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Power Pack/ manuals, tips, troubleshoot, brands

Moonrays
Paradise

Automatic OFF
Moonrays digital
On at dusk, off 2-4-6-8 hours later
Dawn-dusk  1 yr warranty
Buy
Moonrays at Amazon
Moonrays at Amazon
Moonrays 120-200-300-600 watt

Resource
Image of instructions
Moonrays manual
                 
Automatic OFF
Paradise digital
On at dusk, off 2-4-6-8 hours later
Dawn-dusk 1 yr warranty
Buy
Paradise at Amazon

Resource
Paradise manual
Paradise 300 watt manual
Paradise 600 watt manual

Larger image
Small transformer
Portfolio digital
On at dusk, off 2-4-6-8 hours later
Dawn-dusk
1 yr warranty
Buy
Kichler 60-100 watt
Paradise 100 watt
Moonrays 120 watt

Resource
Small transformer manual
Multi-tap 12-13-14-15 volt output
Intermatic PX series professional transformer
Kichler professional series transformer
multi tap transformer
Multi tap 12-13-14-15 volt
Low voltage Multi tap means output voltage can be selected depending on how many lights you have, and length of wire.

Often there are two or three 300 watt transformers inside one case.

Buy:
Multi tap landscape transformers

Kichler 15PL600AZT       15PRD600SS
Kichler/ Multi tap 12-13-14-15 volt
300-600-900 watt
Kichler Pro Series
12-13-14 volt outputs/ 100-1200 watts
Timer and photoeye plug-in options
Use 12 gauge cable
1-15 yr warranty

Buy:
Kichler transformers at Amazon
Hinkley transformers

Resource
Kichler timers and manuals
Example Kichler manual
Hinkley transformer manual
PX series transformers          119T86A transformer
PX series/ Multi tap 12-13-14-15 volt
300-600-900 watt
Nema 4x harsh environment enclosure
Waterproof enclosure
PX series transformer
12-13-15 volt for longer distance
Use 12 gauge cable/ 6 knock-outs for conduit
1 year warranty
Buy:
Intermatic transformer and enclosure
119T340 300 watt multi-tap transformer
Resource
Illustration of wiring
More info: Intermatic PX transformer
Enclosures
Other transformers step up step dfown transformer
Step up step down transformer

120 volt to 240 volt
240 volt to 120 volt
120 to 12 volt

Buy 120Volt - to 12Volt:
120 volt to 12 volt transformer

Buy 120V - 240V:
500 watt transformer
1500 watt transformer
3000 watt transformer
Buck boost transformers

Resource:
More about converting 240 to 120 volt
electronic transformer
FM1-timer
Make your own low voltage system?
Use timer or photoeye so transformer is off during daytime
Note: Outdoor low voltage lights are 12 volt AC
Indoor halogen systems are 12 volt AC
12 volt AC can power halogen, LED, incandescent etc.

Buy 12 volt 300 watt transformer:
Electronic transformer
12 volt 300 watt transformer

Resource:
Build your own DIY pathway lights
120 volt and 12 volt Timer modules
Photoeyes
Electronic transformer manual
Enclosures

Malibu-8100-9600Malibu-ML200RTW ML88 power pack
Intermatic Malibu Discontinued
These transformers consume power 24 hours, even when yard lights are off.
Discontinued at Intermatic/ sold to Malibu
1 yr warranty
Buy
Intermatic transformer
Malibu transformer
Resource
900-600 series manual
300 series manual
8100 series manual
G2 LED bulbsHow to build LED pathway lights .... step by step how to DIY and save money vs manufactured systems.... estimate 10 lights, 100' wire cost $112 DIY

I considered both halogen and LED. Halogen burn HOT and are not correct choice to confine inside small bottle as this project calls for .... Halogen by way of producing heat, use considerably more energy. LED have almost no heat. Both yeild about 300-320 lumens, roughly 25 watt equivalent.
Waterproof  LED driver is correct choice for either LED or Halogen.
Buy   G4 LED bulbs
G4 ceramic socket
Waterproof LED driver
DIY LED pathway light

To make light fixture, I started with black aluminum step flashing, flattened with hammer, then drew a circle using large soft drink cup. Cut circle with tin snips, then made a radius cut to centerpoint. Rolled the aluminum into a cone, held it together with vice grips and drilled hole for pop rivet. The aluminum top should be proportional to size of bottle.
Unlike many materials, aluminum can be painted with latex paint, or coated with spray paint without special preparation or primer. Clean dry surface and the paint will stick.

