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12 Volt Outdoor Transformers W/ Photocell & Timer Controls For Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Several Sizes & Style Available: 45 Watt - 300 Watt Some with remote Photocells & Digital Timer/Controls

Wattage of Transformer =:

Price: ~~$94.98~~ $75.98

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SKU:	99070
Shipping Weight:	5 lb.

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12 Volt Outdoor Transformers W/ Photocell & Timer Controls For Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting Fixtures LARGE

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SummaryCUSTOMER REVIEWS (3)CUSTOMER QUESTIONS (15)Price Details

Low-Voltage 12-Volt Transformers With Photo Cell

We Sell Several Different Name Brands

Old style mechanical dial timer has been replaced by more reliable photocell.
Set desired on time in 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 hour intervals after sunset, Dawn to Dusk, or controled by a switched outlet.
No need to adjust for time changes, or seasonal changes of sunset.
Does not need to be adjusted to reset after power outages or daylight savings.
UL listed for outdoor installations and mounting
Hampton Bay 45, 120, 200, 300-watt with remote photocell
Moonrays 120 (limited supply) Built in Photocell
TDC 100, 300 (Multi-Tap) Built in Photocell
Not Class II rated for Submersible Luminaries (Except ADI 60-Watt Transformer)
Not for use with dimmer circuits.
2-Year Warranty

Several Sizes & Style Available:

Hampton Bay 45-Watt (7½" H x 4¾" W x 3" D) with 5' Remote Photocell
ADI 60-Watt (7" L x 3 1/2" H x 3 1/2" W) Built-in Photocell (CLASS II)
TDC 100-Watt (6 ½" L x 4 ¼" W x 3½" H) Built-in Photocell (Used in most of our pre-made lighting kits)
Hampton Bay 120-Watt (9" H x 5½" W x 3" D) with 5' Remote Photocell
Moonrays 120-Watt (6" H x 4" W x 3½" D) Built-in Photocell
Hampton Bay 200-Watt (8 3/8" H x 5" W x 4 1/8" D) with 5' Remote Photocell
Portfolio 200-Watt (6 7/8" H x 4 ½" W x 4¼" D) Built-in Photocell
Hampton Bay 300-Watt (9 ½" H x 5¾" W x 3¼" D) with 5' Remote Photocell
TDC 300-Watt Multi-Tap (10 ½" H x 5" W x 5" D) Built-in Photocell, Stainless Steel Housing 12V, 13V, 14V, 15V Outputs. (This the recommended transformer for long wire runs and large light fixture installations)

Voltage Loss for low voltage lighting for landscape systems

How to use large transformers:

First of all there are three important facts to consider before loading any transformer.

Total Load (add wattage from all fixtures)
Distance (length of wire run)
Wire Gauge (thickness of copper wire)

All three must be considered when designing a low-voltage system system.

Larger transformers need to be used in a manner that will allow all lighting fixtures on a specific run to evenly illuminate. In some cases there will need to be more than one line out from the transformer.

An example of a system using 2 output lines from the transformer would be as follows:

(Line 1) 12 gauge wire with a 150 watt load extending a total of 43’ from the transformer
(Line 2) 12 gauge wire with an additional 150 watt load extending 68 feet from the transformer, with the first fixture starting at 43’ from the transformer. The two different wire runs would attach to the same place on the transformer.

The 600 watt transformer has two 300 watt outputs. Use these 2 separate outputs to split the load instead of trying to run 600 watts on one run. If the loads are not split the system will not work. The 900 watt transformer has three 300 watt outputs.

Voltage Drop Chart

Maximum recommended wattage load & distance from the transformer before having additional voltage drop below the minimum recommended 10.5 volts.

	Wattage Load	50W	100W	150W	200W	250W	300W
	Wire Gauge
12 Volt Output	14 ga.	81'	40'	27'	20'	16'	13'
	12 ga.	129'	65'	43'	32'	26'	21'
	10 ga.	204'	102	68	51	41	34
	8 ga.	317'	158'	105'	79'	63'	52'

* Note: Min. Volts on the load is 10.5V @ 20 ° C; Distance in feet

Example: If you plan to run (5) 20-watt fixtures (100-watts total) that are going to be located 50' from the transformer, then you will need to use 12 gauge wire for a single wire run. If you split the lights into 2 groups, then you would run 2 lines of 14 gauge cable and not have any line loss of power.

