Basic Info About 12V Lighting Transformers
Low voltage lighting systems are always popular - and increasingly so.
One reason for that is the surge in use of solar technology to power lighting solutions both indoor and outdoor - another reason is the fact that it is relatively easy and safe to work with, even for people who are not trained electricians.
Often you can do most of the installation yourself, and then call the professionals only to connect the entire system to mains voltage.
Some people choose a solution which requires only that a mains plug be inserted in to an wall outlet, making the whole operation completely safe for anyone - if perhaps not the most professional looking way to go.
So what stands between you and your own home-built lighting system? One thing that confuses and intimidates some people, is the prospect of having to choose a transformer for the project.
I can understand that, as transformers are usually part of the "guts" of electronics, and most people don't feel (and are not) technically qualified to delve into that territory.
However - in the case of low voltage lighting transformers, there isn't a lot to be afraid of.
What these do, is convert the (dangerous) mains voltage to a lower (not dangerous) voltage that can be accepted by halogen bulbs or other low voltage light source.
Very often, this voltage is 12 volts, so let us start by assuming you need a 12v transformer for your project.
Let us say you have decided on which bulbs to use, and they require 12v to work.
What they get, is the mains voltage transformed down to 12v, but still AC like the mains.
You need a 12v AC transformer then, but you need to know more before committing to the purchase.
All electric light sources have a power rating - a number telling you how much electrical power (in watts) that bulb uses.
It goes without saying then, that if you see that your bulb of choice has a power rating of 20 watts, and you need 4 of them for your system, then the transformer should be able to supply 4 x 20 watts = 80 watts at the bare minimum.
This will be obvious from the specifications for the transformer.
You should go for a little headroom in that rating though, as power consumption can sometimes vary and it is never a good or safe idea to operated electrical installations near or at their specified maximum.
Even if you do get a 100 watt transformer for delivering 80 watts, it is always a good idea to choose one with a built in thermal fuse.
This will make sure the power is cut, if something draws too much current from the transformer, risking overheating, malfunction and even a fire.
Many such fuses are resettable, meaning they will allow the power to come back on, when the overloading has been stopped and the transformer has cooled down some.
Quite a good investment in my opinion.
These are the basics of choosing 12v lighting transformers.
Remember to call a qualified electrician if in doubt about what you are doing - or if handling mains voltage installations.
One reason for that is the surge in use of solar technology to power lighting solutions both indoor and outdoor - another reason is the fact that it is relatively easy and safe to work with, even for people who are not trained electricians.
Often you can do most of the installation yourself, and then call the professionals only to connect the entire system to mains voltage.
Some people choose a solution which requires only that a mains plug be inserted in to an wall outlet, making the whole operation completely safe for anyone - if perhaps not the most professional looking way to go.
So what stands between you and your own home-built lighting system? One thing that confuses and intimidates some people, is the prospect of having to choose a transformer for the project.
I can understand that, as transformers are usually part of the "guts" of electronics, and most people don't feel (and are not) technically qualified to delve into that territory.
However - in the case of low voltage lighting transformers, there isn't a lot to be afraid of.
What these do, is convert the (dangerous) mains voltage to a lower (not dangerous) voltage that can be accepted by halogen bulbs or other low voltage light source.
Very often, this voltage is 12 volts, so let us start by assuming you need a 12v transformer for your project.
Let us say you have decided on which bulbs to use, and they require 12v to work.
What they get, is the mains voltage transformed down to 12v, but still AC like the mains.
You need a 12v AC transformer then, but you need to know more before committing to the purchase.
All electric light sources have a power rating - a number telling you how much electrical power (in watts) that bulb uses.
It goes without saying then, that if you see that your bulb of choice has a power rating of 20 watts, and you need 4 of them for your system, then the transformer should be able to supply 4 x 20 watts = 80 watts at the bare minimum.
This will be obvious from the specifications for the transformer.
You should go for a little headroom in that rating though, as power consumption can sometimes vary and it is never a good or safe idea to operated electrical installations near or at their specified maximum.
Even if you do get a 100 watt transformer for delivering 80 watts, it is always a good idea to choose one with a built in thermal fuse.
This will make sure the power is cut, if something draws too much current from the transformer, risking overheating, malfunction and even a fire.
Many such fuses are resettable, meaning they will allow the power to come back on, when the overloading has been stopped and the transformer has cooled down some.
Quite a good investment in my opinion.
These are the basics of choosing 12v lighting transformers.
Remember to call a qualified electrician if in doubt about what you are doing - or if handling mains voltage installations.
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