For the lens, I chose a rolaids bottle. A number of other household bottles and internet sources were investigated, as listed below. The general target size was ≤4 oz or 125 Ml ... the mouth must be minimum 5/8" opening for ceramic G4 socket, and 2"-2.5" tall for the bulb and socket together.
List of bottles I searched and/or found
12 Nalogene wide mouth bottles
Polypropylene bottle
Specimen bottles
Prescription bottles for halloween or more amber lighting..
50 small bottles 2.2"x1.3"
Mercantile bottles
Travel bottles
Low voltage accessories and tips

Low voltage wire
Low voltage wire
If cable is too small in diameter or too long, it will not carry enough electricity to power the lights.
600 watt and 900 watt power packs use 2 separate wires.
All other power packs use 1 wire.
12 gauge wire is larger, and carries longer distance than 14 gauge.
For transformers rated 12-13-14 volt, then use 12 gauge wire.
Low voltage wire cannot be used for household 120-240 volt because it is not power-rated for 600 volts like household wire.
Buy wire:
Low voltage cable
Resource
Wire size chart
Intermatc PX series wire chart
low voltage wire connector
Light connectors:

Always unplug power pack or disconnect power source when working on bulbs.

This to protect power pack from surge and uneven voltage draw that affects electric field around transformer... which can shorten life of tranformer.

If one light is not working, then disconnect power from transformer, take apart and clean connection, and shift connection point 1" away on wire. If all lights are not working, then disconnect power until lights can be checked out. Do Not leave transformer powered up without load because this can shorten life of transformer.

Buy connectors:
Low voltage cable connectors
Wire splice at Amazon
        Low voltage light

Lights and bulbs
Check bulbs

Make sure all bulbs are functioning. If fewer lights are on, then the other lights receive more power, and life of transformer might be shortened.
Always match watt rating of transformer with total watts of lights.
If transformer is rated 300 watts, then there should be 300 watts of bulbs. If transformer is rated 600 watts, then there will be two wires connected to transformer, and each wire should have 300 watts of bulbs.
Any brand light will work with transformer
Underwattage or overwattage can damage transformer.

Buy:
Paradise low voltage lights
Paradise low voltage lights

Moonrays low voltage bulbs
Moonrays low voltage lights

Kichler low voltage lights
Kichler 15565BK photoeyeKichler Photocell
15565BK short wire       15534BK long wire
Photocell for Kichler transformer
Buy
15565BK photocell Amazon
15534BK remote photocell / 10' cord / at Amazon
Resources:
15565BK manual/ pdf
15534BK remote photocell manual/ pdf
Kichler timers and manuals

There are no direct-replacement clock motors
PB912M10 timer module
Buy:
Red On tripper at Amazon
Black Off tripper at Amazon
Resource:
120 volt and 12 volt Timer modules
Troubleshoot, installation and wiring
Safety

I have to read?
High voltage: Transformer is connected to 120 volts.
More deaths occur from 120 volts than any other voltage in U.S.
DO NOT STAND IN WATER OR ON BARE SOILD WHEN CONNECTING TRANSFORMER TO ELECTRIC POWER
STAND ON DRY BOARDS.
Always use GFCI-protected outlet.
Transformers are for outdoor installation only
Do not take apart transformers. Do not connect to voltage greater than rating plate on transformer.
If power pack has plug, not connect power pack to extension cord. Always plug directly into grounded, GFCI-protected outlet.
If power pack is hard-wired (example Intermatic PX series), use conduit that is properly attached to structure.

