Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - low voltage landscape lighting

I recently bought a landscape light kit. I've done it before and thought that when I ran out of the tiny amount of cable provided in the kits that I connect to more that I buy separately (or, in this case, had left over from another project). For some reason, the lights after the point where I connected the additional cable are not working. Could they be different gauges? The included cable is 16 gauge and my cable I used says "Carol16-2 underground low energy circuit cable sunlight resistant for low voltage outdoor lighting E54567-8 (UL)". I thought the 16 meant it was 16 gauge, although it looks a little bigger than the cable that came with the kit. I connected the two with weatherproof wire connectors. I split the cable and connected each of the two wires without worrying about polarity because I didn't see anything in the directions or on the transformer about positive and negative. Do I just connect both wires on each cable together with one wire connector? Also, I need to go in another direction with another cable. The light connected here (using the cable not included in the kit) is much brighter. Could this be an indication that it is, in fact, a lower gauge? Thanks for your help.

Your 16 ga wire should work fine. And you're right, polarity is not a concern.
But, how many watts is the transformer rated for? Usually the kits allow for an extra light or maybe even three.
My last transformer kit was 88 watts, and came with five 10 watt bulbs. Thus, I was able to add three more lights ( I may even add a fourth)

Recheck your connection, swap bulbs, etc. They sh work.

fred

Lower voltage means higher current. Higher current means that voltage drop is a bigger issue. Many of these kits I've seen have a maximum length of the wire to mitigate this issue. This may or may not be your problem.

Hello: Jason

There is or most likely is a polarity. The transformer I use will shut off if the wires are crossed or not connected to the transformer correctly. Base of transformer has a plus and a minus sign or should have them.

Above most likely to apply to the set you have also. Check the owners manual. The owners manual with the set I have does not mention polarity. But it does mention keeping the wires attached to the bulbs seperated from the bulb bases.

Pictorial shows wires in a horizontal straight line and mentions to which terminal on the transformers base to connect the two leads. Also mentions replacement wire type to use for adding wire.

Of course the manual suggests using the manufacturers wire which can be ordered directly from them. A quick stop at the local hardware store or any electronics store also had the same type wire and for slightly less $$$...:)

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I agree that there is a polarity at the transformer, but when it goes to clipping on the lamp fixtures it doesn't matter which side is which.

also, oft times you can use heavier gauge wire for added lights and/or brighter bulb output.

fred