As the name suggests, the low voltage transformers are the step-down type of transfers that are usually installed outside homes and offices to control landscape lighting. The low voltage transformers support added load of different types of decorative lights as well as many external electrical components. Here are some things to keep in mind while buying an outdoor low voltage transfer:
Wattage: The wattage rating of a low voltage transformer describes its power capacity. In case you want to connect 12 different lights of 20 watts each, you will need at least a 240-watt transformer. Voltage: The main feature of the low voltage transformer is to decrease the voltage to increase the flow of current. You will find a certain range of voltage mentioned with the transfer that is also its limits on maximum intake capacity and minimum output rating. Automatic Features: If you are going to use the outside decorative lights on a daily basis, your low voltage converter must have an automatic timer that turns on the unit around the evening. This will save electricity and also keep the lights safe from electrical hazards.
Now, we will bring you the absolute best low voltage transformers from the choices and give you detailed information about each option. This way, you can understand these transformers completely before buying them. You can also find a “Buying Guide” in this article that will guide you towards the best purchase for your use.
Best Outdoor Low Voltage Transformers 2023
Best Outdoor Low Voltage Transformers Reviews
1. Sterno Outdoor Low Voltage Transformer
Sterno Home is one of the most affordable brands in the country that keeps bringing fresh designs and budget-friendly products for its customers. They have a lot of positive responses from past users so you much check this option out.
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In the 1st position, we are bringing you the most affordable low-voltage transformer you can find in the market. This Sterno Home Paradise Garden Lighting’s transformer GL33050 is a great pick for your low voltage lighting needs without spending a fortune. It is mostly compatible with all low-voltage landscaping lighting systems and is an ideal choice for LED and incandescent lights. Also, it features an automatic energy-efficient timer that saves you money, time, and effort in purchasing, using, or maintaining. The timer uses geographical location data and the sun’s location tracking to automatically enable or disable the transfer without any manual input. You will find 5 different modes on this 50 watts transformer that is a timer, on, off, automatic (dusk to dawn), and sunwise astronomical timer (local sunrise and sunset) which is exclusive to Sterno Home products. These modes will make the product extremely user-friendly as the interface is straightforward and its LCD screen lets you program the transformer to make it easy to use. With its excellent rustproof plastic construction and weatherproof feature, you can use this outdoor/indoor landscape lighting transformer for all-weather without any worries. Furthermore, it is backed with a 1-year of manufacturer warranty. Best Features:
Automatic energy efficient timer (dusk to dawn) Compatible with all low-voltage landscape lighting systems. Used with LED & incandescent lights User-friendly option with 5 versatile modes High accuracy geo-tracking 50 watts power capacity Can be used both indoors and outdoors. UL Certified for effective and safe usage Built-in weatherproof and rustproof plastic 1-year warranty
Pros:
Supports all lighting systems. An energy-efficient option that won’t cause a fortune Affordable and user-friendly unit Compatible with all AC and DC 12 volts low voltage lights
Cons:
Wattage capacity is low Supports a limited quantity of lights
2. NSi TORK Outdoor Low-Voltage Transformer
You might not have heard about NSI before as it is not the most renowned brand name on our list. Still, it features a couple of balanced products like the low voltage transformer mentioned below that are suitable for a large application. Our 3rd pick for the best outdoor low voltage transformers is the NSi TORK TPX300. We have decided to place this option in the 3rd position amongst our picks due to its high power capacity and cheap price tag. This combination makes it perfect for casual use as the 300 watts capacity is good enough for small as well as medium-sized backyards. It is designed to carry out a safe operation for 12 volts lighting loads that include backyard lighting, underwater lights in pools, and other types of decorative lighting. Even though this variant is cheaper than other options at this power capacity, there are no compromises made regarding its safety. There is a built-in circuit protection system available that disconnects the power supply in case of a sudden power surge. It also has a grounded shield and automatic reset protector. The installation might require you to have some basic tools as it comes with ½ inch and ⅗ inch knockouts that must be fixed in the wall. Even with the heavy-duty steel made outer body, NSi TORK TPX300 does not have a warranty period. Best Features:
