A low voltage transformer is invaluable, from air conditioners to doorbells to other mini appliances. While many don’t know, these low voltage transformers help convert a high voltage power to a safer voltage, ensuring that the voltage doesn’t get too high for household appliances.
With several low voltage transformers available on the market, differentiating the best can be a daunting task.
Researching through the market, we discover one unique low voltage transformer.
The Malibu low voltage transformer is a highly versatile and reliable transformer for landscape lighting.
Besides its features and benefits, this write-up will explore Malibu low voltage transformer: Troubleshooting & Installation processes.
Furthermore, you will learn essential maintenance tips to increase the lifespan of your low voltage transformer. Without further ado, let’s get started.
What is a Low Voltage Transformer?
Let’s explain what a low voltage transformer is all about, you need to understand the difference between a low voltage transformer and a line transformer.
The line voltage transformer has an average of 120 to 220 volts, whereas the former functions below the 120 voltage level.
Because of this, specific rings lights require a low voltage transformer of 12 volts.
Nevertheless, it depends on the performance, overall construction, and power rating to determine how well a particular low voltage transformer performs.
There are usually two types of low voltage transformers – mechanical and electrical.
Mechanical transformers comprise different windings, which provide several types of automatic loss. Due to this feature, it reduces the transformer efficiency.
Alternatively, the electric transformer doesn’t contain any magnetic loss, thereby providing less electricity loss within the system.
What is The Maximum Life Span of a Transformer?
In most situations, the transformer works efficiently for four to five years without experiencing any significant damage.
However, if nothing goes wrong with the transformer, you can use the low voltage transformer for over ten years.
Nevertheless, it would depend on the particular type of voltage transformer you purchase. Importantly, you need to sort for the best voltage transformer that offers quality and warranty.
Why is the Low Voltage Transformer used for Landscape Lighting?
For any landscape lighting, the most critical item necessary is the voltage transformer. The voltage transformer primarily helps regulate the flames as well as items that require lighting.
In some cases, the low voltage transformers can be used for lighting events because they contain several hundreds of lights with several variations of electric load and light power.
Furthermore, it’s compulsory for these landscape lighting to have these kinds of transformers.
Malibu Low voltage Transformer Features
Malibu is a renowned brand available for low voltage transformer, and it is understandable when people want to check the features the transformer possess.
We discovered several features that the Malibu low voltage transformer possesses. However, we will explore essential features that make it stand out among other transformers, including:
- Adjustable light direction
- Water-resistant
- Built-in photocell
- Available in several capacity transformers
- It comes with a heavy-duty power cord
- Built with plastic shade materials
- It has a manual on and off overriding system
- Automatic circuit breaker
- The power pack doesn’t surpass 75% of its capability
- Relatively lightweight
- One year warranty after purchase
Malibu Low Voltage Transformer Cost
Nowadays, you can find low voltage transformers in brick-and-mortar shops and online.
However, when buying a Malibu transformer, you need to ensure it meets the specification and watts needed for your home.
We’ve already indicated the features that most Malibu low voltage transformers possess, which can come in handy.
Depending on the capacity and light fixtures, you can buy these transforms from $60 to $150.
In addition, the bulb type will also determine there will be any landscaping in where you want to install it. You will need a circuit breaker installed, which will require a professional electrician.
Furthermore, the light bulbs will also affect your budget. You can buy halogen lights from $4 to $10. For a more brighter and durable option, you can consider using LED as they can cost up to $40 per piece.
Overall, when you want to install a transformer in your home, you can spend as much as $300.
The cost can get higher if you decide to hire an experienced electrician. To be safer, you can request quotes before making the final decision.
Malibu transformer Pros and Cons
Besides the product features, people want to check the pros and cons of the Malibu low voltage transformer.
Therefore, before you consider investing in a low voltage transformer like Malibu, let’s explore the Malibu brand’s benefits over other transformer manufacturers.
Pros
- It possesses a LED display
- Straightforward user manual for easy installation
- AM/PM timer setup
- Easy to handle and operate
- Durable
- It contains a heavy-duty cord
- Suitable for submersible purposes
- Features both automatic and manual system
- You can manually override the system using the on/off timer
- Manage power excellently
Cons
- You need to restart the circuit breaker at times
- Not appropriate for external cord usage
- You can’t use it for any ground-level activity because of the electric shock problem
- Not usable with dimmers
- You can only connect it to two parallel lines
Malibu Low Voltage Transformer Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Everything with electrical capability will, at one stage, require troubleshooting and maintenance. As such, the Malibu low voltage transformer isn’t exempted from this mishap.
In most cases, the troubleshooting and maintenance will steam from frequent usage of the transformer.
If you have any issue with the transformer, it is advisable to never open the transformer on your own. However, consult a professional repairer to handle the situation instead of getting other parts damaged.
Nowadays, there are electrical shops that handle transformer repair and maintenance. The repairer can determine what the man issue is with your transformer.
Therefore, to ensure nothing is wrong with it, the first thing is to unplug it from the mainline and reconnect. In most situations, the circuit breaker is the main issue.
