I have started looking at installing a low voltage outdoor lighting system and after doing a day or research, have the following question: 1. What would be a decent downlight spotlight around between $25-$40. I know that solid brass is best, but everything I've seen is over $50. The lights will be installed on the side of a raised deck to illuminate an area to play bags at night. 2. Is it possible to control lights on the same transformer individually? For example, turn the downlights I mentioned above on and off without affecting deck lights attached to the same transformer? 3. What is the difference between an electic transformer and a magnetic transformer? For example, I actually found some Volt downlights that looked good for $50 but they require a magnetic transformer which seems to be more expensive. Thanks in advance for the help!

I can think of two. 1. The spring for the center contact in the socket has weakened or corroded, and no longer makes full contact with the bulb contact. 2. The fixture has a loose or corroded connection inside or where the run connects to it. A high impedance digital voltmeter may read full voltage with a high resistance connection, but that connection won't pass enough current to light the bulb. Try testing with a cheap 12 volt incandescent light tester from the auto parts store.

The 300 watt transformer should carry your 50 watt lamp load with ease. Check for voltage match. A 12 volt lamp should be connected to a 12 to 14 volt output from the transformer. If you've connected 24 V lamps to a 12 V output, those are going to be very dim or have no light. If you have 5 of 12 V lamps, these should be parallel connected to a 12 V source. If the lamps are wired in series, it would require 5 x 12v or 60 V to drive the lamps and this is greater than "low voltage". Did you measure the output voltage with the lamps connected? What was it? Maybe the transformer is no good. When measuring the output voltage of a transformer, it is advisable for it to have some load. The open circuit voltage of a faulty transformer may appear to be ok, only to fall to almost nothing when a load is applied.

I am in the process of pour a new concrete patio. I am thinking it would be nice to run some low voltage to the middle of the patio to provide lighting to a dining table. I was thinking of running pvc conduit under the patio to a brass junction box that would be set in the concrete and typically under the umbrella stand. Hoping to mount some small low voltage fixtures in the umbrella and/or under the table. Thinking only 5-10 watts of LED. My main concern is if I decide to move things around. I want to be able to seal up the junction box and not have it get in the way. Anyone done something similar? I have a simple battery powered solution but having the opportunity to go under the patio got me thinking...