I recently purchased an Intermatic transformer (ML200RT) for a low voltage landscaping system I am planning. I am planning on using Volt and Paradise fixtures and using LED bulbs bought on ebay. However, I contacted Intermatic to make sure the transformer was magnetic and has an AC output (which it does). The rep I talked to says it does but that many manufacturers require a Class 2 type of transformer rating for LED lights and the Intermatic transformer is not. The rep said class 2 means it meet the UL, National Electrical Code & ANSI/NFPA 70 approval. I'm not sure what all this means, how important it is, and if this rules out the transformer I bought for LED lights. Thanks in advance for any help!
Intermatic Transformer for Volt Lights
- Thread starter pmsmith2032
- Start date
If you are using the transformer for underwater lights a class 2 rating is essential, required by code and a very sensible safety precaution. If you are using it for landscape lighting then it doesn't make much difference.
Class 2 transformers are specifically designed to make it impossible for the transformer to ever short high voltage to the low voltage side, which could be deadly in a swimming pool. A regular transformer can short in that way, and even though the odds of that happening are extremely low, the resulting danger is so high that it really isn't a good idea to go with any but class 2 for underwater lights.
Class 2 transformers are specifically designed to make it impossible for the transformer to ever short high voltage to the low voltage side, which could be deadly in a swimming pool. A regular transformer can short in that way, and even though the odds of that happening are extremely low, the resulting danger is so high that it really isn't a good idea to go with any but class 2 for underwater lights.
Thanks Jason. The transformer is strictly for landscaping lights (all will be kept at least 10' from the pool). The rep at Intermatic seemed to indicate that a class 2 transformer was required for LED (and not halogen) which didn't make any sense to me.
- May 12, 2012
- 191
- Pool Size
- 31000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
I have also used Volt lighting and the rep at Volt said that I could use any magnetic transformer. I didn't see the need to use theirs with only 2 of their LED lights as the 300 watt transformer was a bit overkill.. I went ahead and used a pool rated even though lights were more than 10 ft away from pool. Lights are working great. I have them tied into my Easy Touch and have been using them for a couple of weeks.
I'm using an ML200RT with eBay LED bulbs in Malibu fixtures. This the third year. None are within 10 feet of the pool. No problems so far.