Choose A Transformer For Your Landscape Lighting

Transformers transfer electrical energy across different circuits. They are used to increase or decrease voltage intensity. Transformers are used in various industries and perform a variety of functions.

Buying a transformer is not very complicated if you know what you want. Depending upon the utility, some customers need the simple on/off transformers, while some look for more futuristic transformers that turn on and off via their phone, Google or Alexa.
Here are four key elements that you should keep in mind while selecting and buying a transformer.

Different electrical devices need different power for optimum functioning. This power is measured in watts. More or less power can damage the devices beyond repair. While buying a transformer, you need to know how much power you need. To do so, you will need to calculate the sum of watts of all your lights.

Here is a simple formula:

Let’s say you have ten in-ground lights, and each has 6 watts of power. This sum up to 10*6 equals 60 watts. To this, you will need to add 10%-15% of energy loss by the transformer efficacy and not create an overload to prevent overheating while performing at maximum power.

60+6= 66 watts is the minimum power transformer you will need to buy to operate ten in-ground lights.

Transformers are usually available in 60W, 100W, 120W, 150W, 200W, 300W and 600W. So, in this case, you would probably buy a 100W or more if you plan to add more lights.

Lumengy lights create a subtle and soft lighting effect you will love so much that you will definitely add more of these lights.

So, invest in your transformer wisely.

Most households require 120-volt power to run indoor lighting requiring high voltage. Landscape lighting, on the other hand, is supplied in lower voltage. The transformer is used to convert the high voltage (120 volts) to low voltage for landscape lighting.

Some transformers have an additional output of volts. While buying lights, make sure your lights support a variety of voltage because if they don’t, you will shorten their lifespan or even burn them out.
The advantage is that you can connect different lines for different light fixtures. If you have a very long main low-volt wire from the transformer to your last light, you can power this line with 15V and compensate for the loss of power so the last light will still get 12V.

When buying a transformer for outdoor landscape lighting, the main features to look for are

Timer – You can set a timer manually for the lights to turn on and off.
Auto on/off switch via photocell sensor (turns on at sunset and turns off when detects daylight).

Some transformers have these features built-in, while in some, the features can be added. Some smart transformers have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and have the ability to operate the transformer remotely, but “all in one” can be tricky.

If you are looking for automation, just buy a smart outdoor plug and connect it to the transformer. These smart plugs can support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee and Z-Wave. You can create automation on smart devices like Alexa or Google Home.

One of the biggest problems with transformers is overheating or humming noises. This usually happens when it is overloaded or if the quality is low. So, while buying a transformer, ensure premium quality to avoid accidents.

Lumengy lights are energy efficient and can be powered by any 12v-24v AC/DC landscape transformer. Before buying a transformer for your landscape lighting, keep these four factors in mind and make your home look appealing and safe for decades.