Tom,

Regarding that converter for 'outdoor yard lights', do you have the
instructions for that converter/transformer? I have a few Malibu sets
but the highest output unit I'm using is an 88 watt unit. I can't
remember the exact distance, but believe the first (landscape) light
off the unit should be a minimum of 10 feet from that converter. This
is due to the rapid pace that DC voltage drops over distance. If you
measure the voltage at the converter and at the end of the run, you'll
see what I mean. Easier to see with the typically crappy undersized
wire that manufacturers like to provide. Also, using 12 ga wire, and
assuming a short run, you are probably getting minimal to no voltage
loss and could very well have an overvoltage condition. First check
and see what the voltage is at the first light to see if it is too high
for what you are trying to do. Also, I don't believe the DC coming out
of those units would be too clean, but don't know if it would cause a
problem for those bulbs.

-JimL


Tom Best wrote:
I would appreciate some help with a 12 volt question.

I set up a 7 light long string of 12 volt, 40 watt bulbs on a strand
of 12 guage, outdoor lighting, copper wire. The bulbs and bases were
standard Edison screw base types. The lights were connected to a 300
watt DC converter made for outdoor yard lights. In theory, I would
like to take the same string (with lower wattage bulbs) on sailing
trips.

In 4 days, 6 of the seven lights have burned out. One light continues
to burn at normal brightness.

Any ideas or comments on these failures apprecitated.

Thanks
Tom