Low-voltage, systems have several advantages for the home owner: Most important, low-voltage equipment is easier to install. Except for the transformer that's connected to a 120-volt circuit, the entire system runs on harmless 12-volt current. Low-voltage wiring is lightweight and can be laid on the ground or buried just below the surface. Another advantage of low-voltage equipment is that it can be relatively inexpensive. And, when you do the job yourself, the bottom line for low-voltage looks even better. Not only can the capital outlay for a standard high-voltage system be much greater, but you may need to hire a pro for part or all of the installation.

You must size your low voltage transformer to match the combined wattage of the lights or lamps to which the transformer is to supply power plus approximately 25% more for the line.

Sizing your Transformer Example: If you buy a system that comes with six fixtures and each fixture has a 12 watt lamp, then you have a minimum need of 72 watts (12 x 6 = 72). The line itself degrades the wattage as well so as a general rule of thumb you will need to increase it by 25% more. Therefore you'll need at least a transformer that can handle about 90 watts. So a 100 watt transformer would be the minimum needed. If you plan to add additional fixtures in the future, you may want to increase the wattage of the transformer or purchase additional transformers as needed. Keep in mind that the voltage drop over long distances is more pronounced in a low-voltage system, therefore, using wire that's too light (skinny) can affect the output at the lamps and this may adjust the wattage need of your low voltage transformer.

TJB-INC INSTALLATION TIPS

When running low voltage wire, try to keep the length of the wire run from the transformer to the lights less than 100' and put no more than 100 watts of draw per run. If your lights look dim and yellow or orange, this is a sign that they are not getting enough power. It could be you overloaded the wire run with too many light fixtures, the wire size could be too small, and/or the transformer is being over-worked because it is too small for the amount of lights it is powering. You could also try using bulbs with less wattage and see if that helps first. If not, then you will need to redesign your layout with larger guage wire and larger transformers. If you have multible runs of wire, choose a transformer that has multible power taps. Use the HI setting for the long runs, and the LO setting for the shorter runs. This should help with the power loss you were experiencing.
At TJB-INC, anytime we are doing an installation with a moderate to long run of wire, we use the 12/2 gauge wire to be safe. If we are just going around a small to medium pond, we will use the 16/2 wire as long as the wattage draw from the bulbs does not go over 100 watts.

Class II transformers that are pool/spa rated. National Electrical Code 2008

“680.23 Underwater Luminaires.

This section covers all luminaires installed below the normal water level of the pool.

(A) General.

(1) Luminaire Design, Normal Operation. The design of an underwater luminaire supplied from a branch circuit either directly or by way of a transformer meeting the requirements of this section shall be such that, where the luminaire is properly installed without a ground-fault circuit interrupter, there is no shock hazard with any likely combination of fault conditions during normal use (not relamping).

(2) Transformers. Transformers used for the supply of underwater luminaires, together with the transformer enclosure, shall be listed as a swimming pool and spa transformer. The transformer shall be an isolated winding type with an ungrounded secondary that has a grounded metal barrier between the primary and secondary windings.”

Average Rating: (From 3 Reviews): Positive Rating

Read Complete Reviews | Submit a Review

Positive Rating Negative Rating Just ok
From John Bowser of Alta Loma, California on 11/25/2015.

Positive Rating 12 volt lighting control
From sailreef of Aston, Pennsylvania on 7/9/2014.

Positive Rating Negative Rating Great power supply!
From Dominic Libby of Milton, New Hampshire on 6/29/2012.

Read Complete Reviews | Submit a Review

Ask a Question

4/16/2016 – where can I order a photo sensor for a Malibu 120 watt power pack . thank you

Response From TJB-INC: Dec. 2015, Malibu declared bankruptcy and closed the doors.
You should be able to find a compatible 2-wire photocell on line somewhere.

