How to Dim Low Voltage Landscape Lighting?

There are many ways to make a landscape lighting system work perfectly, but it is impossible to know exactly how it will look until the whole thing is finished and is ready to turn on.

That is the thing with light, it is hard to imagine it. If you flick the switch for the first time, it may look a little too bright, even if you have planned your setup to perfection.

If you want to dim landscape lighting, you need a transformer that allows dimming and a transformer that is dimmable as well. There are some transformers that you can use a 12V dimmer with. Non-dimmable bulbs won't work properly with a dimmable transformer, and not all LEDs can be dimmed.

Now, We learn about...

1. If your landscape lights are bright, what can you do?
2. Lights can be dim with a traditional dimmer
3. Either landscape lights can be dimmed or not?
4. The kind of transformer you need.
   
   

If your landscape lights are bright, what can you do?

If the landscape lights you've chosen are too bright that doesn't mean you have to get everything set up with a dimmer. They don't give you total flexibility, but they could save you money and give you the result you want.

Firstly, If the problem is that the lights are shining too brightly, you can try to move them a few inches away. You can adjust the brightness of your light by using a gel filter.

You use lighting to help you sleep. The filter will let through some of the light, but not all of it. This is a really inexpensive solution.

On the other hand, It takes a lot of time since you need to prepare each filter to size and secure it to the light, so the weather doesn't remove it.

You shouldn't expect your lighting to look different around your garden.

Another option, It is possible to swap out the bulbs for less bright ones if your lights aren't sealed. Again, it's a bit time- consuming, but it's relatively cheap. Even if you don't have control over the light, you'll have a uniform light once you're done.

Lights can be dim with a traditional dimmer switch

The traditional dimmer switch can be used on an outdoor system. It isn't an recommended choice for most transformers. You could email the customer support team for your chosen transformer to see if they think it's safe to do so.

It should be easy to do, and in theory should be fine. You don't need to wire the dimmer into the circuit after the transformer. Before reaching the dimmer, the power goes from the mains to the transformer, where it is down stepped.

You have to purchase a 12V dimmer for this. You will need to think about how you can mount and waterproof the switch. Spending huge sums on a dedicated transformer is much more cost-effective than using this option.

Either landscape lights can be dimmed or not?

Some of the landscape lights are not dimmable. There are two factors that affect whether or not you can dim your lights.

• Is the transformer dimmable?
• Are the lights dimmable?

If the transformer is not present, then you can still dim your lights. You need more than one component. It is important to note that this relates to the bulb, not the whole fixture.

If you buy an outdoor fixture with replaceable bulbs, all you need to do is buy a dimmable light bulb. You need to make sure that the entire light is dim.

Kind of Transformer you Need.

It is time to address the transformer now that the dimmable lights have been sorted. If you have a transformer that isn't dimmable, it's likely you will need to replace it.

Don't expect to find a Dimmable landscape lighting transformer on Amazon, they are a lot more expensive, so bear that in mind.

There are a couple of things you need to think about when you replace your transformer.

The new transformer needs to be able to deal with your lights. While shopping for dimmable options, it is easy to forget that the most important factor is a transformer that won't be overload by your setup.

If you use 200 Watts of lighting, don't buy a 200 Watt transformer because you should only use 80% of your transformer's capacity. To prevent power fluctuations, upgrade to at least a 300 Watt option.

Digital dimmable transformers is really an option, and you're going to be buying them. You will be getting a phone that will allow you to change the dimming settings on your phone with the help of the internet.

You have to consider the location of your transformer as well. Do you need a signal booster if it is not in range of your internet service?

Recommended Transformers for outdoor landscape lighting:  12V Dimmable Transformers

Features:

1. Dual Protection

Two circuit breakers protection levels on the primary and secondary winding to protect both load and driver.

2. Compact and Lightweight

Easy to integrate into any application or design

3. Industry-leading Technology

• Low stray magnetic field
• Reduces leakage inductance
• Low audible hum
• Cooler operating temperatures

• Longest operational hours 

4. NEMA 3R Housing

Designed with a High-quality metal case to withstand the toughest environments, including humid conditions

5. Junction Box

Made with an Integrated junction box, with knocks-outs, hinged door for easy installation and protection of electrical components

Specifications

• North American made lighting transformers
• Rated for both outdoor and indoor use
• Fully Dimmable
• Available in 12V AC and 12V DC
• 25W - 300W
• Low audible hum