RING Low Voltage Garden Lighting Systems

We've had a number of queries along the lines of 'Are RING now known as Techmar?'  

The short answer is 'No'.  We are aware that some 'RING' garden lighting was sold through the DIY chain B&Q.

Techmar are a specialist Dutch lighting company based in The Netherlands.  They have been working in the outdoor garden lighting arena for many years and their specialism is safe, low voltage, low energy outdoor lighting using proprietary Plug & Play fittings.  We have their full collection here.   For further information on Techmar see our full page at 'Who are Techmar'

Connectivity issues for failing RING systems may be answered below.

We are seeing increasing numbers of enquiries about RING low voltage garden lights that have been used in the past for garden lighting.

It seems as if a lot of people have their systems in place for patio lights, decking lights and general garden lights.  However, the light fittings and bulbs are failing or the cables have rotted!

Whilst we can't be definitive about every installation we feel pretty comfortable that our garden lighting ranges may be able to be retrofitted to the older RING system and a quick example is given....

It can be simple to upgrade your existing outdoor and garden lighting system with the various connectors available in the Plug & Play range from Techmar.

Firstly, some important points need to be considered.

AC or DC?

Each brand of lighting may have slight differences in the connector style into the transformer.

Whilst the cable type may be the same, compatibility issues are experienced with the various connector types used with low voltage outdoor lighting systems.

The way to resolve the compatibility issue between these different connectors is simply to remove them!

The female connector, from the cable leading from the 12v transformer, and the male connector that may be present with your existing cable system.

Generally, the type of cable you currently have will be identified by a repeated stamp along the outside of the cable.  Typically every half metre or so there will be an identifier unless the supplier used unlabeled cables.

Cables are typically referred to as SPT (Service Parallel Thermoplastic - Two cables running along side each other with a rubber protective sheath) or as AWG (American Wire Gauge)

The cables used in the Techmar range are:

• SPT-1 or 18/2 AWG
• SPT-3 or 16/2 AWG