The PX Transformer is a landscape lighting transformer designed to provide low-voltage power for outdoor lighting systems. It is available in several models, including PX-150, PX-300, PX-600, and PX-900, with varying wattage capacities.
Function Description:
The primary function of the PX Transformer is to convert standard 120 V AC household electricity to a lower, safer voltage (typically 11V, 12V, 13V, 14V, or 15V) suitable for landscape lighting fixtures. This step-down, isolated, two-winding type transformer is equipped with circuit breakers, timers, and photocell sensors to manage the lighting system's operation. It is specifically designed for use with low-voltage landscape fixtures and accessories, as well as submersible fountain lighting fixtures. It is explicitly stated that these units are not intended for swimming pool or spa luminaires.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Cabinet Material: 304 stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to outdoor elements.
- Circuit Breaker: Features a magnetic circuit breaker for protection against shorts and excessive current.
- Accessory Receptacle: Includes a 120 V accessory receptacle for connecting timers or other accessories.
- Power Cord: Comes with a 3' (914 mm), 12 AWG (2 mm), three-pronged electrical power cord for connection to a GFCI-protected 120 V exterior receptacle. For hardwired installations, the power cord can be removed, and the transformer wired directly in compliance with local electrical building codes.
- Output Terminals: Provides multiple output voltage terminals (e.g., COM, 11V, 12V, 13V, 14V, 15V) depending on the model, allowing for flexible voltage selection to compensate for voltage drop over longer wire runs.
- Wattage Capacities:
- PX-150: 150 VA (12.5 A output, 1.25 A input)
- PX-300: 300 VA (25 A output, 2.5 A input)
- PX-600: 600 VA (50 A output, 5.0 A input)
- PX-900: 900 VA (75 A output, 7.5 A input)
- UL Safety Standards: Conforms to UL1838 (for PX-150, PX-300, PX-600, PX-900) and UL379 (for PX-150, PX-600, PX-900), indicating compliance with safety standards for low-voltage landscape lighting transformers.
- Knockout Sizes: Various knockout sizes are provided on the left, right, back, and bottom of the transformer for wiring convenience, including 1", ½", ¾", and 1½" options.
Usage Features:
- Installation Location: Must be installed in a well-ventilated area, away from direct irrigation spray, and central to the proposed installation site. It should be mounted at least 1' (0.3 m) above ground level with wire terminals facing down. For installations near pools, spas, or fountains, the power unit must be installed 5' (1.5 m) or more away. If installed indoors within 10' (3.0 m) of such water features or outdoors, it must be connected to a GFCI-protected receptacle.
- Mounting Options: Supports both wall mounting (minimum 12" (305 mm) above finish grade) and post mounting (using a pressure-treated 4" x 4" x 36" (102 mm x 102 mm x 915 mm) minimum post in concrete footing).
- Wiring: Requires 12/2, 10/2, or 8/2 cable for field wiring. Bare wires are inserted into terminal blocks (COM, 11V, 12V, 13V, 14V, 15V) and secured with screws.
- Photocell Integration: The transformer can be equipped with a photocell for automatic dusk-to-dawn operation. The photocell wires (white common, black hot, red switch) connect to specific lugs on the terminal block. It's crucial to install the photocell on the LINE VOLTAGE side of the transformer while it is unplugged.
- Timer Compatibility: A plug-in timer can be used by connecting it to the 120 V accessory receptacle, with the transformer's short power cord plugged into the timer.
- Transformer Sizing: To determine the correct transformer size, sum the wattages of all planned lamps. The total lamp load should generally be between one-third and the maximum wattage capacity of the transformer. If the load is too high, it should be divided among multiple transformers.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues such as no power, cycling on/off, incorrect photocell operation, cable issues, dim lights, and no voltage to field wiring. A Voltage Drop Calculator (fxl.com/Voltage-Drop-Calculator) is recommended for optimizing lighting performance.
Maintenance Features:
Periodic system maintenance is essential for optimal performance and longevity.
- Annual Transformer Maintenance:
- Tighten all terminal lugs on the transformer.
- Blow out all insects and debris from the transformer.
- Check the timer, photocell, or other switching options for proper function.
- Lighting Fixtures and Lamps Maintenance:
- Quarterly: Check all fixtures and replace burned-out lamps. Straighten all pathway lights. Clean debris off well light lenses and grates.
- Annually: Clean dirty lenses with hard water cleaner and treat with glass water repellent to minimize calcium deposits.
- Semiannually: Check aiming angles of fixtures.
- As needed: Trim plant material and relocate fixtures as plants mature.
- Cables and Cable Connectors Maintenance:
- Rebury any cables and connectors that have surfaced.
- Check, adjust, and replace cable and cable ties in trees as needed.
Warranty:
Hunter Industries Incorporated ("Hunter") provides a ten (10) year warranty for FX Luminaire ("FXL") Transformers and Controllers against defects in materials or workmanship under normal use from the original installation date. This warranty extends to ten (10) years for FXL Low-Voltage Lighting Fixtures if both FXL Fixtures and Transformers or Controllers are installed on the same project, excluding other manufacturers' low-voltage exterior lighting products. The warranty does not cover misuse, negligence, alteration, modification, tampering, improper installation, or maintenance, nor does it cover component failures due to lightning strikes, electrical power surges, or unconditioned power supplies.
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