I just ripped out the low voltage lights in front on my house (they were old and done). Im left with two wires that don't seems to have any markers (stripe on one). When I get the new lights, does it matter which wire goes where or is it just to complete the circuit?

 

i would think the striped wire would be your hot (black) wire.

 

Ill check again, but I didn't see a striped wire.

 

Who is the manufacturer? From what I recall when I installed mine, you didn't have to worry about what you're asking. I have Malibu lights and transformers.

 

http://www.intermatic.com/images/ins...-900_11350.pdf

 

I check. If I yanked the lights off the right way, there were prongs on the end.

 

It's DC and the light is just a resister so it shouldn't matter which way you hook it. It could matter if you get LED lights. They only light up in one particular direction. They wouldn't blow up though, they just wouldn't light.

 

These aren't LEDs....

Thanks

 

ah... i thought you were saying that one WAS striped.

 

These are DC, so the polarity doesn't matter... (Just like Scribby said).

Heck, if it were AC it probably wouldn't mattter as alot of household outlets have the plugs hooked up backwards anyways (even on new construction)....

 

just touch the wire, don't be a puss it won't hurt...
















much...

 

Actually, it won't. That's the beauty of low voltage lights. The transformer takes things down from 110V to just 12V. During the install, you're to have the power on when attaching the lights to the cable.

 

 

I don't know what you've found out Whiskers so not sure if this matters, but the neutral wire will sometimes have a line or a ridge that runs the length of the wire.

It's usually not colored but you can run your finger along it and feel it.

 

Since it's like 8- degrees out, Ima gonna check when I get home. Thanks.

 

Hmmm, a 9v battery will make my tongue tingle. I wonder what a 12V wire would do. I bet it has more amps than a battery

 

The two wires are identical, no ridges or stripes.

 

Well if that's the case I'd say it wouldn't matter at all. I'm actually really surprised though, usually they'll mark it somehow even if it doesn't matter

 

Not really... V=IR... So you can increase the voltage, and the resistance and keep the amps the same. I don't think the current going through the wire is much of anything.... It can't be, or the company couldn't allow the install to be as easy and hands on as it is....

 

Sounds like your wiring was done by a monkey. They probably sell cheap testers you can buy.

 

Possibly, it was done by the previous owner. Their last names were Kong....

 

There is no need to get crazy over this. There is no wrong way to hook it up. The light bulb doesn't care. If you look at the light bulb socket it is flat, correct? It will let you stick the bulb in either way, there is no plus/minus.

 

This is true.

 

First nice weekend and it's done.....

 

 

post pics, FAWKER!

 

 

See, I had faith that you wouldn't electrocute yourself. Too bad you won't be around to admire your own work.

 

Im trying to get the house in sellable / rentable condition.....Now if someone will come fix my friggin brick steps

 

cute