Therefore, check the circuit breaker to ensure everything is okay. Peradventure, the transformer is always hot; you need to cool it down before plugging it again into the source.
Besides these, there are several reasons why your transformer might develop faults; you can learn more on this video
Simple maintenance tips to try
To improve the lifespan of your transformer, you have a role to play. You can try these maintenance tips for your low voltage transformer.
Besides the maintenance tips offered in the manual, these can come in handy to improve the efficiency and performance of your transformer.
- Don’t connect the transformer with any faulty electric line
- Don’t allow the transformer to fall from your hand
- Never use the transformers in a water connection, especially if it doesn’t offer submersible quality
- Don’t take it close to fire or use it during a thunderstorm
- After use, ensure you store the transformer in the packet
- Ensure you keep the transformer from direct sunlight and dust
- Don’t place any heavy items on the transformer
- After usage, avoid keeping it in an open space
- Ensure you troubleshoot the device frequently to prolong its lifespan
Malibu Low Voltage Transformer Timer Not Working?
Although the Malibu low voltage transformer is touted as the best low voltage transformer doesn’t mean it always works. In some cases, you might experience that the timer is not working.
Once you experience a switch failure, the first culprit is the timer. Timer problem is a common problem that occurs in most transformers, and here is where you have to utilize your warranty if you have any.
Therefore, before you think of installing a low voltage transformer, you should do the following.
- Ensure you use a power surge protector to safeguard it
- Know the power pack wattage that matches with the wattage of the installed light bulbs
- Avoid using a cheap timer and a low-quality power pack for your transformer
For instance, if you are using 15 bulbs with each having 20 watts, the ideal power pack is 300 watts. (15 x 20 watt bulbs = 33-watt power pack).
However, if you use a 500 watts power pack for the same number of bulbs, it will be the wrong wattage. For example, using a 500 watt for 15 bulbs with each providing 20 watts.
Therefore, a mismatch of power wattage will burn your power pack and bulbs. Nevertheless, if your timer doesn’t work, the clock motor is leaked, or the motor gear might be stripped.
If it still doesn’t work after doing these, you should reset the timer and restart the system.
Peradventure, it still didn’t work, then you can consider throwing the transformer away and buying a new one. Instead of repairing the transformer, it is advisable to purchase a new one.
How to Install Malibu Transformer for Outdoor Lighting
Buying a Malibu transformer is the first decision to take for any outdoor lighting. Then, you need to install it as many people find it difficult.
However, it is not as difficult as many think as long as you have the required knowledge. Setting up your transformer is relatively easy, depending on where you want it.
Before starting the installation process, ensure the electric line is well secured. Let’s look at the process of installing a Malibu transformer for outdoor lighting.
- Lay the outdoor lights in the desired position to install them
- Don’t combine all the lighting cables since they can generate short-circuit
- Drop the Malibu transformer beyond the ground. Ensure the place is dry without any drop of water
- Ensure you keep the transformer in a steady spot
- Plug the transformer into the electricity mainline
- Connect all the cables to the transformer socket
- Manually configure the timer to what you want
- Power the mainline on and the lights will begin blinking
- You can adjust the voltage and schedule the system as you want
You can watch this video to avoid any landscape lighting mistakes
Nowadays, you will find out that most low-voltage transformers are used for landscape lighting. To manage lighting load, these transformers are indispensable.
During the landscape lighting, more than hundreds of lights get lit. Therefore, it is hard to preserve the transformer voltage manually since considerable electrical volume keeps changing over time.
Because of the frequent changes, a low voltage transformer becomes suitable for landscape lighting.
It is currently safer to use a low voltage transformer for landscape lighting than other voltage controlling devices.
Nowadays, automated systems are designed to have a low voltage transformer, making it an essential component of landscape lighting.
Therefore, these low-voltage transformers are safer. However, you might experience certain challenges, which is why we explored some Malibu low voltage transformer: Troubleshooting & Installation solutions.
(FAQS) About Malibu low voltage transformer
Is it necessary to use a high-capacity transformer for home appliances?
You don’t need to use a transformer with a high capacity for home appliances. Research from different users suggests that it is advisable not to use a transformer above the standard 500 watts.
Nevertheless, if your home has more lights because of how big it is, then you might want to consider using a high-capacity transformer as long as it can accommodate it.
Is Malibu low voltage transformer compulsory for outdoor lighting?
Overall, Malibu low voltage transformers are suitable for your outdoor lighting.
For those with more lights to power outside their home, it is mandatory to have this transformer.
Besides this, Malibu transformers are appropriate because of the safety of your electric line.
What is the best voltage transformer for a lawn?
There are several low voltage transformers available on the market with different features and quality.
However, finding a suitable transformer that offers quality in terms of efficiency and performance is challenging.
In our research, we discover that Malibu is one unique low voltage transformer brand that offers the best for your lawn lighting.
Conclusion
Using a low voltage transformer for landscaping lighting is essential as it saves you cost and works appropriately.
We’ve looked through the Malibu low voltage transformer: Troubleshooting & Installation process, giving you an upper hand when using Malibu low voltage transformer.
Overall, the Malibu low voltage transformer is highly recommended if you want to illuminate outside your lawn.