600W Multi-Tap Low Voltage Transformer

Description

VOLT® 600 Watt (12-15v) Multi-Tap Low Voltage Transformer forLED Landscape Lighting

Suitable for large projects, this 600-watt landscape lighting transformer is extremely durable and features top-of-the-line internal & external components. Designed to achieve professional results and commercial reliability, no other transformers on the market match the performance and features of this product.

Features & Benefits:

• 600-watt capacity (300w maximum on each of the 2 breakers) with four voltage taps (12V, 13V, 14V, and 15V) to allow the installer to compensate for voltage loss.
• Toroidal core for more reliable, efficient, cooler, and quieter operation than EI laminated transformers.
• Control device receptacles for optional timers and photocells so you can set ON/OFF times.
• Spacious wire compartment makes installation a breeze.
• Stainless steel enclosure with lockable hinged lid.
• Colored wire markers & installation manual.
• Listed for both indoor and outdoor use.
• ETL Listed.
• Lifetime warranty

For Your Information: TransformerTechnology

What are Magnetic Transformers?

These transformers use two coils, a primary coil, and a secondary coil, to reduce the voltage from 120 volts down to 12 volts. The primary coil carries the line voltage (108 v to 132 v). The flow of electricity through the primary coil induces a magnetic field that creates a current in the secondary coil. Since the secondary coil has 10 times fewer windings, it creates a current with 10 times lower voltage.

Two Magnetic Types. There are two types ofmagnetic landscape lighting transformers. These vary by the type ofcore:

1. Laminated/stacked cores (also known as EI type). Laminated or stacked windings have sheets wrapped in copper wire then stacked together to make a core. This is the more common, less expensive method for manufacturing a core. These are less efficient, run hotter and are noisier than toroidal cores.
2. Toroidal cores. These are one solid unit shaped like a donut and have the windings wrapped around the donut, in and out of the donut hole. Toroidal cores are more efficient, experience less buzz, and run cooler but are more expensive to make.

The choice of whether to use a toroidal core also depends on the system load. Systems with relatively high loads – such as lighting systems with 10 or more fixtures, benefit the most from toroidal cores; smaller systems – such as those with less than 50 watts of load, are served well with EI laminated types.

What are Electronic Transformers?

This transformer type converts the 120 volts current to 12 volts by first increasing the frequency of the current (from 60 Hz to as high as 20,000 Hz). The increased frequency allows the use of a miniature core enabling the transformer to be very small, light, and inexpensive. The biggest downside is that their high-frequency current may not be compatible with LED circuits. These currents also suffer from extensive voltage loss compared to magnetic types. A 12-volt electronic transformer must be positioned within about 10 ft. of the fixture. Electronic transformers are also subject to overheating and premature failure.

Learn more: How to Install a Low Voltage Transformer

Still have questions about transformer types? Call ourlighting specialists at 813-978-3700.