Illuminating the Issue: How to Diagnose Voltage Drops in Commercial Outdoor Lighting

Reliable outdoor commercial lighting is essential for many businesses, which is why it is important to understand the threat of voltage drop and what can be done to resolve the issue. This post will tell you everything you need to know to diagnose and fix voltage drops in your commercial outdoor lighting.

Understanding Voltage Drop
First, it is helpful to define voltage drop. Essentially, this is a reduction in the voltage in a circuit between the power source and load (light fixture). Small drops are expected, but larger drops can result in flickering, dimming, and reduced lifespan. Voltage drop occurs when electrical current faces resistance as it travels through wires and other components. Common causes include:

• Long wire runs
• Overloaded transformers
• Improper wire gauge
• Poor connections

Tools for Diagnosis
There are a number of tools that can be used to diagnose voltage drops. Digital voltmeters are the primary diagnostic tool that can be used to measure voltage at different points in the system to pinpoint where the drop occurs. The voltmeter can be used to test the power outlet voltage to make sure that the power supply is stable, the transformer output to ensure it is supplying the right voltage, and that the right voltage reaches each fixture.

You can also use an amp meter to measure the current flowing through the circuit, which helps to identify overloaded sections. A wire tracer, meanwhile, can be used to locate and inspect the integrity of the wiring.

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Process

• Test the power source
• Check transformer output
• Measure the voltage at the first fixture (to get a baseline reading)
• Test each fixture along the circuit
• Look for voltage reductions of 3% and greater
• Inspect connections and wire integrity
• Calculate voltage drop percentage
• Compare results to acceptable standards

Solutions & Prevention
There are a number of solutions and preventative measures that can help you address the issue of voltage drops. Using thicker wire can help to reduce resistance, while adding a secondary transformer can distribute the load more evenly. You can also redistribute the load across multiple circuits to avoid overloading a single circuit. You should then ensure all connections are secure and corrosion is not an issue.

In terms of prevention, you should use larger gauge wires during installation, correctly size transformers, and distribute loads effectively. Ongoing maintenance and checks will help you detect issues and take timely action.

The information in this post should help you develop a strong understanding of voltage drop and allow you to take action to address issues in your commercial outdoor lighting solutions. You will want to rely on consistent outdoor lighting performance, so voltage drop is a serious issue that needs to be considered. By knowing how to identify, resolve, and prevent voltage drops, you can ensure consistent performance of your outdoor lighting.