Low-voltage transformer

It is often not enough to mount lightbulbs in the ceiling, in the wall, in the stairs or in the closet. Especially with built-in lights, transformers are often required, which reduce the voltage to 12 volts or another value. But why are transformers necessary at all? In this text you will learn more about low-voltage transformers, how they are used and which criteria you should consider when purchasing.

What are lighting transformers?

Low-voltage transformers are important operating devices for lights. These are devices for converting a certain voltage to another voltage. In many cases, the 220 volts at the input of the device is converted to 12 volts at the output of the device. On the one hand, this reduction serves to ensure safety, because a 12 volt voltage does not pose a danger to life and limb when touched. This also ensures that the lamp does not fail in the event of voltage peaks. In other words: a transformer protects against short circuits and overheating and is a device that makes it possible to switch the light on and off.

Source: eibabo®, LEDVANCE HTL225/230-240 Halotronic transformerImage: LEDVANCE HTL225/230-240 Halotronic transformer

Do transformers affect the lifespan of the lamp?

How long a lamp works depends on its quality, frequency of use and duration of use. Frequent switching cycles have an effect on the service life, especially with conventional light sources. Continuous operation of the light bulbs can also lead to wear and tear and premature failure. In principle, a transformer connected in front of it has no influence on this. However, the device 'smoothes out' fluctuations in the energy supply and can thus positively influence the service life of a classic light bulb. In this regard, it should be noted that even transformers can burn out over time. However, this happens very rarely and also depends on the quality of the device. In times when conventional light sources are increasingly being replaced by modern and long-lasting LED technology, the question of consumption and efficiency is often asked in contrast to lifespan.

Is a 12 volt bulb more economical than a 220 volt bulb?

It is widely believed that 12 volt incandescent lamps save electricity compared to 220 volt incandescent lamps. However, that is not true. Saving electricity depends on the power and not on the voltage.

How do I find the right transformer for my lighting?

Because transformers are commonly used with recessed lights, we'll stick with this type of lighting. It depends on the lamps used which transformer you need. For safety reasons, the use of low-voltage lights is strongly recommended, especially in rooms with high humidity. If you use LEDs, you need a different transformer than with classic halogen lamps. So before you choose one or the other transformer, you have to decide on a specific light source. The service life of LEDs is usually more than 50,000 hours. These are therefore much more durable than comparable halogen lamps. In addition, the heat generated by LEDs is significantly lower, which is an advantage for built-in lights without air circulation. Disadvantages of LEDs are the higher price and the special nature of the light emission. Their light is generated by a directed luminous flux, which can quickly lead to signs of fatigue. Therefore, LEDs are mainly used as accent lighting in the background (in cupboards and shelves, as an orientation light on the stairs). A lamp with halogen lamps is typically recommended for the basic lighting of a room.

Basically, we distinguish between low-voltage transformers:

  • Devices that have a winding and work by means of induction
  • Devices that are exclusively electronically controlled

 

Transformers with winding are primarily used with halogen lamps. These consist of two copper windings (coils), which interact with each other through an electromagnetic field and can thus reduce the voltage. The electronic transformers reduce the mains voltage using electronic circuits. These devices are therefore the newer generation and offer the following advantages over conventional transformers:

  • light and compact
  • high degree of protection against short circuits
  • almost silent operation
  • Protection against overload and overheating
  • Soft start possible

 

With these features, longevity is achieved for both the transformer and the halogen lamps.

 


Already knew

Electronic transformers have an efficiency of over 95%. Transformers with coils achieve an efficiency of around 80%.


 

When using LEDs you need a different type of transformer. Please note that these devices are not interchangeable with the transformers for halogen lamps, even if they have the same nominal power and output voltage. In a halogen lamp, the filament serves as the light source. The lighting of an LED is based on completely different physics. Here, electric current flows through a diode and releases some of the energy in the form of light photons. This difference in the generation of light places individual demands on the respective electronic transformers, for example:

Transformers for halogen lamps generate an AC voltage. This has positive and negative pulses and is not suitable for continuous operation of an LED. An LED is operated with direct current. Although many LEDs have a rectifier, the conversion can lead to increased heat generation and thus to a shorter service life.

For example, in the case of transformers for halogen lamps, the average output voltage is 12 volts. In reality, however, this value is not constant and can vary up and down. These can be voltage peaks when switching or depend on the mains voltage at the input, the connected load and the ambient temperature. A halogen lamp can cope with these fluctuations without being damaged. An LED cannot do this.

LEDs have significantly less power than halogen lamps. An electronic transformer for halogen lamps requires a certain base load in watts in order to function properly. If this base load is not reached, the light flickers, shines too weakly or not at all.

Is it possible to dim halogen lamps and LEDs with a transformer?

Regardless of whether you are using a conventional or an electronic transformer, dimming 12 volt halogen lamps is usually always possible without any problems. It is only important that the individual components are compatible with each other.

TIP

Typically, so-called leading edge dimmers are combined with conventional transformers, whereas trailing edge dimmers are used for electronic transformers. If you are not sure, choose a universal dimmer from our range.


