Transformer question
#1
02-07-22, 04:48 AM
Transformer question
So we have a track lighting system in our kitchen on a single pole dimmer that has worked fine for years, although I've noticed the transformer has gotten quite hot at times. Yesterday, I replaced the dimmer with a smart dimmer which worked fine for about 6 hours. I believe the transformer has burnt out because it got hot again and there's an order coming from it. Since the smart dimmer is connected to the name neutral as the transformer, could it be what caused it to burn out? Do I just need to get a dimmer with more wattage?
#2
02-07-22, 09:45 AM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
When there is a transformer involved you need to use an electronic ballast that is approved for CFL/LED use. It wouldn't have anything to do with a neutral on the dimmer.
When there is a transformer involved you need to use an electronic ballast that is approved for CFL/LED use. It wouldn't have anything to do with a neutral on the dimmer.
#3
02-07-22, 10:44 AM
Thanks Pete. Both the transformer and dimmer are CFL/LED compatible. Do you think there is a difference when using a magnetic or electronic transformer? I'll need to get a replacement, so I don't want to burn up another one.
#4
02-07-22, 01:38 PM
Group Moderator
It's getting harder to find replacement transformers. Almost everything today is switching supplies.
Most of them seem to dim ok.
What are the specs on your requirements ?
Most of them seem to dim ok.
What are the specs on your requirements ?
#5
02-07-22, 02:07 PM
Thanks again Pete.
The lighting vendor recommended two from a company called Encompass Lighting Group. The original transformer is from the same place. The models they recommended are:
700AT152EL : Electronic transformer LED compatible.
700AT150T : Magnetic transformer LED compatible.
They're both 12V and 150W but kind of expensive, so I only want to buy one once. I'm not sure magnetic or electronic makes a difference.
I realized that I should also mention that this is an older light system that uses halogen lights - if that makes a difference. Like I said originally, it worked fine on a dimmer for 12 years.
The lighting vendor recommended two from a company called Encompass Lighting Group. The original transformer is from the same place. The models they recommended are:
700AT152EL : Electronic transformer LED compatible.
700AT150T : Magnetic transformer LED compatible.
They're both 12V and 150W but kind of expensive, so I only want to buy one once. I'm not sure magnetic or electronic makes a difference.
I realized that I should also mention that this is an older light system that uses halogen lights - if that makes a difference. Like I said originally, it worked fine on a dimmer for 12 years.
#6
02-08-22, 04:47 AM
If all you did was change out the dimmer with a compatible dimmer power and voltage wise, the power supply is not affected. How did you select the new dimmer?
#7
02-08-22, 06:14 AM
I used an Wemo smart dimmer because I've used their product in other parts of the house. The voltage and wattage specs are the same as the old Lutron dimmer that was there. It was only after the transformer went that I've learned about magnetic vs. electronic transformers/dimmers and leading edge vs trailing edge dimmers. I'm not sure if any of that makes a difference or if the transformer just wore out. I misspoke earlier, it's actually 15 years old.
#8
02-08-22, 11:22 AM
Group Moderator
Magnetic is an actual 120v to 12v transformer.
Electronic is a switching supply. No big transformer.
It's getting harder to find actual large current transformers so I can understand the price on the T model.
Switching supplies are usually much less than actual transformers.
For example - 150w driver
Is this for a monorail system ?
Halogen bulbs ?
Electronic is a switching supply. No big transformer.
It's getting harder to find actual large current transformers so I can understand the price on the T model.
Switching supplies are usually much less than actual transformers.
For example - 150w driver
Is this for a monorail system ?
Halogen bulbs ?
#10
02-09-22, 05:26 AM
Unless Wemo and Lutron make the same dimmer, your new dimmer is different than the old. Using a Wemo dimmer in other parts of the house is of little significance since that load is different than the load your new dimmer is connected to.
