Landscape 12v transformers multitap-common question

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ritelec

ritelec

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Researching landscape 12v transformers and I can't find the answer...
looking at mulri tap with several commons..

For example, lets say a multi tap transformer with 4 internal switches...it has 4 commons c1,c2,c3,c4 and 4 taps, tap1-12v,tap2-13v, tap3-14v,tap4-15v, depending on the tap voltage is that the common you use?
https://www.kichler.com/kichler/pro...rmers/contractor-series-transformer-1200w-ss/


Yet another has internal switches , circuit 1, circuit 2, circuit 3, circuit 4... 4 commons c1,c2,c3,c4... and then multi taps of 12v,13v,14v,15v,16,v17v,18v,20v,22v which common with which voltage ???
https://www.voltlighting.com/low-voltage-transformer-outdoor-lighting-1200/p/VTR-1200P


Also is ETL listed ok or does it have to read UL ?


edit... was just thinking, are the 4 switches switching the 4 commons???

Thank you
 
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since both units you reference are 1200 watts, they must have multiple outputs of lesser capacity to be able to comply with power supply requirements. Class 2 supplies must comply with chapter 9 table 11 A or B. 411.3 says under no condition can the supply circuits exceed 30 volts/25 amps - so that is 750 VA max supply you would ever need.

Too bad I can't seem to find more details on the internal wiring of those. Guessing the Kichler unit is divided into 4 output circuits though and those switches at the top are circuit breakers for each output circuit.

If I were to guess the common terminals are all same potential (tied to a common location on the transformer) and there are 4 circuits each a slightly different voltage. Use the lower volt circuits for short runs and the higher volt circuits for longer runs for voltage drop reasons. Again just my guess.
 
I actually own one of those Kichler units. Those "switches" are circuit breakers. These units are somewhat modular. Every COMMON leg goes through its own breaker (you evenly distribute your loads across these). Depending on the model you'll have one to four (maybe five) COM/BREAKER combinations. The taps you chose based primarily on your voltage drop requirements. For instance, I have the "circuit" that feeds the closer in lamps at a lower voltage than the ones that go out by the road.

If you haven't realized it yet, the 110V primary to this thing runs through that plug/recept. kludge in the middle. You can stick your favorite plug-in timer or WEMO-like device there to control the thing.
 
Not a question, an observation, argh

Not a question, an observation, argh

12 volts doesn't go very far.... for grins I came up with a rough lighting scheme to get a rough idea of led watts and came up with a number of 300 watts so I'm thinking I could add some more fixtures and maybe go with the 600w or 1200w transformer (or a couple or more 300w ???) so I go to a voltage drop calculator and plugged in 12v,300w and round off 300'........... 12VOLT drop..
so I through in 150w and 100' which gives it a 5 volt drop...... this chart works, for wattage and length ...seems like unless your working in a close area with low wattage or have several receptacles about to to plug in several transformers to work with low wattage in smaller areas, it may be worth digging for 120v... my my my
Guess LV serves it's purpose but not all....
 

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