I am looking to put a series of low-voltage recessed lamps and I was wondering if I needed a transformer for each light or can you just get one transformer for all lights?
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It can work either way. Do whatever is cheapest & easiest for you to do.
One cost difference is buying lots of transformers vs. one (bigger) transformer. You just need to make sure that if you use one it has a big enough capacity to handle all the lights.
Another possible cost differential is heavier-duty wires required for a lower voltage, but I think that's only theoretical -- for the wattage of a few lights it isn't likely to matter, and you would just use normal #14 or #12 wire throughout the project. (And that's a real advantage if someday in the future you want to change the type of lights -- you don't have to go inside the walls to replace wiring.)
One cost difference is buying lots of transformers vs. one (bigger) transformer. You just need to make sure that if you use one it has a big enough capacity to handle all the lights.
Another possible cost differential is heavier-duty wires required for a lower voltage, but I think that's only theoretical -- for the wattage of a few lights it isn't likely to matter, and you would just use normal #14 or #12 wire throughout the project. (And that's a real advantage if someday in the future you want to change the type of lights -- you don't have to go inside the walls to replace wiring.)
