LLC Preventive Maintenance Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended practice when replacing lamps in a multi-zone landscape lighting system to maintain consistent color temperature?
- Replace lamps one zone at a time over several years
- Replace all lamps in the system simultaneously with identical specifications (Correct answer)
- Mix color temperatures to create visual variety
- Replace only burned-out lamps as they fail
Correct answer: Replace all lamps in the system simultaneously with identical specifications
Group relamping with identical specifications ensures color consistency and prevents the mismatched appearance that results from mixing lamps at different stages of lumen depreciation.
Question 2: A technician finds standing water inside a well light (in-ground fixture) during a PM visit. What is the first corrective step?
- Add more mulch around the fixture to redirect water
- Drain the water, inspect the gasket and lens seal, and test the drainage holes if present (Correct answer)
- Replace the entire fixture immediately
- Install a waterproof cover over the fixture
Correct answer: Drain the water, inspect the gasket and lens seal, and test the drainage holes if present
Water ingress into a well light indicates a seal failure; the gasket, lens, and drain holes must be inspected and repaired to restore the IP rating and prevent lamp failure.
Question 3: During PM, why should a technician record load readings (total amperage draw) at the transformer and compare them to the original installation baseline?
- To verify the transformer brand is still in production
- To detect added or removed fixtures, failed lamps, or developing short circuits causing load changes (Correct answer)
- To calculate the homeowner's electricity bill
- To confirm wire color coding is correct
Correct answer: To detect added or removed fixtures, failed lamps, or developing short circuits causing load changes
Load changes from the baseline indicate system modifications or faults such as short circuits, failed lamps, or unauthorized fixture additions that must be investigated.
Question 4: What is the correct action when a transformer's primary-side GFCI or breaker trips repeatedly during normal operation?
- Reset it repeatedly until it holds
- Bypass the GFCI for uninterrupted operation
- Investigate for ground faults, moisture ingress, or overloading before resetting (Correct answer)
- Increase the transformer's output voltage to compensate
Correct answer: Investigate for ground faults, moisture ingress, or overloading before resetting
Repeated tripping indicates a persistent ground fault or overload condition that must be diagnosed and corrected; bypassing or repeated resetting is unsafe.
Question 5: How should a technician address a stainless steel fixture showing surface rust spots during a PM inspection?
- Replace the fixture immediately as it is structurally compromised
- Lightly clean with appropriate stainless steel cleaner and apply a protective coating; monitor for progression (Correct answer)
- Sand down to bare metal and repaint with any outdoor paint
- Ignore it as stainless steel never fails structurally
Correct answer: Lightly clean with appropriate stainless steel cleaner and apply a protective coating; monitor for progression
Surface rust on stainless steel is usually cosmetic corrosion that can be cleaned and treated, but progression should be monitored to catch structural corrosion before failure.
Question 6: What is the purpose of checking the mounting stake depth and angle on a path light during a preventive maintenance visit?
- To verify the stake meets recycled material standards
- To ensure the fixture remains stable, upright, and correctly aimed after soil movement or frost heave (Correct answer)
- To confirm the stake color matches the fixture finish
- To measure the distance between fixtures
Correct answer: To ensure the fixture remains stable, upright, and correctly aimed after soil movement or frost heave
Frost heave, erosion, and soil settling can shift mounting stakes causing fixtures to lean or mis-aim, requiring periodic repositioning to maintain design intent.
Question 7: When cleaning photovoltaic or solar-assisted landscape lighting sensors during PM, which cleaning agent is most appropriate?
- Bleach solution for thorough disinfection
- Mild soap and water with a soft cloth, avoiding abrasives (Correct answer)
- Isopropyl alcohol at full concentration
- Petroleum-based solvent to dissolve residue
Correct answer: Mild soap and water with a soft cloth, avoiding abrasives
Mild soap and water with a non-abrasive cloth cleans sensor surfaces without scratching the lens or leaving residues that degrade light transmission.
LLC Preventive Maintenance Procedures 3
What is the recommended practice when replacing lamps in a multi-zone landscape lighting system to maintain consistent color temperature?