Outdoor/Indoor lighting transformers

Depends on the model. Some do and some do not. My Hampton Bay 600 watt does not.

Dale H

I've seen three or four, and I've never seen one that required a load. I'm guessing the fact that you've heard this indicates there must be at least one somewhere that needs it.

Thanks as always.

Maybe you are thinking of certain computer power supplies that require a load to start up?

The Hampton Bay supplies are high frequency switcher supplies to minimize the amount of transformer iron. They might need a minimum load.

Dale, you are correct. I found this on the HamptonBay site regarding the 600w: It needs 20 watts or it will shut off.

Switchers do normally require a load, so that makes sense. That's why many PC supplies won't start with no load. Interesting, I tried a couple of ATX PC supplies, and both of them started on the bench with nothing connected. They even generated the correct voltages on the outputs.

I'm running 2-300 watt computer power supplies for all my building lights both incandescent and LED's and they work great. Much cheaper than a landscape power supply. I bought them on Craigslist for $20 each.
Green to Black turns on the power supply
Orange to Brown runs the fan.
Connect those wires together and it will run on the bench without a load.

quote:

Originally posted by EscapeRocks:
Dale, you are correct. I found this on the HamptonBay site regarding the 600w: It needs 20 watts or it will shut off.

I have a Hampton Bay but it is a different design. Does not need 20 watts,will light a single bulb.

Dale H

Many years ago Phil Klop did a story on this option. I purchased a 400 watt Malibu and it has performrd perfect. It does not get warm and I have a few lights on it.

Can you provide specifics?  Type of power supply (maker)? Did you clip off the 4 prong connectors?  What wires do you hook up to the lights?

 

Thanks,

 

George

This commercial transformer is termed "Buck/Boost".  Designed to be used to correct voltage source requirement to match Machinery/Equipment name plate.  Example: A customer purchases a commercial dishwasher with a name plate rating of 240 volts and has an electrical service that only provides 208 volts. The appropiate Buck/Boost, or in this case, Boost transformer(s) is(are) used to correct supplied voltage.   Pictured transformer is a "Buck/Boost" transformer that was shelved at the shop.  Primary voltage 120v/240v.   Secondary voltage 12v/24v.  Capacity is .75KW/750 watts. Wired 120v primary, 12 v secondary.  This transformer is also isolation shielded.  Available for use is a good bit more power than toy train transformers and probably not some of the Garden lighting add on, Two circuits, Timers, Raintite enclosure, etc.  Was on the shelf so it worked for me.

With this power, I do a fused down distribution system for accessory power. Note the fuse assemblies middle of the second picture. A lot of accessory power is 12 volt/3 amp or less via this fuse system. This transformer @ 12 volts should be able to provide 60+ amps of accessory power.   More power Tim Not toy train power, please note.

Lary,

 

Thank you!!!!  I just got my two spare computer power supplies to fire up!  I now have 3v, 5v and 12v taps and 600(2x300) watts of power for lights!!

 

George

A few years ago I was at a garage sale and noticed they had a box of Malibu lights that were identical to the ones I have around my deck and pool. They wanted $5 for the box, which is about the price of two of two of the "lids" that blow away once in a while. So I bought it. When I got home and was unpacking my treasure, there were 12 of the lights (8 of them still in plastic), an 88 watt power supply, and a 200 watt power supply. The 200w one needed a pair of 6-32 screws to attach the wires, and it's been feeding the lights on my layout for a while now.

 

It was quite a nice bonus

 

J White

I also found DC outdoor lighting power supply at yard sale. Also has timer. Been using since last summer on some LED flod and spot accent lighting for the layout. Works great. 

I am just happier than a clam over this turn of events.  Each side of the layout will get one of the 300W power supplies to handle lamps.  I don't think light bulbs care whether the power is AC or DC.  One PowerChief 120F (15v tap) is being used to power all 22 DZ-2500A switch machines, 4 DZ-1060 position signals, and 2 MTH PRR signal bridges.  That's probably enough load for that transformer, although the switch machines are transient loads.  That leaves the AC accessories for the other PowerChief 120F.  I think I'm in good shape!

 

George