How Far Can You Run 36V Permanent Outdoor Lights?

HOW FAR CAN YOU RUN 36V PERMANENT OUTDOOR LIGHTS?

How Far Can You Run 36V Permanent Outdoor Lights?

For G&D SMART's published C5204-C 36V test at 9-inch spacing with 18AWG UL2468 and M12B 10A, 100–150 lights is the most useful starting range for repeatable branch validation. The 150-light test represents approximately 112.5ft of nominal coverage and measured 32.7V at the last light.

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Measured C5204-C 36V Results

The published report is a test reference, not a certified maximum run-length specification. Final limits depend on the actual control-box output, cable and connector temperatures, acceptable brightness uniformity, signal path and installation environment.

Why We Recommend 150 Lights as the Standard Starting Point

At 150 lights, the measured branch retained 32.7V at the last light with 3.80A current. The same test showed progressively larger voltage drop at 200 and 250 lights. For repeatable installer systems, the 100–150-light range provides a more conservative basis than using the longest tested condition as the default.

Does 36V Always Run Farther Than 24V?

At equal power, 36V requires less current than 24V, which can reduce voltage drop in the same resistance path. But run length still depends on the fixture design, actual wire length, gauge, connector and output. Higher voltage does not create an unlimited run.

24V vs 36V Comparison →

Do Not Extrapolate 9in Test Data to 12in Spacing

The published 36V data uses 9-inch center spacing. Increasing the spacing also increases the conductor length between fixtures, so the same fixture count at 12in can produce different voltage drop. Validate the actual product configuration instead of converting only the footage.

36V Wire and Environment

The published test uses 18AWG UL2468 and M12B 10A. The current 36V product route is treated as Dry / Damp rather than Wet. SPT-2W 18AWG or 16AWG may be evaluated for a separate project cable construction, but 36V is not positioned as a Wet-location system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 36V permanent lights run 150ft?

The test operated 200 lights across 150ft nominal coverage at 9in spacing, but that result had more voltage drop than the 150-light test. Treat 150ft as a project-specific validation point, not the default run length.

What is the recommended 36V planning distance?

For the tested 9in C5204-C configuration, approximately 75–112.5ft (100–150 lights) is the more practical starting range for repeatable branch planning.

Can I run 187.5ft because 250 lights were tested?

The 250-light test reached 187.5ft nominal coverage, but the last-light voltage fell to 24.0V. It demonstrates a test boundary, not an unconditional installation recommendation.

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