Jandy Aqualink Transformer Voltage

[dragoncpa]

I think I have a transformer issue. But I'm not 100% sure I am reading the meter correctly.

With the meter set at 200VAC, the input side reads 120. So that seems good. When I touch the probes to the two yellow wires, I'm getting 2.1-2.3. That is supposed to be 24, correct?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dragon,

The output of the transformer, yellow to yellow should be 24 volts AC..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[dragoncpa]

Thanks! That’s what I thought. Cheers!

 

[ogdento]

forgive me if you're doing this already, but when you measure the voltage make sure the two yellow wires are disconnected from the Aqualink... that will check the "no load" voltage of the transformer.

that's important because if the wires are connected to the Aqualink, a low voltage could be caused by a fault on the board rather than the transformer.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Tom,

Good catch..

I did not think of that..

Calling @dragoncpa

Jim R.

 

[dragoncpa]

Transformer was removed from unit and bench tested. So, that should still be 24V, right?

 

[ogdento]

Yes - sort of . In actuality it could be a little bit higher since there's no load on it. But if you're getting 24 or more it's probably good

As an example, the 12vac output of an intellitouch transformer measures 16-ish with no load

 

[dragoncpa]

Sadly, I'm getting 2.1-2.4V on a brand new transformer.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dragon,

Did you buy it off of Amazon?? I just read several reviews stating exactly what you are finding.

You generally get what you pay for...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[dragoncpa]

Nope. Local pool supply company. Very reputable. They are working to get me a replacement. But pool is a 'pond' until I can get the transformer in place. I think I'll buy another as a backup to keep on hand...

 

[ogdento]

just a thought... I "think" there are 3 pins on that transformer output - and I also think the center pin is just used for a ground connection (i.e. it's not a center tap, which might be used to derive 12v), you could temporarily use any old beefy 24vac irrigation transformer if you've got one lying around

 

[dragoncpa]

Interesting. I think I might. If not, those are easier to find (and cheaper) as a temp solution. Thanks!

 

[ogdento]

just keep in mind that the original Jandy xformer - if it's the one I think it is (R0466400?) is 24vac at 2.5 amps... that's 60 VA (you can kindof think about it as watts - it's close enough for this exercise, but it's technically not the same thing because valve actuators are a reactive load). I think my irrigation xformer was only 1.5 or 2 amps (36/50 VA), which is fine as long as I'm not loading the heck out of it (running all the valves and relays possible etc)

 

[dragoncpa]

I think the culprit was a bad valve actuator and the load not popping the fuse, but burning out the transformer, maybe?

 

[trophft]

I think the culprit was a bad valve actuator and the load not popping the fuse, but burning out the transformer, maybe?

Late to the party but I believe this is the exact scenario I'm dealing with. Jandy rep came out and said he couldn't figure it out, his Jandy rep talked him through the possibility of a bad value actuator as the culprit blowing the transformer (which he had just replaced twice!). So he just unplugged the Jandy valves and I can't use spa mode for now. Fast forward to today had a buddy come take a look and he saw the 2 unplugged relays and plugged them in (I had my back turned)....just blew transformer again! At $179 a pop! I sure wish the 5¢ fuse would blow instead!