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.
VOLT Outdoor Lighting Transformer Troubleshooting
5 EASY STEPS
1. First
check that there is power at the GFI outlet.
Do not assume there is power.
Check it with a Voltmeter and make sure there is ~120v AC.
2. If
you have a timer please unplug/remove it. They are often a source of
failure. Test the Timer Outlet inside the transformer cabinet with a
Voltmeter. You should have 120v AC there
as well. If you do, go ahead and plug
the timer receptacle cord back into the timer receptacle outlet (the short cord
inside the transformer cabinet needs to be plugged into the socket inside the
cabinet) to complete the circuit or the transformer will not operate.
3. If
you have a photocell installed, please remove it. Then put the jumper
cable back into the photocell receptacle port to complete the circuit or the
transformer will not operate. Be sure the jumper is pushed down
tight. If you have a photocell in the transformer will not turn on when
it is light out. Even if you cover up the photocell there is a delay (the
photocell needs to be covered for about 1 minute before it will allow the
transformer to turn on).
4. Make
sure all the toggle switches are in the “ON” position (UP). The toggle switches are circuit breakers and
can trip if there is a surge, overload or short. Sometimes the circuit breakers themselves can
fail.
5. Now it’s
time to test the secondary side (low voltage taps/ mutitap). Do not use
the screws facing forward to test for voltage, put a voltmeter in the “garage
door style opening” that hold the cable (on the underneath side of the outdoor transformer).
Put one voltmeter prong on the common, the other on a tap (eg 12v tap or
15v tap). You should read anywhere from
12v AC to 22V AC depending on which tap you are testing. If you do not get any voltage, remove any
wires (home run wires) from the common and the taps you are testing and try
again without any load.
If
you are not getting voltage at any of these points:
a. The Timer Receptacle Outlet
b. The Secondary Side
(low voltage Taps/Commons).
Call
Landscape Lighting World for further assistance (813) 978-3700 and let us know
you have gone through the “5 Point Transformer Troubleshooting Checklist.”