I have an old Amerlite Niche and 300Watt 12V light.
The Transformer is dead and the gasket seals in the light housing are all shot.
Clearly I need a new light....but should I replace the transformer or just install 120V instead?
Any recommendations?
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I have an old Amerlite Niche and 300Watt 12V light.
The Transformer is dead and the gasket seals in the light housing are all shot.
Clearly I need a new light....but should I replace the transformer or just install 120V instead?
Any recommendations?
A 12 volt light is always safer in a pool. It may be a code requirement in your area. After that, it all depends on how hard it would be to get 120 volts (and a ground wire if not already there) to the junction box. I've seen many older 12 volt installations where a ground was not run from the panel or transformer to the j-box.
Just a few things to consider.
I've got a grouding wire to the light.
Is there a difference between a 12V and 120V fixture? They look the same to me and it looks as if I can put a 120V bulb in the 12V fixture if I were to run 120 to it.
The only thing I can see is that the 12V cabling is a little "thicker".
The fixture itself is basically the same. If you go with a 120v light, make sure that a properly installed GFCI is in the light circuit. It's best to have a good pool tech or electrician familiar with pools to install this.
go 12 volt!!!! keep the deadly 120 away from your pool. Your life and the life of others isn't worth the risk. We had a family die not too long ago around here with a 120v light problem.
Keep the transformer next to the house. The reason the wire is thicker for a 12 volt system is that it is pulling higher amperage than a 120 volt system.