Transformers and LED Drivers

2. Are all transformers UL approved?

Yes - they are UL listed.  The reversed "UR" logo on the label of the transformer indicates the coverage.The reversed "UR" logo is the symbol for all UL listed components. The transformer by itself is not a complete unit therefore UL recognizes it as a component. Visit their website at www.ul.com

3. What is the warranty of the transformers?

Our product warranty (as with the rest of our products) is one year.

4. Which fixtures can the transformers be wired to?

The EN-12 Series and SRT Series can be used with virtually any fixture with a 12V remote requirement - W.A.C. products or otherwise. With W.A.C. products, you may use them with the Miniature Low Voltage Halogen Recessed Lights, the Linear System, and the Pendants.

The SST Series may be installed at the end of a Linear track system, or used in a remote application. It has a built-in on-off switch.

5. Why are some of the SRT Series transformers dual voltage (12V and 24V)?

The 24V mode allows installation in longer runs, such as around the perimeter of a room (especially when used with our Linear Track System). When setting the voltage at 24V, be sure to employ 24V lamps. The SRT-1000M is not dual voltage, only 24V.

6. Can the SRT-300M, SRT-500M, SRT-600M, and SRT-1000M be wall mounted?

Yes, there are two slotted holes for hanging on screws.

7. How long is the cord and plug that comes with the EN-33PS plug-in transformer?

7 feet.

8. What colors does the transformers come in?

The EN-33PS is available in black and white. All other ones do not come with a choice of color because they will be hidden after installation.

9. Please provide specifications for the EN-12 Series electronic transformers.

10. Please provide specifications for the SRT Series magnetic transformers.

*The SRT300M can service one 300W circuit at 12V or 24V.
**The SRT500M can service two 250W, 12V circuits or one 500W, 24V circuit.
***The SRT600M can service two 300W, 12V circuits or one 600W, 24V circuit.
****The SRT1000M can service four 250W, 12V circuits or two 500W, 24V circuits.

11. At what percentage load can the transformers take?

You may load the transformer to its maximum capacity. For example, the EN-12P-AR unit is rated for 60W you may utilize it to its maximum capacity of 60W. The same applies to all the other units.

12. I noticed that you have changed the model numbers of your EN-Series transformers. What does the " AR" signify?

Our transformers have been upgraded. The "AR" means auto re-set. There are three main advantages:

a. Short Circuit Protection: In the event of an electrical short, the transformer will stop functioning. After the shorted condition is removed and power is re-applied, the transformer will continue normal operation with no adverse effect to its life span. 

b. Circuit Overload Protection: The transformer will cease functioning in the event of a circuit overload condition. It will re-set once the condition is corrected.

c. Extended life span: Turning on a light switch applies a sudden surge to bulbs and transformers, shortening the life of both. The AR transformer has a "soft on" feature that applies the voltage gradually. When you flick the switch, you will notice a two-second delay until the lights reach full brightness.

Local codes vary from place to place. Some local codes do require that all connections be enclosed, and separated. You can use the ETB or METB junction box to do just that. They have two compartments with breakout holes – the transformer mounts on one side, and the 12V connections on the other. The ETB houses one EN-12P-AR, EN-12PL-AR, EN-12PE-AR or EN-12PX-AR electronic transformer. The METB is smaller and houses just one EN-12P-AR OR EN-12PL-AR. 

As our transformers operate at high frequency, the voltage cannot be read with most meters. A true RMS meter with 20KHZ capability is needed.

To minimize a voltage drop and lessened light output, the transformer should be located as close to the fixture as possible. A drop of 5% or less is generally acceptable.  The chart below details the maximum length to keep the drop below 5%.

Each HR-1136 fixture is rated for use with a maximum of 35W MR11 lamp. The total load of 8 fixtures is 280W. We offer 4 different transformers - 50W, 75W, 100W and 150W. This application requires two 150W transformers (EN-12PX-AR). You may load the transformers to their maximum capacity i.e. 150W. This means that every 4 fixtures will be wired to one 150W transformer.

The position of the dimmer is always to be placed between the power supply and the transformer. Make sure to use the appropriate dimmer for the transformer.

Check the distance of the last fixture from the transformer. Refer to question #8 above for guidelines. The further the distance between the fixture and the transformer, the bigger the voltage drop, and this is what causes the fixtures to flicker. 

Another possibility is that you are using a transformer that is too large. For example, you may have a total load of 60W (the equivalent of three Button Lights), and you are using a 100W transformer (EN-12PE-AR). Each transformer has a minimum load. In this case, the minimum load of the EN-12PE-AR is 60W. When the fixtures are dimmed, the wattage is reduced, therefore it will total less than 60W. When the minimum load is not met, chances are the lights will flicker. To remedy this situation, you may change the transformer to a 75W unit (EN-12PL-AR). The key is to select a transformer that is equal to the total of the wattage, or one that is the next step up.

Check the wiring system. Chances are that you have connected the output (12V) to the power supply, and the input (120V) to the fixtures.

All dimmers create electrical interference and noise from the lamp, transformer or the dimmer itself. Whether the noise is objectionable depends on what you are dimming, how quiet the room is, how much sound the furniture and surfaces absorb, and how sensitive the customer is. Low voltage can be particularly troublesome. Dimmers include filters to reduce noise. Generally, better dimmers feature more filtering. Where the built-in filtering in insufficient, you can add supplemental filters, which are wired in-line with the dimmer. 

20. In a low voltage situation (12V) like a motor home or a boat, would I require a transformer for my fixtures?

RV’s and boats operate under 12V. Transformers are not necessary.

They are regular line voltage incandescent dimmers. The click on and off as well.

They have the same specifications. The only difference is that the DM2 has a 1/4" shaft, whereas the DM3 has a 3/4" shaft for thicker surfaces.

Yes - your choice of black, white or polished brass knobs.

It can handle up to 300W. If they are 50W fixtures, it will take up to 6 units.

It simplifies the wiring of multiple low voltage fixtures to a transformer. Instead of having a blob of wires to a wire-nut, it can be made much neater and allows better connections with an MTB-01. The MTB-01 can accommodate up to 6 fixtures only. The output (12V) wires connect to the input terminal of the MTB-01, marked "A". Meanwhile, the wires from the 6 fixtures connect to the 6 output terminals of the MTB-01, marked "B" through "G". Refer to installation instructions for wiring details.