A landscape lighting transformer steps down high input current to low output current to reduce the amount of electricity consumed for outdoor lighting. A transformer can convert a North American household’s 110-120 volts of alternating current, AC, to fewer than 15 volts of direct current, DC. While certain landscape elements use full 120 volts, most lights fitted in them use lower voltages. In compliance with code, this permits the running of naked wires in or on the ground.
Land transformers have different ratings depending on the wattage output. These can range from 40 to 900 watts, depending on the number of light fixtures installed in your facility. You can also equip them with a plug for your controls or a 24-hour timer to automate the lighting at your facility or house.
The transformer can power the light fixtures on and off, or you can use your control, including a Google or Alexa-powered switch. Besides choosing a good brand, most of your choice will be choosing the wattage it can power. Commercial and other select products may get more complicated.
Landscape lighting transformer: Enhanced options and features
Three primary varieties of landscape transformers are commonly available: single-phase, three-phase, and four-phase models. One wire from the power supply to the ground makes up the single-phase category. It is imperative to consider the light fixtures’ connection during the installation process.
The cables that link the three- and four-phase systems to the ground give them their distinct characteristics. Three-phase systems ground each phase through three wires, while four-phase systems ground each phase with three wires apiece. To avoid creating short circuits, you should be meticulous when identifying the wires.
Because these transformers can power multiple sets of light fixtures at once, they are the solution to your outdoor lighting needs. Additionally, because of its lower heat dissipation qualities, the landscape converters are the ideal choice in terms of energy conservation. You may be certain as a client that your electricity bills will be significantly reduced.
When does one use a landscape converter?
To utilize landscape lights or choose other electrical equipment at home or on their property, a landscape lighting transformer is always necessary. It is not enough to just run wire and plug in standard fixtures if you want to install various landscape lighting fixtures in your backyard.
120 volts of alternating current or 120 volts of vac will power your home. Even though the voltage at your business can be higher than 120 volts, the light fixtures only need 8 to 12 volts of direct current. The converters reduce the high input voltage to a low output voltage, enabling the use of low voltage devices. The ability to run many sets of lights simultaneously depends on the transformers.
Moreover, the landscape converter offers a centralized location for managing every light, simplifying control. You can turn off the various light fixture switches by using this option. In the rain, we need to turn on several lights manually, which can be annoying. You have the ability to turn on every light at once with the landscape transformers.
How are landscape converters operated?
These transformers function by stepping down the high input voltage to the low output voltage, as we have just mentioned. We twist copper wire around graphite or iron cores to make the primary and secondary coils of these transformers, serving as the core components.
One turn of the copper wire is wound around the core for every volt, creating multiple coils. This indicates that 600 volts are equal to a coil with 600 spins. The main power source first causes the primary coil to produce different magnetic fields due to its electric current flow.
These magnetic fields transfer to the secondary coil’s turns, producing the output current. When the primary coil’s turns exceed those of the secondary coil, a step-down process takes place. The secondary coil picks up smaller magnetic bits when the primary coil generates a stronger magnetic field.
The majority of transformers on the market are customized based on their output voltage and current. Occasionally, the circuit board of the light fixtures allows for a direct connection to the secondary coil.
Take your facility’s size and lighting requirements into account before making any transformer purchases. With the help of these, you will be able to determine the overall wattage usage needed for the landscape transformer.
Conclusion
In summary, every landscape lighting installation needs a low voltage landscape lighting transformer. In addition to converting voltage to make low voltage fixtures easier to use, it also makes sure that everything is safe, energy-efficient, and runs smoothly. You may create an amazing outdoor lighting design that improves the aesthetics and usefulness of your outside space by choosing the appropriate transformer, taking control choices and safety precautions into consideration, and more.
