Transformer FAQs

1. Please specify the different features of your transformers.

FEATURE	ELECTRONIC EN-12 Series	ELECTRONIC SST Series	MAGNETIC SRT Series
Input Voltage	120V	120V	120V
Output Voltage	12V	12V	12V or 24V (dual voltage) SRT-1000M is only 24V
Wattage Available	60W, 75W, 100W, 150W	60W, 150W	250W, 500W,1000W
Dimmer Type	Standard Incandescent	Standard Incandescent	Magnetic Low Voltage
Resettable Circuit Breakers	No	No	Yes
Thermal Protection	No	No	Yes
Cycle	50-60Hz	50-60Hz	60Hz

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.

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-250M,SRT-500M,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.

	EN-12P-AR	EN-12PL-AR	EN-12PE-AR	EN-12PX-AR	EN-33PS-AR
INPUT VOLTAGE	120V	120V	120V	120V	120V
MAX LOAD	60W	75W	100W	150W	60W
MIN LOAD*	20W	20W	60W	60W	20W
INPUT CURRENT	0.4A	0.6A	0.8A	1.2A	0.5A
OUTPUT VOLTAGE	11.6A	11.6A	11.6A	11.6A	11.6A
AMBIENT TEMP	-20ºC TO +50ºC OR -4ºF TO 122ºF
CASE TEMP	55ºC OR 131ºF	65ºC OR 149ºF	75ºC OR 167ºF	80ºC OR 176ºF	60ºC OR 140ºF

*When dimmed, minimum load may not be met.

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

	SRT-250M	SRT-500M	SRT-1000M
INPUT VOLTAGE	120V	120V	120V
MAX LOAD	250W*	500W**	1000W***
MIN LOAD	N/A	N/A	N/A
OUTPUT VOLTAGE	12/24V	12/24V	24V
CASE TEMP	65ºC OR 148ºF	65ºC OR 148ºF	65ºC OR 148ºF

*The SRT250M can service two 125W, 12V circuits or one 250W, 24V circuit.
**The SRT500M can service two 250W, 12V circuits or one 500W, 24V circuit.
***The SRT1000M can service one 1000W, 24V circuit.

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.

13. The inspector insists that the 120V connections must be enclosed, and separated from the 12V side. How do I do this?

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.

14. How do I check the output voltage of your electronic transformers?

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

15. I am concerned with a voltage drop in my application. Do you have any guidelines on the subject?

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%.

WIRE SIZE	35W	50W	75W
18 gauge	8'	8'	6'
16 gauge	12'	12'	10'
14 gauge	16'	16'	14'
12 gauge	20'	20'	18'

16. Project: Wire (10) HR-1136 fixtures to a wall dimmer switch.

a. Which W·A·C electronic transformer would I use to wire the 8 fixtures?

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.

b. Where do I place the wall dimmer switch?

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.

17. Why do the fixtures flicker on and off from time to time when being dimmed ?

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.

18. Why did my transformer blow the moment it was installed?

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

19. Why does the transformer/dimmer hum?

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.

21. What type of dimmers are the DM2 or DM3? Do they just dim, or click on and off as well?

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

22. What is the difference between the DM2 and DM3 dimmers?

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.

23. Are the dimmer knobs available in different colors?

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

24. How many fixtures can a DM2 or DM3 control?

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

25. What does a multi terminal block (MTB-01) do?

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.

26. Transformer Wiring Diagram