... TED

11/6/2015 – how do i get the cover off to change the time the lights are on?

Response From TJB-INC: Just lift up the clear plastic cover to access the controls.

5/24/2015 – is shipping cost included in listed cost

Response From TJB-INC: no

3/12/2015 – Does this unit have a 12 hour time clock where you have choice of timer or photocell

Response From TJB-INC: Photocell with a time limiter. 2,4,6,or 8 hrs after it turns on it will turn off.

4/24/2013 – What would be wrong with mounting my Portfollo 120 watt magnetic power pack inside my garage? The instructions say not to. I have windows in my garage so the photo cell should notice when it gets dark. Is there another reason?

Response From TJB-INC: Nope, the lack of light to the photocell is the only reason.

7/6/2012 – I replaced a bulb and the connection is intermitent. Is there a coating to put on the two pins of the bulb that will improve the connection or do I have to replace the fixture.

Thanks

Dan O'Dell

Response From TJB-INC: Di-Electric Grease available at any local auto parts store. Your connections might also have some corrosion and require a light scratching from a sharp instrument.

5/29/2012 – I am planning on mounting my transformer on a concrete ledge,to provide support for the weight. the ledge top is 6 inches above the ground.The depth of the ledge still allows for wiring. Any problems ?

Response From TJB-INC: None that I can see. All of the units are rated for exterior mounting.

9/5/2011 – I have an 88VA Hampton Bay transformer driving 4 20W Halogen floodlights. The model is DA-88-12W-1.

The output is listed as 12 VAC, 7.3A, 88VA. I'm trying to drive down 100 feet of 12 guage wire. However I spliced another 50 feet of 18 guage onto the end of this.

I have 2 questions:
1) will this wiring work? Or do I need to get more 12 guage if i want to go 150 feet in total.

2) Why is the transfomer output specified as 12 VAC? I thought I was running a DC voltage for low voltage outdoor wiring?

Thanks for the help.

Len

Response From TJB-INC: Almost all low voltage is AC. Cars, boats, & motorcycles run on DC. LED's only run on DC but most fixtures have built in rectifiers that convert the AC to DC.

As far as the wire, try to keep this rule in mind: "100' of wire - 100 watts max. So the answer to your question will depend upon what the total wattage or draw will be on the transformer. The lower the gauge of cable, the longer you can run it and have more draw. Currently you are asking an 88 watt transformer to power 80 watts of draw. Try to keep the total draw at 90% of the transformer's rated output.

To learn more, go to www.YouTube.com under low voltage lighting.

11/21/2010 – i mounted my portfolio low voltage tranformer in my garage without paying attention to the length of the photo cell can i splice the wire to the length i need or do you have 8 foot photo cell that i can purchase?

Response From TJB-INC: Yes you can splice in longer wires if you know how. I do not have an 8' photo cell available.

8/28/2010 – I have the Hampton Bay 300 Watt transformer-purchased 1/2 price at Home Depot. I wired it with 12 guage [150' run] using the "common" & "high" terminals. My lights all burnt out in 2 weeks. There is a place to attach wire to a "low" low terminal. Should I use that one? Those lights are not cheap so I don't want to replace them only to burn them out again. Also the photo cell is a piece of crap! It can't tell the differance between day and night. I had to buy a timer. This is the worse purchase I have EVER made--and not a cheap one either. Thank God Hampton doesn't make these things anymore. Thank you so much for your help

Response From TJB-INC: You can move the feed wire from the HIGH terminal to the LOW terminal. The COMMON wire will stay in the same location.

8/6/2010 – I have the Hampton Bay 600 Watt transformer. It cycles on and off within seconds casuing the lights to blink. I've ruled out the wiring since I purchased another transformer and installed it to the same lines and it works fine. Is there some fix/reset for the transformer to make it operable again?

Response From TJB-INC: I am sorry but I do not know of a fix.

