Electrician recommendation - 110->12V transformer that doesn't die every few weeks

hillstrubl

Founding Member
Hello All,
I recently put in some low voltage path lights (9 x 4W each) that I've had nothing but issues with the transformer (here). First it blew 2 different Lutron switches controlling that circuit (used for automation), so I swapped the switch itself to a traditional toggle switch paired with this timer that flips it. All was well for a few weeks, then the circuit itself tripped, ok, a fluke. Reset it and it immediately blew again. I ruled that the transformer itself died, got a replacement from the OEM and put it in today. After wiring it outside of the existing waterproof box (the transformer itself is IP67 rated but I don't buy it...) I went to test. All was well, until I tried to move it and got shocked... WTF. I'm done with this transformer, can anybody recommend one that can be installed in a waterproof box (humidity will still be in there, but not direct rain) and drive the total wattage load of ~36 + loss?

11542
 

Tbaumer

Technical Excellence Contributor
I two of the Kichler 200 watt transformers that javlinadave lists above. Designed to be in the weather & plugs into a GFCI outlet in a weather proof box next to it. It's a trouble free unit. Make sure the power outlet is grounded, that should prevent a shock you when you touch it.
 

rocky

NAS-ROW Addict
A gfi is crucial and I assume you have one on that circuit.

There comes a time when damage to the underground cable and or water ingress to boxes has to be suspected, especially say if you notice the failures occur whenever it rains etc.
 

hillstrubl

Founding Member
The circuit out there is original to the house and its not based on an outlet, so definitely not GFI.
Originally I had 5 incandescent lights (110v) hardwired out there, all but 1 didn't work so the decision was made to re-use the circuit but rip out all the lights (lamppost being the exception). At the point of where the circuit comes outside and (formerly) split to all the old lights, the waterproof box was installed and the wiring from the house taken over. Currently 1 of original 110v lines still goes to the lamp post which is using a LED bulb now (110v), the power source when then spliced into this transformer, then new wiring was run to the 9 LED (12v) lamps.

There are 2 ground wires in there (1 for the transformer joined by the 1 for the lamppost) but they obviously aren't doing the job!
 
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