Choose from our wide selection of electronic low voltage transformers and magnetic low voltage transformers. These transformers can supply 12 volts or 24 volts with an alternating current (AC) output, while using an AC input of 120 volts, 240 volts, or 277 volts, with some hardwire models and some plug-in models, and some intended for indoor use and some intended for outdoor use.
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Helpful Information:
- Q) What is a low voltage transformer?
- A) It's an electrical device that transforms line voltage (120 or 277 volts) into low voltage (12 or 24 volts). It's typically made with two wires that wind around an iron core. One wire is connected to the line voltage side, and the other is connected to the low voltage side.
- Q) Do you have any tips for wiring it into the lighting circuit?
- A) Make sure that the input wires of the low voltage transformer are connected to the power line using wire nuts, and that the output wires are connected to the low-voltage light source using wire “terminal blocks” of appropriate size (for solid contact). Low voltage halogen or xenon lighting systems carry relatively large currents so all of the connections must be very tight to prevent arcing (a possible fire hazard) within those connections. That’s why we recommend that you use terminal blocks. If a low voltage transformer is equipped with wires, then you will usually find that the thicker wires are on the low voltage side and the thinner wires are on the line voltage side.
- Q) How does the use of an electronic low voltage transformer differ from the use of a magnetic low voltage transformer?
- A) The output of an electronic low voltage transformer, unless it is a DC low voltage transformer, is high frequency (20,000-50,000 Hertz). This means that there can be a substantial voltage drop if the wires carrying the high-frequency current are long, thin, or far apart. Always follow these rules to avoid a large voltage drop. Use thick wires on the secondary/output side. The thicker the wire, the less the voltage drop you will experience. The shorter the distance between transformer and lamp(s), the less the voltage drop you will experience. Try to use a pair of secondary wires that are twisted together. The closer the two output wires are to each other, the lower the voltage drop you will experience. When a low voltage transformer powers more than one fixture or circuit, split the output of the low voltage transformer immediately into several separate circuits rather than carrying all the power in one pair of wires. The less power per circuit, the less the voltage drop you will experience. That is, a circuit with a total of 300 watts of load will have a greater voltage drop than a circuit with only 50 watts of load. A DC low voltage transformer offers the only electronic solution that overcomes this type of voltage drop issue.
- Q) How can a circuit that doesn't seem to be working be checked for problems?
- A) (1) Please make certain that the input wires (primary side) of the low voltage transformer are connected to the power line (120 volts or 277 volts) and that the output wires (secondary side) of the low voltage transformer are connected to the low voltage light source (12 volts or 24 volts). Most failures occur as a result of reverse or improper wiring.
(2) Check the filament of the lamp to see if is burned out. (Remember the glass envelope of a halogen lamp should NOT be touched by bare hands because the natural oil from your hands will cause the lamp to burn out prematurely.)
(3) Check the connections of the lamp with the socket by moving the lamp inside the lamp holder.
(4) Since most voltmeters give misleading readings when applied to high frequency currents the voltage on an electronic low voltage transformer can be measured only by using a "true RMS" voltmeter with a sufficient range.
- Written by Chris Johnson
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Low Voltage Transformer FAQs
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