300 watts power capacity Great for small and medium-sized backyards Designed for 12 volts lighting load Built-in circuit protection system Grounded shield and automatic reset protector ½ inch and ⅗ inch knockouts wall fitting
Pros:
Power capacity is pretty good Comes under an affordable price range Great safety measures
Cons:
The warranty period is not mentioned Not suitable as a long term investment
3. GOODSMANN Outdoor Low Voltage Transformer
Goodsmann is known for providing high value for the money spent on their products whether it’s a spotlight or a hammer drill. Goodman deals with a range of lifestyle products that also includes domestic low voltage transformers. Here, we have yet another 300 watts low voltage transfer that can take care of your lighting system without making you worry about controlling them manually. The GOODSMANN Low Voltage Transformer has a built-in timer and clock that allows you to set the automation in 3 different modes. You can either select a certain time to turn off the lights or select a particular hour’s time period from the given options. It also has replaceable photo sensors that operate on lighting conditions and can be replaced easily if damaged. This metal transformer converts household 120 voltage as low as 12 volts and works right out of the box once few installation steps are carried out. The construction of the transformer makes it much easier to install and connect with your lightings. As for the safety measures, it has overheating and overload protection which is the most common problem. It also has a weather shield on the front that keeps the control panel safe from water droplets and direct sunlight. It has a 1 year warranty period from Goodsmann. Best Features:
Automatic timer and clock 3 user modes Custom time option Replaceable photosensors Converts 120 volts to 12 volts Overheating and overload protection Weather shield 1-year warranty
Pros:
The transformer is safe from environmental damage Great power capacity It comes with a warranty period
Cons:
Comparatively expensive option Automation needs to be customized
4. GKOLED ETL Low Voltage Transformer
Reliability is something we all seek with our purchases. There are a lot of fresh brands in the market such as GKOLED that offer great reliability on their products. GKOLED might not be popular right now, but it surely will be with products like this. In the end, we are bringing you the most reliable option from our list. The GKOLED ETL Listed low voltage transformer is certainly not the most expensive or heavy-duty pick from our selection. But, it is certainly the one that will last the longest. It was a power capacity of 120 watts and has an ETL certification for safety and CEC level certification for energy efficiency. It also has an integrated timer and photocells that allows up to 11 different presets. It operates on a completely encapsulated Toroid core that increases its reliability and performance. The heavy-duty steel housing on the outside of this transformer muffles its noise and allows a completely quiet operation. It also makes it extra durable against weather-based problems. The transformer delivers 12 volts output over 2 different channels that is suitable for powering different types of lights at once. It has a long 2 year warranty period which makes it the most reliable option on our list. Best Features:
120 watts power capacity ETL certification for safety CEC level certification for energy efficiency Integrated timer and photocells 11 user mode presets Encapsulated Toroid core Heavy-duty steel housing Quiet operation 12 volts output over 2 channels 2-year warranty
Pros:
The warranty period is very long The automation feature is great Delivers great value for the price
Cons:
Wattage capacity is low The user interface is a bit complicated.
5. DEWENWILS Outdoor Low Voltage Transformer
DEWELWILS is a professional manufacturer which specializes in providing products in different verticals that include consumer electronics, home improvement, and outdoor equipment. This low voltage transformer is suitable for different applications that include powering up garden lights, in-ground light and spotlights. It comes with in-built dusk to dawn sensor which automatically turns on the light when at the dusk and turns off at dawn. This low voltage transformer is easy to operate and install. Because of high-quality materials, it is resistant to corrosion, and harsh weather conditions. Best Features:
Weather resistant Memory function In-built dusk to dawn 120V AC household voltage 1-9 hour countdown In-built hanging holes
Pros:
Easy to operate No noise generation Easy to install Durable quality Waterproof Can withstand harsh weather conditions Wide range of applications
Cons:
The user interface is bit challenging
Buying Guide For Outdoor Low Voltage Transformer
There is a chance that these options might not even be suitable for your use. To make sure you can get the most use out of the low voltage transformer you are going to buy, follow our buying guide for the best outdoor low voltage transformer given below. Here, we will discuss various properties of a low voltage transformer and decide their necessity regarding day to day applications. This should give you a proper idea about the features that you would want to prioritize in your unit.
