Underwater swimming pool lighting fixtures belong to low-voltage lighting equipment, using 12V or 24V voltage. The length of the wires will affect the voltage drop. If the voltage drop is too large, the lights may not work properly and even damage the equipment.
Voltage drop=current x wire length x resistance coefficient ÷ wire cross-sectional area. The voltage drop of the low-voltage lighting system should not exceed 3% to ensure the normal operation of the equipment. Assuming the use of a 12V transformer and common wire diameters, the following is the safe length range (calculated based on a voltage drop of ≤ 3%):
1.5mm ² (14AWG): up to approximately 15-20 meters in length
2.5mm ² (12AWG): up to approximately 25-30 meters in length
4 mm ² (10AWG): up to approximately 40-50 meters in length
The specifications of the wires are also very important. For example, the commonly used 12 or 14 AWG wire diameters have different maximum lengths allowed for different wire diameters. Assuming a 12V system is used and the current may be around 5A, calculate the maximum length based on different wire diameters. For example, 14 AWG has a higher resistance and may only support shorter lines, while 12 AWG has a lower resistance and can support longer distances.
The environment around the swimming pool may be humid, and the wires need to be waterproof and corrosion-resistant, so the selection of materials is also important, such as using copper core wires with appropriate insulation protection on the outer layer. In addition, if the wires need to be buried in pipelines or exposed, it will also affect their heat dissipation and resistance, thereby affecting the maximum allowable length.
The connection between underwater lighting fixtures and transformers in swimming pools should follow safety regulations, and professional electricians should be consulted if necessary, especially in uncertain situations where water and electricity are involved and safety hazards are high.
Prioritize shortening the distance and try to install the transformer as close to the swimming pool as possible; Choose the appropriate wire diameter and use thicker wires (such as 12 AWG or 10 AWG) for long distances; After installation, test the actual voltage drop to ensure it does not exceed 3%, and check the waterproof performance.