Low voltage transformer terminals are 12 volts and are safe to touch.
Do not run transformer wire loosely, or across sidewalks or decks where people can trip
Mount power pack at least 10 feet (3 m) from pool or spa
Mount power pack vertically at least 12 inches (30 cm) above ground. Do not lay on the ground
Plug power pack directly into GFCI outlet
Do not use extension cord
Do not use indoors
When connecting wire at terminals, do not allow insulation to get under the clamping plate, and firmly tighten the terminal screw
Do not mix solid or stranded type wires under one screw. Solder end of stranded wire to make solid.
Do not submerge power pack
Do not connect two or more power packs in parallel
Do not use with a dimmer
Test and install GFCI outlet
Transformer should be plugged into GFCI-protected outlet
Check if GFCI has tripped.
If power pack is tripping GFCI, then use extension cord to temporarily connect power pack to different outlet. If temporary connection works, then check and replace GFCI outlet.
If power pack does not work correctly with new connection, then power pack has gone bad. Check warranty information on this page.

Resource
How to test and wire GFCI outlets and switches
Wall outlet surge protector Surge protected outlet

If outdoor outlet is GFCI-protected, then install surge protector in main breaker box
If outdoor outlet is GFCI-protected via another outlet located elsewhere, such as bathroom, then install surge-protected outlet.
The closer the surge protection is located to transformer, the greater the level of protection
Nearby lightning strike can spike voltage throughout house by energizing electric wires This can ruin electronics and short out entire breaker box. Prevent damage with whole house surge protector.
Proper grounding of outlets and home can help prevent sureg events.
Resources:
How to wire whole house surge protector
Why you need ground wire

House along creek
Installation / maintenance tips so power pack lasts longer
Match bulb wattage to power pack wattage. Replace bulbs as soon as they burn out.
Unplug power pack when working on bulbs.
Unplug power pack after circuit breaker trips, or when power goes off, then wait until electricity is turned on. Surge can knock out transformer.
Do not use extension cord. Plug power pack directly into GFCI-protected outlet. Test outlet with circuit analyzer to check for polarity and wiring problems.
How to wire GFCI    Do not use double GFCI protection
Wire size is important: Use correct wire size and length:  See size chart
Keep minimum distance 10 feet of wire between first bulb and transformer.
Do not coil extra wire around power pack. This will cause eddy currents in transformer coil, causing overheat and damage to transformer.
Save purchase receipt for warranty.
Transformers from malibu have 1 year limited warranty

Portfolio transformer

C is used ONLY with Intermatic photo eye
Transformer wiring
No insulation under screw plate... Copper wire only under screw plate
Connect either wire to screw terminals
600 and 900 watt transformers have 2 separate terminals for 2 separate cables. Balance load so each cable carries half total wattage.
With 600 watt transformer, each wire will carry 300 watts of lights. Wattage of lights must match total wattage of transformer.

Discontinued style Malibu transformer wiring with ABC terminals:
C is only used with ML series photo eye
Tighten screws very tight against wire. For longest life of product, install first light 10' away from transformer. Read more tips section above.
600 and 900 watt transformers have 2 separate A-B-C terminals for 2 separate cables. Balance load so each cable carries half total wattage.
Terminal C. Not all ML series timers have terminal C. Terminal C is not used except for ML series photo eye.
Read about connecting photo eye, #6 below. Note for photo eye installation, wires to lights are moved from Terminals A and B, to terminals B and C. Read #6 below.
Kichler transformer wiring Multi Tap transformer wiring
To select voltage, connect 1 wire to COM terminal, and connect other wire to choice of 12 thru 15 volts
Output selection depends on total watts of lights, size and length of wire going to lights, and household voltage output.