If you want to dim LED lamps, all interacting components must be marked accordingly. This means that both the transformer and the LEDs themselves, as well as any ballast that may be required, must be dimmable.

Which low-voltage transformers does the eibabo® shop offer?

At eibabo® you will find an extensive range of lights and the right low-voltage transformers for your lighting installation. In addition to dimmer transformers and DALI switching power supplies, we also carry low-voltage transformers, plug-in transformers, safety transformers, electromagnetic transformers, power supplies, ballasts and Tronic transformers. Most of the devices can be used for direct installation as well as for flush mounting. You get exactly the low-voltage transformer you need in the well-known high processing quality as well as with optimized efficiency and a perfect range of functions. We only offer high-quality products from well-known and well-known manufacturers such as Jung, EVN Lichttechnik, Houben, Paulmann, Brumberg Leuchten, Hera, Philips lamps, LEDVANCE, ABB Stotz, LTS Licht&Lighten as well as Oligo, Relco, BEGA Gantenbrink, Berker and Zumtobel Licht.

 

eibabo - technology store

 

Catalogue content:


In this eibabo® catalogue Light control > Transformer for low voltage light system/low voltage halogen lamp you will find items from the following product groups:

Item overview:

  • Ambient light
  • Cable system
  • Control gear
  • Control unit
  • Halogen transformer
  • Interior light
  • Interior lighting
  • Lamp transformer
  • Low voltage
  • Mounting accessories
  • Operating devices
  • Outdoor light
  • Plug transformer
  • Safety transformer
  • Security converter
  • Switching power supply
  • Transformer


from the following manufacturers:

Manufacturer overview catalogue Low-voltage transformer:

  • ABB
  • BEGA Gantenbrink
  • Brumberg
  • EVN
  • Gira
  • Hellum
  • Houben
  • Jung
  • LEDVANCE
  • Nobile
  • Oligo
  • Paulmann
  • Relco
  • Scharnberger+Has.
  • SLV
  • Trafo-Technik-Hoppecke


 
It is often not enough to mount lightbulbs in the ceiling, in the wall, in the stairs or in the closet. Especially with built-in lights, transformers are often required, which reduce the voltage... read more »
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Low-voltage transformer – converter of electrical voltage

It is often not enough to mount lightbulbs in the ceiling, in the wall, in the stairs or in the closet. Especially with built-in lights, transformers are often required, which reduce the voltage to 12 volts or another value. But why are transformers necessary at all? In this text you will learn more about low-voltage transformers, how they are used and which criteria you should consider when purchasing.

What are lighting transformers?

Low-voltage transformers are important operating devices for lights. These are devices for converting a certain voltage to another voltage. In many cases, the 220 volts at the input of the device is converted to 12 volts at the output of the device. On the one hand, this reduction serves to ensure safety, because a 12 volt voltage does not pose a danger to life and limb when touched. This also ensures that the lamp does not fail in the event of voltage peaks. In other words: a transformer protects against short circuits and overheating and is a device that makes it possible to switch the light on and off.

Source: eibabo®, LEDVANCE HTL225/230-240 Halotronic transformerImage: LEDVANCE HTL225/230-240 Halotronic transformer

Do transformers affect the lifespan of the lamp?

How long a lamp works depends on its quality, frequency of use and duration of use. Frequent switching cycles have an effect on the service life, especially with conventional light sources. Continuous operation of the light bulbs can also lead to wear and tear and premature failure. In principle, a transformer connected in front of it has no influence on this. However, the device 'smoothes out' fluctuations in the energy supply and can thus positively influence the service life of a classic light bulb. In this regard, it should be noted that even transformers can burn out over time. However, this happens very rarely and also depends on the quality of the device. In times when conventional light sources are increasingly being replaced by modern and long-lasting LED technology, the question of consumption and efficiency is often asked in contrast to lifespan.

Is a 12 volt bulb more economical than a 220 volt bulb?

It is widely believed that 12 volt incandescent lamps save electricity compared to 220 volt incandescent lamps. However, that is not true. Saving electricity depends on the power and not on the voltage.

How do I find the right transformer for my lighting?

Because transformers are commonly used with recessed lights, we'll stick with this type of lighting. It depends on the lamps used which transformer you need. For safety reasons, the use of low-voltage lights is strongly recommended, especially in rooms with high humidity. If you use LEDs, you need a different transformer than with classic halogen lamps. So before you choose one or the other transformer, you have to decide on a specific light source. The service life of LEDs is usually more than 50,000 hours. These are therefore much more durable than comparable halogen lamps. In addition, the heat generated by LEDs is significantly lower, which is an advantage for built-in lights without air circulation. Disadvantages of LEDs are the higher price and the special nature of the light emission. Their light is generated by a directed luminous flux, which can quickly lead to signs of fatigue. Therefore, LEDs are mainly used as accent lighting in the background (in cupboards and shelves, as an orientation light on the stairs). A lamp with halogen lamps is typically recommended for the basic lighting of a room.