Design and Construction
You need to consider how the voltage transformer is built before you consider it for purchase. The design and construction of the voltage transformer affect its other parameters such as safety, power capacity, and reliability. You should always prefer a metal outer body on a transformer rather than a plastic or fiber body for the best results. You should also consider the size of the transformer and make sure it can fit properly in a specific location. Otherwise, you might have to make extra adjustments to install the transformer.
Power Rating
The power rating is the next most important factor of the transformers because it decides the type of lights and amount of lights that can be powered via the transformer. The first thing you should do is calculate the total amount of wattage required by the lights that are being powered from the transformer. For that, simply multiply the wattage of a single unit with the total number of lights. Make sure you add the wattage of certain special lights as well apart from the decorative lights. The resultant power rating should be sufficed by the transformer otherwise it will not power the lights properly.
Timers and Photocells
The timers and photocells are available on almost every low voltage transformer that we see in the market. These components enable automation on the unit and allow it to work on its own without needing any manual control. A timer is a simple unit that turns the circuit on or off at a given time frame. The photocells on the other hand detect the absence of light and turn the device on automatically. It also turns off the transformer when environmental light is incident on the photocells. This is a smart feature of the unit and you should consider it for ease of operation.
Safety Measures
Safety measures are of utmost importance in almost every electronic unit. Generally, we have a 120 volts electricity input to the electronic devices at our home. In case this is a fault in the device or there is a sudden change in power input, it can turn out to be a fatal incident with severe damage. To avoid that, there are a number of safety features put into low voltage transformers such as circuit breakers, overload protection, and overheat protection. It will also provide added protection against short circuits in case one of the lights in your circuit comes in contact with water.
Reliability
The quality of a product represents its reliability for long term use. In the case of the low voltage thermal protectors available here, you will find most options to be highly reliable and a suitable choice as a long term investment. Although, a detailed analysis of the reliability of a product is necessary before purchasing it. You can take a look at various factors such as the build quality and power capacity of the unit to get an approximate idea about its quality and performance assurance. You Should also take a look at the warranty period of the device and prefer one that offers a longer warranty period.
Conclusion
If you are not familiar with the low voltage transformers and this is your first time purchasing one, you are at the right place. There are many instances where consumers get confused between a couple of different options and cannot make up their mind about which is the best-suited option for them. To make this task easier for you, we have given you the best outdoor transformers that you can get right now. We have also provided all of the necessary information with these options so that you can buy the unit right away. To make the task even more effortless for you, here are our top recommendations.
Because you are looking for a low voltage transformer for your decorative lights, it is safe to assume that you have already spent quite a sum on the lights themselves. In such a case, the Sterno Outdoor Low Voltage Transformers will be a suitable pick for you as it is available under a very affordable price tag. But, its wattage limit is limited to 50 watts to make sure if it’s good enough for your lights. For a large backyard filled with bright lights all around, the GOODSMANN Low Voltage Transformer is the only suitable option as it has a 300 watts power capacity. This should easily take care of a large number of lights without any problem. As it is also a premium option, you will find many smart features available on this unit. Lastly, we will recommend the GKOLED ETL Low Voltage Transformer Listed Low Voltage Transformer because of its high reliability. The outdoor transformer constantly comes in contact with moisture and dust that can potentially damage the unit. The 2 years long warranty period on GKOLED ETL Listed Low Voltage Transformer will give you peace of mind about that problem.
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