If household voltage is low (80-90% rated value), use 15V output.
If total watts of lights is less than half transformer rating, use 12V

For brighter lights use 15V.
For longer wire going to lights, use 15V
Total watts of lights should not be less than 1/3 transformer rating. Nor exceed transformer rating.
Resource
Kichler timers and manuals
Woods 50012 timer If photoeye has failed, and transformer has override, then plug into outdoor timer
Buy heavy duty:
24 hour outdoor timer at Amazon

Resources:
More outdoor timers
Woods 32555
Larger image
If transformer has override, then plug power pack into remote control (up to 100 feet)
Arrives with 12 volt battery that lasts 2 years
I use the Woods 32555 and it works through the wall and through door to control outdoor lights
Use remote control to turn power pack on-off

Resource:
Outdoor remote controls
Buy:
Woods 32555 at Amazon
Outlet polarity Read circuit analyzer Correct polarity is necessary for operation of electrical devices.
If timers, or transformers, or other electric devices faile frequently, then test polarity.
Buy:
Circuit analyzer at Amazon
Multimeters at Amazon
>
Resources:
See inside main breaker box
General troubleshoot:
If manual override can turn lights ON, then buy grounded outdoor timer, set power pack to override, and plug power pack into timer. Example timers

Whole house power surge is recommended since many expensive electronics are not protected, such as timers, tankless water heaters, gas water heaters with blowers and electronic controls, energy-smart electric water heater. Also recommend surge protection for co-ax. How to wire whole house surge protector
0 repairs if transformer is not working ***Nobody reports they fixed plastic-housed low-voltage transformer once it stops functioning.With older steel cased power pack, it is possible to take apart power pack and solder loose wire if that is the problem. Replace power pack.

1) Power pack makes humming sound. Yes. All transformers hum, and are slightly warm to touch. If power pack is not working: Check that outlet has electricity, use circuit analyzer to check outlet, check if GFCI outlet has tripped, check circuit breaker is not tripped (push breaker fully off and then fully on). Check that power pack unit makes audible humming sound when working. Timer has not been under water or exposed to power surge (nearby lightning strike, power outage).
If timer has 120Volt electricity, and outlet polarity is correct, but power pack is not humming, then transformer has gone bad, and there is no repair. Bring extension cord from another outlet, and try timer on different outlet.
Transformers are sometimes warm to touch, Yes but never HOT. Transformer that is hot, is probably not functioning correctly.
2) Test outlet: Outlet must be wired correctly.Test outlet using circuit analyzer from home center to check for polarity issues that can affect electrical devices.
Check outlet with multimeter for 110-125Volts AC. Outlet must be 80% rated voltage. Undervoltage such as 88Volts can cause power pack not to perform as expected.

3) Test voltage across A-B terminals: Test across terminals for 12 Volt AC. Or spark test: You can see spark when wire is brushed across brass terminals
4) Observe bulbs: Check all bulbs are good, bulbs and not broken or under water, check wire going to bulbs is not cut, check wire is connected to terminals, Check that terminals are clean and wires attached firmly. Some power packs have terminal C. Terminal C is not used except when installing ML series photo eye. Make sure only copper wire, and no insulation, is under the screw terminal clamping plate.

5) Bulb wattage is important: Wattage of bulbs matches power pack. For example, if you have 15 each 20 watt bulbs for total 300 watts, then use 300 Watt power pack. Mis-matched wattage can damage power pack. Replace burnt out bulbs immediately. Un-plug power pack each time working on bulbs. In the case of 600 watt power packs with two sets of A and B terminals, put 300 watts on each set of terminals.
6) For discontinued Intermatic power pack: ML Photo eye installation: If you have Intermatic power pack photo-eye then power pack must have A B and C terminals.
Photo-eye wiring is following: solid black goes to A, red goes to C, and middle wire goes to B. Then wires to bulbs must be moved to terminals B and C.
Disconnect photo eye to see if that is source of trouble. When using photo eye, change wire going to lights from terminals A and B to terminals B and C, when removing photo eye, move lights back  to terminals A and B.
Photo eye manual
Buy ML series photo eye

