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Power Pack/ manuals, tips, troubleshoot, brands |
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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 |
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Multi-tap
12-13-14-15 volt output
Intermatic PX series professional transformer Kichler professional series 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/ 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/ 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 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 |
   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 |
   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 |
 How to build LED pathway lights
.... step by step how to DIY and save money vs manufactured systems....
estimate 10 lights, 100' wire cost $112 DIYI 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  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 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 |
 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 |
 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 |
  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  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
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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 |
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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 |
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Installation
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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 |
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   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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 | |
 If
total watts of connected lights is less than half transformer
rating, use 13VFor 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 |
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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 |
 PX
series /120Volt
InputChoose 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 |
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Pool control centers Control centers with timers and transformers included Resources: Intermatic control center with transformer/ resources + manuals More control centers and parts |
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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 |
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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 |
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Buy Electronic parts Industrial supplies Tools and home improvement Home and garden Hayward pool Pentair pool Southwire electric |
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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 |
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Resource: Compare box timers DPDT timers Intermatic Control water heater w/ Z-wave |
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Resource: Intermatic control centers: and parts Digital control centers and parts Tork control centers and parts Subpanels All control centers and parts Enclosures |
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Resource: Programmable timers Countdown timers Off delay timers On delay timers Timer modules Din rail Twin & one-shot Woods Intermatic Tork |
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Recirculation systems |
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