Is It Possible to Wire 480v LED Bollards Lights?
If you have been looking for 480v LED bollard lights for any amount of time, you’ve likely been disappointed by the selection. However, there is a solution . . . and it is likely safer than and superior to the other options you may have seen.
Before Moving Forward: Why Wire 480-Volt LED Bollard Lights at All?
It is important to consider to risks involved with installing 480v bollard lights; they aren’t made universally available for a reason. The primary concern here is that 480v LED bollards are more dangerous than standard 120v–277v LED bollards. A 480v cable obviously carries some serious electricity, which means it generates quite a bit of heat as well. Burying this kind of wire under the ground can potentially lead to complications, especially if every precaution is not taken. The individual units and overall setup will also be more expensive than one incorporating 120v–277v bollards.
The reason you’re looking for 480v bollards is likely simple: You have an existing 480v line set up. If so, (or if not), we’ll cut to the chase: What is the solution?
Use a Step-Down Transformer That Reduces 480v to 120v
Use a 120v LED bollard light with a 480v step-down transformer for 480v bollard light applications.
The easy solution is to use a step-down transformer that reduces the voltage from 480v to a lower voltage. This will expand the available options for bollard styles and designs, will save you on initial and long-term costs, and will ramp up the safety of your project. Keep in mind that electrical work should always be performed by a licensed electrician. Here is an overview of the steps one would take to set up the transformer on a 480v line:
- Use a 480v switch or a 480v timer switch to power the system off and on.
- After the switch, wire in the step-down transformer.
- Wiring the transformer into the line after the switch will make sure the transformer doesn’t waste any power when the bollard lights are not on.
- Inexpensive 480v step-down transformers are available, like this one.
- (Optional) Run the wiring from the step-down transformer to a photocell that turns the bollard lights on at dusk and off at dawn, unless the timer shuts them off sometime during the night.
- Run power from the photocell to the bollard lights.
Use a Licensed Electrician
Here is the disclaimer. While the above process will work, Access Fixtures only recommends it be followed by a licensed electrician. No one but a licensed electrician should install your bollards. Also, a licensed electrician will know the right 480v switched timer or switch to use to get your specific project done right.