7) Check override: Check that manual override works, and turns lights on and off. Manual override is usually the knob that sticks up and is located top left of timer dial. Manual override rotates one direction only. Rotate manual override and lights should turn on and off. Override is temporary, and programming resumes at next tripper. To override permanently, remove trippers from dial.
8) Discontinued Intermatic Trippers: Check that trippers are not worn down. Both on-and-off trippers are present. Trippers are red and black. Trippers are pushed all the way down. If trippers are loose, worn, or are not pushed down fully, then they will not click the on-off lever. Use fingers and rotate timer dial clockwise to watch trippers click the on-off lever and watch lights turn on and off as trippers rotate around. If trippers do not  turn lights on and off, then buy new trippers. See tripper ordering link above near top of page.
9) Discontinued Intermatic dial must rotate: Check that dial rotates correctly and keeps good time. If dial is not rotating, or not keeping correct time, or dial stops at tripper, then clock motor is bad:** Remove trippers, set timer to override, and plug power pack into cheap timer that plugs into outlet. Some people report taking apart timer clock and cleaning gears. Some people report that gears are worn down.
10) Discontinued Intermatic Set current time: Reset timer dial to current time according to manual###. Manuals at Intermatic. To set dial-type timer, manually rotate dial clockwise for two complete revolutions and then line up current time with arrowhead located on inner dial.
11) Discontinued Intermatic Power outage: Timer must be reset after power outage. Power outage, power surge, and nearby lightning strike can cause power pack to suddenly stop working. Power surges can affect any electrical device.*** Unplug power pack if breaker trips or power turns off. Then wait until electricity is turned back on.
12) Tripping breaker: Bring around extension cord from different outlet on different breaker. If breaker keeps tripping, then replace timer. If breaker no longer trips, then breaker might be bad. Inside breaker panel: Move wire on breaker to another same-size breaker. Resources: How to replace breaker    Troubleshoot household electricity    Basic house wiring
14) Malibu lights not working:  Temporarily bring around extension cord from different outlet on different breaker. If problem stops, then check wire connections inside the electrical outlet. If problem continues: Look for loose or dirty wire connection at terminals A and B. If you are using photoeye, then turn photoeye away from light sources. Power pack may be going bad. When lights are off, listen if power pack is humming. When lights are off, test for 12 Volts ac across terminal A and B.
PX series low-voltage transformers/ Nema 4X harsh environment outdoor enclosure
Intermatic PXIf total watts of connected lights is less than half transformer rating, use 13V
For brighter lights use 15V. For longer wire going to lights, use 15V
PX100- PX300 parts sheet
PX600 parts sheet
119T267 100 watt replacement transformer 12 and 13 volt
119T340 300 watt replacement transformer 12-13-14 volt
119PX608 transformer 12-130-14 volt
121AL415 overheat circuit protector
Control with timer or photoeye
Resources:
120 volt Timer modules
Photoeyes
Swimming pool light PX series for Swimming pool light
PX series transformers electrically separate incoming 120 volt wires power from low voltage wires going to pool.
Never use 120 volt lights under the water, or where the wires or connections might come into contact with the pool or any pool liner
Always use PX series Nema4X harsh-environment, waterproof transformers when connecting pool light
Always use low voltage pool lights

Buy:

12 volt swimming pool light
Pool cleaning equipment
Intermatic PX 300 transformer wiringPX series /120Volt Input
Choose 12-13-14 Volt output
Box must be bonded to earth ground/ check local code
No replaceable parts
50-100-300 watt models
600 watt model contains 2 300 watt transformers
Buy
Stainless box/ choose 50-100-300-600 watt
Steel box with beige paint/ choose 50-100-300-600 watt

Resources:
PX 100-300 transfomer manual / wire lengths / pdf
PX 600 transfomer manual/ wire lengths / pdf
PX series with control panel/ sell sheet/ pdf

Larger image of wiring
PX600 wiring diagram with 2 transformers
PX300 wiring illustration with 1 transformer
Intermatic control center with transformer Pool control centers
Control centers with timers and transformers included
Resources:
Intermatic control center with transformer/ resources + manuals
More control centers and parts
Square D transformer
Larger image
Power supply/ buck boost transformers
120Volt input > choose 12 or 24 Volt output
120 or 240 to 12-2r4 volt
Convert 480Volt to 240Volt or 120Volt
Va is same as volts x amps = watts
Kva = K watts = kilo watts = 1000 watts/ so .5 Kva = .5 kilo watt = 500 watts

Buck boost wiring:
480Volt input connects to H1 H4, and then H2 and H3 are connected together
240Volt input connects to H1 H4, and then H3 connects to H1, and H2 connects to H4

