add to your low voltage lighting system, a volt meter would be a useful tool. Don't spend more than $15.00 and try to find one near that price that has some of the features of the item reviewed.