Basically, we distinguish between low-voltage transformers:

  • Devices that have a winding and work by means of induction
  • Devices that are exclusively electronically controlled

 

Transformers with winding are primarily used with halogen lamps. These consist of two copper windings (coils), which interact with each other through an electromagnetic field and can thus reduce the voltage. The electronic transformers reduce the mains voltage using electronic circuits. These devices are therefore the newer generation and offer the following advantages over conventional transformers:

  • light and compact
  • high degree of protection against short circuits
  • almost silent operation
  • Protection against overload and overheating
  • Soft start possible

 

With these features, longevity is achieved for both the transformer and the halogen lamps.

 


Already knew

Electronic transformers have an efficiency of over 95%. Transformers with coils achieve an efficiency of around 80%.


 

When using LEDs you need a different type of transformer. Please note that these devices are not interchangeable with the transformers for halogen lamps, even if they have the same nominal power and output voltage. In a halogen lamp, the filament serves as the light source. The lighting of an LED is based on completely different physics. Here, electric current flows through a diode and releases some of the energy in the form of light photons. This difference in the generation of light places individual demands on the respective electronic transformers, for example:

Transformers for halogen lamps generate an AC voltage. This has positive and negative pulses and is not suitable for continuous operation of an LED. An LED is operated with direct current. Although many LEDs have a rectifier, the conversion can lead to increased heat generation and thus to a shorter service life.

For example, in the case of transformers for halogen lamps, the average output voltage is 12 volts. In reality, however, this value is not constant and can vary up and down. These can be voltage peaks when switching or depend on the mains voltage at the input, the connected load and the ambient temperature. A halogen lamp can cope with these fluctuations without being damaged. An LED cannot do this.

LEDs have significantly less power than halogen lamps. An electronic transformer for halogen lamps requires a certain base load in watts in order to function properly. If this base load is not reached, the light flickers, shines too weakly or not at all.

Is it possible to dim halogen lamps and LEDs with a transformer?

Regardless of whether you are using a conventional or an electronic transformer, dimming 12 volt halogen lamps is usually always possible without any problems. It is only important that the individual components are compatible with each other.

TIP

Typically, so-called leading edge dimmers are combined with conventional transformers, whereas trailing edge dimmers are used for electronic transformers. If you are not sure, choose a universal dimmer from our range.


If you want to dim LED lamps, all interacting components must be marked accordingly. This means that both the transformer and the LEDs themselves, as well as any ballast that may be required, must be dimmable.

Which low-voltage transformers does the eibabo® shop offer?

At eibabo® you will find an extensive range of lights and the right low-voltage transformers for your lighting installation. In addition to dimmer transformers and DALI switching power supplies, we also carry low-voltage transformers, plug-in transformers, safety transformers, electromagnetic transformers, power supplies, ballasts and Tronic transformers. Most of the devices can be used for direct installation as well as for flush mounting. You get exactly the low-voltage transformer you need in the well-known high processing quality as well as with optimized efficiency and a perfect range of functions. We only offer high-quality products from well-known and well-known manufacturers such as Jung, EVN Lichttechnik, Houben, Paulmann, Brumberg Leuchten, Hera, Philips lamps, LEDVANCE, ABB Stotz, LTS Licht&Lighten as well as Oligo, Relco, BEGA Gantenbrink, Berker and Zumtobel Licht.

 

eibabo - technology store

 

Catalogue content:


In this eibabo® catalogue Light control > Transformer for low voltage light system/low voltage halogen lamp you will find items from the following product groups:

Item overview:

  • Ambient light
  • Cable system
  • Control gear
  • Control unit
  • Halogen transformer
  • Interior light
  • Interior lighting
  • Lamp transformer
  • Low voltage
  • Mounting accessories
  • Operating devices
  • Outdoor light
  • Plug transformer
  • Safety transformer
  • Security converter
  • Switching power supply
  • Transformer


from the following manufacturers:

Manufacturer overview catalogue Low-voltage transformer:

  • ABB
  • BEGA Gantenbrink
  • Brumberg
  • EVN
  • Gira
  • Hellum
  • Houben
  • Jung
  • LEDVANCE
  • Nobile
  • Oligo
  • Paulmann
  • Relco
  • Scharnberger+Has.
  • SLV
  • Trafo-Technik-Hoppecke
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Transformer cable system 50W 12V dim black - Transformer LV lamp 50W 230V/12V 1002691
5,337.52₹ excl. VAT

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plus shipping
(10,405.07₹ RRP***)
Transformer cable system 50W 12V dim black - Transformer LV lamp 50W 230V/12V
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| 1002691
Transformer cable system 50W 12V dim chrome - Transformer LV lamp 50W 230V/12V 1002693
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(10,780.03₹ RRP***)
Transformer cable system 50W 12V dim chrome - Transformer LV lamp 50W 230V/12V
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Electronic converter 10-60W - Transformer LV lamp 186173
1,139.87₹ excl. VAT

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(2,273.18₹ RRP***)
Electronic converter 10-60W - Transformer LV lamp
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| 186173
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