How to pick a transformer for a pool light?

[RoxxW]

Looking hard at this light I found on Amazon.

Coolwest LED RGB Underwater Swimming Pool

https://www.amazon.com/COOLWEST-Und...ords=coolwest+led+underwater+pool+light&psc=1

Not thrilled about drilling holes through my liner and pool wall to mount but not seeing a whole slew of underwater lights for a AGP.

So the instructions say that the transformer is not included.

How do I determine what transformer to purchase for this type of unit????????

 

[kevreh]

That light uses 54watts at 12vdc. So about 5 amps. Search Amazon for a 5 amp 12vdc transformer. Good luck

 

[JoyfulNoise]

You absolutely need a "pool code" transformer (one that is rated for pool use) and I think code in most areas requires that it be hooked up through a GFCI circuit (either as part of the line side of a receptacle OR with it's own GFCI breaker) even though a GFCI breaker will not necessarily trip if there's a ground fault in the secondary wiring. However, code is code and you should follow it for very good and safe reasons.

That said, Intermatic makes standard, pool code low voltage transformers for outdoor lighting and pool lighting. Something like the PX-300 (300W) transformer is pretty easy to hook up and mount near your pool equipment.

 

[RoxxW]

Thank you fellow Virginian!

 

[RoxxW]

Thank you both for the suggestions.

So I'm not an electrician and I would pay someone to hook this transformer thing up but I'd like to know/understand what it does? Or is there a thread you can point me to so you don't have to take me through an Electrical 101 level class!

Also,

I searched amazon and the web with your suggestions. Some (5 amp 12vdc transformer) were as cheap as $40 and some (Intermatic) were as high as $150. I'm sure quality comes into play in the pricing.

If I got the Intermatic, for example, can that device be used in multiple applications? Or would it be good only for this one pool light application? Ie...can it be used for low voltage deck lights (like on the deck steps etc) AND for the pool light? Or would I have to spend $150 each time I need a transformer for an outdoor light application?

 

[danpik]

This is the transformer I used to repair my outdoor lighting. The OEM transformer was around $100. Pulled the old transformer out and put this in the case.
LET-75 12V AC Class 2 Electronic Remote Transformer by Lightech 1

Not rated for pool use though.
Dan

 

[rccarps2]

Thank you both for the suggestions.

So I'm not an electrician and I would pay someone to hook this transformer thing up but I'd like to know/understand what it does? Or is there a thread you can point me to so you don't have to take me through an Electrical 101 level class!

Also,

I searched amazon and the web with your suggestions. Some (5 amp 12vdc transformer) were as cheap as $40 and some (Intermatic) were as high as $150. I'm sure quality comes into play in the pricing.

If I got the Intermatic, for example, can that device be used in multiple applications? Or would it be good only for this one pool light application? Ie...can it be used for low voltage deck lights (like on the deck steps etc) AND for the pool light? Or would I have to spend $150 each time I need a transformer for an outdoor light application?

You will need a transformer for each application you want to control separately (up to the wattage output of the transformer). I have 2 PX300's on my equipment pad. One for the 12volt LED globrite and the other for my led landscaping lights.

Here is what I used. It is pool rated and each is connected to its own GFCI breaker. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039QEK2G/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[kevreh]

The Intermatic can control multiple devices, within its load range. Its just that all those devices will be on the same schedule. They do make Intermatics with multiple circuits and timer programs (say you wanted one for you main pump, one for a booster pump, one for lights, etc...) Think there's one that controls 3 circuits and costs $200. All digital. What are you using now for timers?

Any lighting will need to be protected with either an GFCI outlet (cheaper) or GFCB (GFCI breaker, which is more).

You can use 1 transformer for all lights, as long as you don't mind them being on same timer circuit. Keep in mind deck lights and landscape lights can use LED bulbs, which use very little power. My 3 spot lights (for Crepe Myrtles) and 4 plant bed area lights use less than 50 watts.

I don't know what a "pool code" transformer is, but I suspect its all about the housing. Which is a shame/sham because that $80 Intermatic transformer is a metal box with a $10 transformer in it. Same could be achieved buying a cheaper transformer like the one danpik listed and puting it in a water tight box from Home Depot (those grey pvc boxes with water tight fittings). But thats a personal thing if someone wants to diy the components vs buying off the shelf. Again, all this is protected by the GFC outlet or breaker.

 

[RoxxW]

The Intermatic can control multiple devices, within its load range. Its just that all those devices will be on the same schedule. They do make Intermatics with multiple circuits and timer programs (say you wanted one for you main pump, one for a booster pump, one for lights, etc...) Think there's one that controls 3 circuits and costs $200. All digital. What are you using now for timers?

Any lighting will need to be protected with either an GFCI outlet (cheaper) or GFCB (GFCI breaker, which is more).

You can use 1 transformer for all lights, as long as you don't mind them being on same timer circuit. Keep in mind deck lights and landscape lights can use LED bulbs, which use very little power. My 3 spot lights (for Crepe Myrtles) and 4 plant bed area lights use less than 50 watts.

I don't know what a "pool code" transformer is, but I suspect its all about the housing. Which is a shame/sham because that $80 Intermatic transformer is a metal box with a $10 transformer in it. Same could be achieved buying a cheaper transformer like the one danpik listed and puting it in a water tight box from Home Depot (those grey pvc boxes with water tight fittings). But thats a personal thing if someone wants to diy the components vs buying off the shelf. Again, all this is protected by the GFC outlet or breaker.

My pump is controlled with the Hayward Aqua Trol RJ Salt Chlorine Generator System (powers the pump also), there is a timer built into the system. I have 4 GFCI outlets, one for the Aqua Trol system, one for the robotic cleaner and two extra for whatever comes down the road (future toys needing power). So I have two open GFCI outlets. I understand the problem with putting different applications (landscape, deck etc) on one transformer now...they are all on the same time schedule.

1. So the total wattage on the transformer unit is what I cannot exceed? Just add up the watts the product uses and don't exceed it if I use one transformer?
2. The power source for the transformer is hardwired through a breaker box or it just plugs into one of my free GFCI outlets?
3. Can multiple transformer be hardwired to a GFCB box?

 

[gary300]

It is never a good idea to run any electrical component continuously at it's max rated load, especially outdoors in the heat. I would use at least a 75W transformer for a 50W load. The transformer will run cooler and have less buzz than a fully loaded transformer.

 

[RoxxW]

Thanks!

It is never a good idea to run any electrical component continuously at it's max rated load, especially outdoors in the heat. I would use at least a 75W transformer for a 50W load. The transformer will run cooler and have less buzz than a fully loaded transformer.