Safety Volt Transformer FAQ's
Why Do I Need a Transformer For My Swimming Pool Light(s)?
Safety Volt Transformers are designed to reduce 120 volt current down to a safe 12 volts for underwater and other types of low voltage fixtures.
Safety Volt Transformers have an electrical barrier placed between the high voltage and low voltage circuits. This barrier keeps high voltage from entering the low voltage circuits.
What Are Voltage Taps & Why Do I Need Them?
In all electrical wiring, there is a resistance to the flow of electricity through the circuit. This resistance can cause a significant voltage loss (voltage drop) that will reduce light output. The greater the distance between the transformer and the light fixture, the greater the voltage loss will be.
There are two ways to compensate for voltage drop. The first is to use larger and more expensive wire. The second is to start out with a slightly higher transformer output voltage that will result in 12 volts being delivered to the fixture.
Every transformer installation sheet has a chart to show the installer the proper tap and wiring size needed, based on the distance between the transformer and light.
Where Are The Taps Located?
On 100 and 300 watt models the taps are located on the right (low voltage) side of the transformer (when looking at the wiring compartment).
On 400W models the taps are on the left (high voltage) side (when looking at transformer).
What Taps Do I Use?
The output voltage of the transformer is determined by the choice of taps used. The taps are the colored lead wires.
The installer will always use the white (0V) wire and only one of the other colored wires. The 12V lead wire is blue, the 13V lead is yellow and the 14V lead is red. Refer to the Wiring Diagram included with every transformer.
Never connect the unused taps together as this will burn out the transformer very quickly.
Is Grounding Necessary?
Absolutely! The most important wire in any electrical installation is the ground wire.
Ground wires are usually green in color, but, sometimes a bare copper wire may be used.
In a typical installation, a continuous ground connection is made between the power panel feeding the high voltage side of the transformer and light fixture itself. The ground wire from the power panel and the ground wire from the light fixture and joined at the grounding block located in the front of the wiring compartment of the transformer.
My Transformer Is Operating But Warm To The Touch, Is This Normal?
A transformer under full load will be warm to the touch and the surface temperature can reach 130 degrees f. Always install a transformer in an area that will provide adequate ventilation.
Why Does My Electrical Meter Only Show 2V Output From The Transformer?
If there is full voltage going to the transformer it should be producing a full 12V output. Make sure the output voltage is being measured with a volt meter set on the ac voltage setting - not the dc setting. It is a common misconception that transformers change AC voltage to DC voltage. Transformers only reduce 120V down to a safe 12 volts.
My Transformer Is Putting Out Voltage, But My Light Isn't Working. Why?
If the transformer is working and the lamp isn't lighting, the problem is not with the transformer. The light bulb may be burned out or the problem lies within the fixture or the wiring between the transformer and the light.
Why Does My Light Cycle On & Off Every Few Second When Turned On?
This is not a problem with your transformer. If your Safety Volt Transformer is cycling on and off, the cycle time is 10 to 20 minutes between the on and off times. If the on/off cycle time is less than that, it is an indication that the low water cut off sensor in the light fixture is bad. Only the manufacturer of the light fixture can address this problem.
I Have A Light That Goes Off Every 10 - 20 Mins. The Label On My Transformer Said This Could Happen. Why?
Your transformer turning itself off and on is an indication that the internal circuit breaker is working properly. The circuit breaker goes off when it gets too hot or senses too much amperage in its circuits. This can be caused by improper wiring, an overload or a short circuit.
Check to see if the light load is too much for the transformer. A 300W transformer can handle 300W of total light, if the lights are wired in parallel with each other. A 100W model can handle up to 100W of light. Eliminate the excess lamps.
Determine if the unused taps are connected together on multi-tap units (only on mt- models). If they are wired together, the transformer will make a loud buzzing noise and cut off very quickly. If left unattended like this, the lead wires can actually melt. Disconnect the unused taps.
Check for overloads. Overloads can be caused by wiring in too many lamps, a short circuit in the wiring, old wiring that is losing its insulating qualities or water or moisture in the wiring.
Overloads are found by checking the amperage flowing in the low voltage circuit. An ammeter is required for this. A 300W transformer should draw no more than 25 amps. A 100W unit should draw no more than 8.3 amps. A 400W unit should draw no more than 33.3 amps.
How Many Amps Will My Transformer Draw On The High Voltage (Primary) Side?
This is usually asked by electricians looking to determine how big a circuit breaker to put in the power panel. On the high voltage circuit a 400W unit draws 3.3 amps, a 300W unit draws 2.5 amps and a 100W watt draws .83 amps.
Using A Meter, I Have Continuity Between The Wiring & Lamp, Does This Mean The Filament On The Lamp Is Good?
No. Continuity can also come from shorted wires, cracked insulation, water or moisture in the line. The only way to truly check the filament in a lamp is to remove it and check between the center post and the side wall of the base.
How Do I Wire Up More Than One Lamp With A Multi-Tap Transformer?
Multiple lamp installations must have parallel wiring. That means that all of the white wires from the lamp fixtures are connected to the "0" or neutral output lead and all the black wires from the lamp fixture are connected to the other output taps
How Many Lights Can I Put On A Transformer?
Transformers can handle any number of lights as long as the total wattage of the lamps does not exceed the rating of the transformer.
Can I Hide My Transformer Wire Inside A Wall & Brick/DryWall Over It?
Absolutely NOT!
Can I Cover The Transformer With A Box Or Non-Permanent Enclosure?
The transformer is enclosed within a weather resistant enclosure and can be placed outdoors under most conditions. A cover can be placed over it as long as there is adequate ventilation to allow cooling. As long as the transformer doesn't shut off from overheating, most covers are ok.
Can I Bury My Transfromer Box Underground Or In My Pool Deck?
No. Most building codes require electrical equipment to be mounted above ground in case of rising water. The enclosure of our transformer is not designed for ground contact.
Can I Install My Transformer Upside-Down?
No. The transformer is designed to dissipate heat through the top and sides of the enclosure. Also an upside-down transformer can collect water and short out. Improper wiring such as this voids the factory warranty.
Are Safety Volt Transformers "Listed"?
Safety Volt Transformers are listed with ETL, an internationally recognized testing laboratory. Our transformers are manufactured and tested to UL standard 506.
|
