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Plug in lamp dimmer inside of low voltage transformer
Hello
I have a low voltage lighting system for outside and was wondering if it is possible to use a caseta plug in dimmer inside the transformers housing unit? currently I have a GE zwave switch that the transformer plugs into, but the Lutron would give me the ability to dim.
I know the Lutron says indoor rated only, didn't know if there were temp considerations.
Thanks
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You responded in a previous thread that you had found this won't work.
The outdoor transformers are rarely sealed well enough.
Radio devices inside the metal box will (usually) not work- the transformer when the lid is closed will act a a Faraday cage and block all radio.
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My exterior landscape lighting it powered by Caseta switches (even dimmed) ... the key for me was I could place the transformer and switch inside the house, just pulled the low voltage wire out as needed. If you can do this, it can make a lot of things associated easier, but if retrofitting, may be a tougher situation. Might be able to add an external switch box to the ambient light sensor knock out of the transformer, just gotta find a well sealed box.
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If the transformer box has a standard 110v plug input, you could try putting a weatherproof plastic box next to it, moving the power feed to the plastic box. Then you would have a weatherproof, not metal box for wiring up a plug-in switch.
Haven't done this with Lutron, but have a similar box working for an outdoor water fountain. I had an electrician install the box and move the power input, and I used a Wi-Fi switch plug, so might work with Lutron.
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Can you explain what setup you have for this or post photos? I have new landscaping and am getting ready to put in lighting, I would like it to be Caseta compatible and dimmable. Thanks!
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Originally Posted by
SpivR
If the transformer box has a standard 110v plug input, you could try putting a weatherproof plastic box next to it, moving the power feed to the plastic box. Then you would have a weatherproof, not metal box for wiring up a plug-in switch.
Haven't done this with Lutron, but have a similar box working for an outdoor water fountain. I had an electrician install the box and move the power input, and I used a Wi-Fi switch plug, so might work with Lutron.
This is the easiest solution, it does work. Better if the switch/dimmer is inside the house. OP stated he wanted to use the plug in dimmer, and that is a recipe for failure.