The only possible problem might be the photocell has gone bad. You can open up the back of the unit where the photo cell goes in and disconnect the 2 wires. Make note which wire was attached where. You then can jump the 2 connections with a wire and bypass the photocell. If the light work correctly, then the photocell has gone bad. Try a store like Radio Shack for a possible replacement.

More bad news, the manufacturer "Hampton Bay" no longer makes these transformers or supports repairs.

7/7/2010 – I want to mount my transformer in my garage and run pvc thru wall to outside
with low volt wire. it will power to two step lights 35 ft. run.
I live in NJ.
I am contemplating using a 100 watt indoor transformer.
wHAT transformer would you recommend

Thank you, frank

Response From TJB-INC: The difference between indoor and outdoor rated transformers is whether the housing is weather resistant or not. As far as the output wattage, a 100 watt inside transformer is the same as a 100 watt outside transformer.

It comes down to how you are going to turn the transformer on. If you are controlling it by means of a switched outlet, then an indoor is fine. If you are plugging the transformer into an outlet that is always live, then you are left with two options. Either a timer or a photocell. A photocell transformer needs to be mounted outside where it can sence whether the sun is shinning or if it is dark outside. The exception, would be a transformer that has a remote photocell. Then you can mount the transformer in the garage but run the remote photocell outside.

So the choice is yours.

4/25/2010 – IS THERE ANYWHERE TO BUT PARTS FOR HAMPTON 300W TRANS(PHOTOCELL BAD)HATE TO BUY WHOLE TRANSFORMER BECAUSE P/C IS BAD

Response From TJB-INC: I am sorry but I do not know of any place. More bad news, the manufacturer discontinued making the 300 watt & the 600 watt transformer. We olny have the 600 watt ones left in stock.

3/4/2010 – I have a 300 watt transformer with photo cell. How do I change the settings with the arrows on the front of the unit. When I press the up or down arrows nothing happens. The factory setting appears to be 8 and cannot be changed. Please advise. Thank you.

Response From TJB-INC: IF the red light does not move when you press the button, your transformer is broken. If you do not want to purchase a new transformer, you can use an outdoor timer that you would plug the transformer into and us the timer to control the on and off times of the transformer.

11/29/2009 – I need to move my Hampton Bay 600W landscape lighting transformer to a new location. The current photo cell cord is too short for this new location. I need to install an extention to the current photo cell cord. The exterior wire code says it is 300W 28 gauge wire. It seems to contain two seprately insulated 28 Ga. wires. Can I simply cut into this existing photo cell wire and splice & solder in an additonal 4 ft. piece of similar wire without effecting the operation of the photo cell or transformer?
Thanks,
Gary
Everett, WA.

Response From TJB-INC: You seem to be familiar with wiring so I would say give it a try. Instead of cuting & splicing, just remove the small access cover on the back of the transformer and unscrew the photocell wires. You can then attach extention wires to the photocell and try it first before cutting the exsisting wires. It if works to your satisfation, then make the connections permanent. I have never do this so please let me know what you find out so I can advise others if they ask.

Ask a Question

Option	SKU	Price	Weight
Wattage of Transformer =: ADI 60-Watt Photocell Transformer	99070	~~$94.98~~ $75.98	5
Wattage of Transformer =: Hampton Bay 45-Watt Programable	HB-45	$64.99	7
Wattage of Transformer =: TCD 100-Watt Programable	TCD-100	$82.50	7
Wattage of Transformer =: Hamton Bay 120-Watt Programable	HB-120	$82.50	7
Wattage of Transformer =: Moonrays 120-Watt Programable	Moonrays-120P	$89.99	8.5
Wattage of Transformer =: Hampton Bay 200-Watt Programable	HB-200	$189.99	10
Wattage of Transformer =: TCD 300-Watt Programable	TCD-300	$189.98	20
Wattage of Transformer =: Hampton Bay 300-Watt Programable	HB-300	$169.98	20

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203-287-0636

tjb@tjb-inc.com

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12 Volt Outdoor Transformers W/ Photocell & Timer Controls For Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting Fixtures