240Volt output connects to X1 X4, and then X2 and X3 are connected together
120Volt output connects to X1 X4, and then X3 connects to X1, and X2 connects to X4

Buy:
Buck boost transformer
Siemens transformer at Amazon

Resources:
Kva is Kilo watts: 1 kilo watt is 1000 watts, so .5 Kva is 500 watts
Va = volts x amps = watts
Electrical formulas
Read about household single-phase electricity
Read about 3-phase
How to wire 3-phase timers
transformer What is a transformer?
Transformer is basically two coils of wire positioned next to each other.
Primary coil and secondary coil.
Cell phone charger is a transformer. Doorbell transformer, etc.
Input one voltage on primary coil, and secondary coil produces different voltage output.
For example, plug Malibu transformer into outlet and primary coil receives 120Volts AC
When primary coil is energized, it causes secondary coil to become energized.
Then the Malibu secondary coil produces output of 12 Volts AC.

Generally, different voltages are determined by number of times wire is twisted around each core.
Different voltages from a single coil can be achieved by having choice of input or output connection points.
For example Malibu / Intermatic transformer has 1 input voltage, and 1 output voltage.
While Intermatic PS series pool transformers and Kitchler transformers, each offer choice of output voltages
Input and output voltages are determined by mathemathical formulas used when transformer is manufactured.
Transformers can be used to buck voltage down or boost voltage up
Resources:
See inside residnetial main breaker box
What is 3-phase
Misc manuals: ML44 manual /   ML44T / LV365T / LV361T
ML88 manual  / LV341T
ML100 manual
ML121 manual
ML200RT manual
ML200RTW manual with ground shield*
ML300 manual
ML600 manual
ML900 manual
ML300RTWM/ 8100-9300
ML600RTWM/ 8100-9600
ML900RTWM/ 8100-9900

8304-9200 light fixture connection
8301-9501 underwater light fixture connection
8308-9603 light fixture connection

Hampton Bay transformer
Protfolio 200 watt manual
ML100 THM 8100-9100-10 manual

Paradise GL227772- 200 watt transformer manual
Paradise GL22300 300 watt transformer manual
Paradise GL22007 600 watt transformer manual
Support the economy:
Buy water heaters from my associate links:

50 gallon Gas water heaters at Amazon
40 gallon gas water heaters at Amazon
50 gallon Electric water heaters at Amazon
40 gallon electric water heaters at Amazon
Hybrid / heat pump/ water heaters at Amazon

Resources:
How to install gas water heater
How to install electric water heater
Troubleshoot gas water heater
Troubleshoot electric water heater
Point of use water heaters
Resources:
Troubleshoot Gas valves with manuals
Icon gas valve

How to replace water heater element Waste King disposal
How to wire tankless electric


Install point of use water heater
Titan tankless

Contactors/ relays
Type 1 and type 2 surge protection surge protection
Programmable timers

Woods timers
surge protection
Anode rods anode rods
Recirculation system

Tankless recirculation
Point of use water heater
Install and troubleshoot garbage disposal Waste King disposal
Buy
Electronic parts

Industrial supplies

Tools and home improvement

Home and garden

Hayward pool
Pentair pool

Southwire electric
Buy
Tools
DEWALT
Black and Decker
Stanley
SKIL
Makita
Porter-Cable
Bosch

Irwin Hand tools
Klein hand tools
Fluke electrical testing
Dremel hobby tools

Campbell Hausfeld air powered
Tekton automotive

Powerbuilt automotive
Saws and saw blades
box timers Resource:
Compare box timers
DPDT timers
Intermatic
Control water heater w/ Z-wave
Intermatic control centers Resource:
Intermatic control centers: and parts
Digital control centers and parts
Tork control centers and parts
Subpanels
All control centers and parts
Enclosures
programmable timer Resource:
Programmable timers
Countdown timers
Off delay timers
On delay timers
Timer modules
Din rail
Twin & one-shot
Woods
Intermatic
Tork
Low voltage power packs Recirculation systems
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