12 volt circuit

[lecoyte]

Excuse me if this the wrong forum. Please move if so.

If I wanted to run operate a number of 12 volt lights around the ground floor, is there any merit in operating a 12 volt transformer ( in the basement) thus saving having several smaller transformers around ?

Does this require a different type of wire ?

Thanks.

[Mr T]

Depends on what you are running. What is the total current draw of everything? Those little transformers are fairly cheap, the larger ones can get pricy. How do you plan to turn items on and off?

What kind of distance are you talking from the transformer to the farthest light? 12VDC doesnt handle voltage drop as well as 120VAC. Loosing a volt on 120V is nothing, loosing a volt on 12V is almost a 10% drop off.

You are probably better off with individual tranformers

[lecoyte]

ok. that makes sense. thanks.