Transformer Instructions
Quick Start
General:
1. The transformer plugs into an exterior GFI
outlet. Do not use extension cords with
transformers.
2. Each
300w circuit has its own circuit breaker (toggle switch) and Common (Black
label that says COM). E.g. a 300w
transformer has 1 COMMON TERMINAL, 600w transformers have 2 COMMON TERMINALS,
900w transformers have 3 COMMON TERMINALS, a 1200w transformer has 4 300w
COMMON TERMINALS.
3. Use
COMMON TERMINAL #1 until you begin to approach 300 watts of lamps used (for
example when you reach 250-275 watts), then start using COMMON #2, and so on.
Connecting Home Runs to the transformer:
1. The home run cable (e.g. 10/2 or 12/2) has two
wires. One wire gets connected to the
COMMON TERMINAL (black label that says COM), the other wire connects to a
VOLTAGE TERMINAL (the colored labels that say 12, 13,14, etc). Which VOLTAGE TERMINAL you connect that
particular wire on depends on the voltage you need for that run. This is a MULTI-TAP transformer, which means
you can output at a variety of voltages to compensate for VOLT DROP (see our
learning area for more information on layouts and voltage drop). For example, if you have a long run of 100 feet
you may need to use the 15v VOLTAGE TERMINAL in order to have 12v of power all
the way out at the far away fixtures.
2. You
can hook up multiple home runs to each and any of the terminals. For example you may have 6 home runs, in
which case you would have 6 wires in the same COM terminal and the other half
of the 10-2 wires go into the colored terminals. The VOLTAGE TERMINALS can have multiple
runs/wires in each tap as well.
3. To
connect a home run wire to the terminals, split the 10-2 or 12-2 wire down the
middle to separate the two wires and strip half an inch of insulation off each wire. One end goes in the COM terminal, the other
into a voltage terminal. Loosen the
terminal screws (small flat head screw driver) and insert the wire into the
terminal opening which is located at the bottom (90 degrees from the terminal
screw facing the bottom of the transformer).
Tighten screw to secure wire(s).
Other:
1. Low voltage wire does not have polarity, it
does not matter which of the 2 wire connects to the COMMON TERMINAL and which to
the VOLTAGE TERMINAL, as long as one wire goes to each.
2. Optional
timers and photocells plug right into the transformer ports labeled and located
inside the cabinet.
3. It is
easier to see and insert the wires into their terminals when the transformer is
lying on the ground. Affix all your
wires BEFORE mounting the transformer.
Operating temperatures:
The VOLTŪ Toroidal Core Transformers run 10-20C cooler than laminated magnetic core transformers. They are more efficient, use less energy, last longer and are more reliable. They are also approved for mounting indoors as well. Below is the normal operating temperatures of our transformers:
|
|
Type
|
Maximum Surface Temperature (℃)
|
Temperature of Ambient (℃)
|
|
Toroidal 300W
|
30 (86F)
|
8 (46F)
|
|
Toroidal 600W
|
35 (95F)
|
7 (44F)
|
|
Toroidal 900W
|
39 (102F)
|
7 (44F)
|
|
Toroidal 1200W
|
54 (129F)
|
8 (46F)
|
If the VOLTŪ transformers are
manufactured with thermal protection on the primary, they will automatically shut down when over-heated.