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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Low Voltage Cable Lighting Systems
Q	What is a low voltage cable lighting system?
A	Low voltage cable lighting systems consist of two or more bare copper cables stretched between two or more points. A 12-volt low voltage transformer is connected to the cables. Then small low voltage halogen light fixtures are installed between the two bare cables. Any place along the length of the system where the fixture comes in contact with both cables, it lights up.
Q	What is Low Voltage Lighting?
A	Normal lighting runs off of 120-volt current. The wires must be well insulated to protect you from electrical shock. The fixtures are usually large and bulky. Low voltage lighting runs off of only 12 volts, the same as a pocket flashlight, or a child's electric train. Low voltage wires do not have to be insulated and the fixtures can be small and tailored.
Q	Why would I want to install a low voltage cable lighting system?
A	Cable lighting systems are the most versatile type of lighting. You can run the cables almost anyplace. Installation can be made between two walls, suspended from a ceiling, up or down a staircase, along a wall, up or down or sideways. You are only limited by your imagination. Compared to normal incandescent light, halogen low voltage lights provide better quality light, more light per watt (about three times as much), and you can precisely control the beam spread. Because of the tiny size of the light bulbs, the fixtures for a cable lighting system can be very small in size and high tech in design. With the large selection of fixtures and shades to choose from, you can create thousands of different combinations.
Q	Is this system safe for my family and me?
A	YES. The system works exactly like a child's train. There are two bare conductors through which passes a very low wattage current, just enough to power a series of small lights. If the electric train you had as a child had a light on the engine, then it was one of the first low voltage lighting systems. If you will remember, you could make a spark if you laid a screwdriver across both tracks. That created what is called an electrical short. Cable lighting systems work the same way, so our transformers are designed to shut the system off in the event of an electrical short, thus protecting persons and property from harm.

Q	What is required for a complete system?
A	A complete low voltage cable sysem must have the following components: Cable Kit (Cable and brackets) Transformer (Plug-in or hard-wired ceiling mount) with power feed cables Fixtures Halogen light bulbs Shades (OPTIONAL)
Q	Where does the 12 volt power come from?
A	The 12 volt power is supplied by a transformer. A transformer is an electrical appliance that converts dangerous 120 volt power into safe 12 volt power.
Q	Where does the transformer go and how do you install it?
A	The transformer is installed between the normal 120 volt current and the lighting system. There are two types of transformers available. Transformer One simply plugs into an electrical outlet Transformer Two is installed over a ceiling junction box and the wires are connected with wire nuts. In both cases, the lighting system is connected to the secondary terminals on the transformer. NOTE: Power should always be turned off at the function box before you attempt to install a hard-wired transformer.
Q	Can I use any low voltage transformer for lighting?
A	NO! Although 12 volts of current aren't dangerous, a 300-watt 12 volt transformer pushes 25 amps of power. If the two low voltage wires were to come in contact with each other, it would produce a powerful spark. For that reason, you should only use a transformer that is UL or ETL approved for low voltage lighting. These transformers are equipped with safety devices that ensure the system will be turned off if a short circuit occurs. All LightingShop.Com transformers are certified to be safe for open conductor low voltage lighting systems.
Q	How many fixtures can I use on a single system?
A	That depends on the wattage of the bulb used in the fixture. The National Electrical Code limits you to 300 watts of light per system circuit. The halogen light bulbs for these systems come in 5, 10, 20, 35 and 50 watts. You can use any combination of these light bulbs as long as you don't exceed the 300 watt limit. If you need to use more than 300 watts on a single system, you can place an in-line insulated connector mid-way in the cable run, creating two separate circuits. Each circuit can be powered by a separate transformer. This gives the appearance of a long cable run with lots of fixtures, when it is actually two separate circuits connected at the mid-point.
Q	What comes in a Cable Kit?
A	Each Cable Kit contains a set (4) of cable brackets, special hardware to ensure easy and secure installation, and enough cable to span the specified distance. Cable Kits are available for distances of 10, 20, 30, and 40 feet, and cable can be cut to fit your exact dimensions.
Q	How do I know what size transformer I need?
A	Our transformers are "state of the art" technology, incorporating the very best safety features available. Our experience has shown that a 300 watt transformer is best for these systems. This allows you to use the maximum number of fixtures allowed. If you choose to use less fixtures now, the system will still operate at peak efficiency and you have the option to add more fixtures later if you desire.
Q	Which shades go with which fixtures?
A	You may use any glass or Teflon shade with any fixture. All glass shades connect to the fixture with special mounting clips supplied with the shade. Some shades will only work with the JC bi-pin halogen, so you should consider your application before selecting your shade.
Q	What if I'm not happy with the system after I install it?
A	Our systems come with a "no questions asked", 45 day money back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied for any reason, you may return the product for a full refund.
Q	What is your product warranty?
A	Our products come with a 1 year warranty against defects in manufacturing. If any part should fail within one year of purchase, we will repair or replace the part at no charge to you.
Q	What if I can't understand the installation instructions after I purchase the system?
A	Call us! Our toll free number for assistance is 877-471-5940 and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday thru Friday. Or, you may email us your questions, and we will respond within 24 business hours, Monday thru Friday.