Why do my low voltage exterior lights go out after only a few weeks?

Question

My exterior low voltage lighting, installed by a trusted electrician, burn out after just a few weeks of usage. They are on each night from dusk to dawn but the first of them started burning out after just three weeks. Now three months after installation more than 1/2 of the 26 lights are out. They are under the eves of the house and therefore protected from the weather but I live in Phoenix where it is very hot.

Answer 1

The other answers have valid points. Another thing to consider is the bulbs themselves. Did they come with the fixtures? If so, usually the fixture manufacturer has very low quality bulbs that they put into their fixtures. You did not mention whether you have replaced the burnt out bulbs with new ones and the problem still persists. Most LV bulbs are rated for short life. You can upgrade to long life bulbs for a couple dollars more. Worth while investment to keep from constant change outs. If you have replaced some of the bulbs and the problem persists than I would say that there is a Uneven voltage at your fixture. Another problem may be fixture overload for the transformer but my first thought is what I would check first.

Answer 2

The transformer may be the wrong voltage. Some of them can be set to different voltages, perhaps it isn't set right.

Otherwise you need bulbs rated for a higher voltage.

EDIT: One other possibility is spikes on your line (for example from your A/C unit starting and stopping) are causing high voltage transients which could be hammering the bulbs. You could try a suppressor on the LV transformer feed to reduce these spikes.

Answer 3

MORE SLACK SOUNDS RIGHT BUT THEY SHOULD HAVE A LONGER GUARANTEE THAN THAT ASK WHERE HE BOUGHT THEM AND GET THE RECEIPT AND THE STORE SHOULD EXCHANGE THEM UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES. GOOD LUCK.

ps: YOUR FRIEND SHOULD HELP YOU.

SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS.