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Smith offers five important tips for those who want to get into the holiday decorating business:

1. Get Training: Efficiency is one of the main keys to success in the holiday decorating business. A systematic approach is the only way to be profitable and consistent.

2. Find a Good Source of Quality Products: For years Smith says he rushed to retail stores around town buying up all he could. Products were hard to find and the quality was mediocre. Eventually, he says, his company negotiated deals to have his own line of products developed.

3. Network with Others in the Business: There is a ton of market share to be had and you can learn a lot from others who are in the business.

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5. Stay Plugged In: The holiday decorating industry is always changing?EUR??,,????'?????<

If you are interested in learning about how Christmas Decor can help you get involved in the holiday decorating business, contact John Ropas at 1-800-687-9551 or visit their website at www.christmasdecor.net

Transformer FAQ, Part II: Everything you wanted to know about transformers but were afraid to ask

by Bruce Dennis, Lightcraft Outdoor Environments

How do you check the transformer for proper voltage?

The best way to check for proper voltage is with a voltmeter and a clamp-on amp meter. The volt meter reads the 12v (secondary) side and the amp meter reads the primary input amp. We suggest using a digital True RMS meter for a correct reading.

What is a multi-tap transformer?

A multi-tap transformer has multiple voltage tap options to offset voltage drop. Multi-tap transformers generally are offered in 12-15v options and 12-22v options. Why higher taps? Example: if the voltage is dropped by 3 volts you can pick up the lost voltage by using the 15v tap option ( 12v + 3v =15v). Multi-tap transformers not only make up for voltage loss, they allow for longer circuit runs.

What is de-rating?

De-rating is lowering the capacity of an electrical device such as a transformer or cable. The reason for de-rating is to accommodate various nuances of resistance, voltage drop, connection issues. De-rating is required on transformers that are not fully loadable.

A low-voltage transformer steps down the voltage from 120v to 12v. Most transformers have a E.I lamination core or a toroidal core. We prefer toroidal, as this type is more efficient. Most transformers have built-in or optional timers, built-in or optional photo cells or manual on/off switches. Some transformers are motion sensor compatible. We like transformers that have photo cell and timer combinations so that you can set activation as follows: photo on (dusk) and time off (as desired). Photo courtesy of Lightcraft Outdoor Environments

How does cable size affect the transformer?

Just like water through a pipe, the larger the cable (number of copper strands) the greater the flow of electricity. If your cable is not rated properly the transformer will not perform efficiently. Here is a basic guideline- 12/2 cable is rated at 16 amps or 192 watts, 10/2 cable is rated at 24 amps or 288 watts and 8/2 cable is rated at 32 amps or 384 watts. Do not exceed the rating of the cable.

How do you size cable with the lighting system?

Most transformers can take all size cables. However, those with larger terminal lugs are preferred for larger projects as they can accommodate more circuits (cable runs). See cable information below.

What happens if you are under 12v?

For every volt under 12v you lose light output. Under 10v the light becomes very dim.

What happens if you are over 12v?

If you run over 12v (with a multi-tap transformer) you run the risk of over volting the lamp and diminish the rated life of the bulb.

What is Ohms Law?

Ohms law is the basis of understanding electrical current. It is usually described in a mathematical formula- A (amps) = W (watts) divided by V (volts).

What is the difference between voltage, amperage and wattage?

Here is a simple way to remember the difference. Think of a car as the metaphor:

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What are the regulations that affect the way the transformer is built?

The most important UL standard is 1838. This standard states that the maximum wattage allowed in a low-voltage transformer is 300 watts per circuit and no more than 15v on a circuit.

What are the basic guidelines regarding maximum loads?

A UL recognized transformer is generally built in 300 watt circuits. Do not exceed 300 watts on any one circuit (common). Here is a basic guideline: 300 watts is rated at 3 amps, 600 watts is rated at 5 amps, 900 watts is rated at 8 amps and 1,200 watts is rated at 10 amps. It is recommended you check your voltage and amperage before finalizing your installation. Regarding secondary voltage taps, you must follow the manufacturers recommended guideline. For example, many secondary taps are rated at 125 amps or 1,500 watts (W= A x V).

Common Configuration

Traditional transformer designs allow just enough common taps to accommodate the transformer capacity. For example, a 900 watt transformer will have three common taps, each rated at 300 watts ( 3???300 = 900). What if you have 5 runs of 200 watts each (5???200= 1,000)? Since you only have 4 common taps, one common will need to carry two wire runs ( 200 + 200 = 400 ). This exceeds the 300 watt maximum. You will need another transformer for this system.

What is the difference between Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 Transformers?

Basically, the class ratings have to do with load limits per circuit.

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Final thoughts

A transformer cannot perform effectively if the recommended rating of the cable is exceeded, connections points are not solid and secure or the system has not been designed for the optimum voltage range. The transformer is merely a step down power source that works in conjunction with all the other aspects of a landscape lighting system.

Illuminating Info

1882: Year the first electric Christmas lights were displayed on a private residence. Edward Johnson, a colleague of Thomas Edison, installed the lights three years after the light bulb was invented.

1927: Year true outdoor Christmas lights were introduced to the public. Prior to 1927, Christmas lights were so expensive that they were more commonly rented than sold and were a status symbol.

Source: www.oldchristmaslights.com