Transformers

How does a transformer work?

A transformer, also known as a trafo, ensures that voltage and/or current are converted to a higher or lower voltage and/or current, with as little energy loss as possible. Lighting often involves converting mains current (230 Volts) to a lower voltage (12 or 24 Volts), which the lamps in question use. A transformer contains two coils; the primary coil and secondary coil. In the primary coil, a magnetic field is generated that changes quickly. This is also called the alternating current. In the secondary coil, a lower induction voltage is then generated. 

What happens to the strength of electricity when it passes through a transformer?

This is best explained using an example where a transformer converts the current from the mains voltage (230 Volts) to 12 Volts, for example for a GU5.3 (MR16) LED Spot. Suppose that a transformer draws 100 Watts of power, then a current of 0.44 Ampere flows through the primary coil. Then 8.33 amps will flow through the secondary coil when the current is converted to 12 volts (100 Watts : 12 volts = 8.33). As you can see, the number is higher at a lower voltage, which means that more current can be drawn in that case.

Which LED lights work with 12 Volts??

Would you like to know which 12V LED lights you can buy online from Lampdirect? To give you a complete picture, in the table below we have listed all 12V LED lamps. For convenience, on the right-hand side of the table you can see which conventional lighting is being replaced. Would you like to see all products from a particular category of 12 Volt LED lighting? Click then on the desired product.

What is an electronic transformer?

This type of transformer is most commonly used when it comes toLED transformers. Here 230 Volt (50 Hz) is converted to 12 Volt. An electronic transformer has a certain capacity. The amount of power is important to know when buying LED lighting. There must be a minimum amount of power connected in order for the transformer to work. This is how it works: LED lamps consume significantly less power than halogen lamps. There is therefore a chance that this lower total power of all LED bulbs could fall below the minimum value of a halogen transformer. And that can cause your lamps to not light up or to flicker. To prevent this, there are electronic transformers available. You can connect both LED lamps and halogen lamps to this transformer.

When do I need a transformer?

The answer to this question is very simple. You need a transformer if you want to connect lighting that operates on a voltage other than mains current, such as 12 Volt or 24 Volt. PLEASE NOTE: not all transformers are suitable for LED lights. It is also good to know that LED lights always work with a transformer with a direct current (DC). If you want to connect LED lamps of 12 Volts to a transformer with an AC voltage (AC), the LED lighting will break down after some time. The letters AC or DC are indicated on the transformer. It is also advisable not to put a maximum load on an electronic (LED) transformer in connection with its service life. 

How do i connect a transformer?

You connect a 12V transformer between the connected lighting and the network current (230V). The primary connection is the incoming mains current. The secondary connection is the low voltage. PLEASE NOTE: it is possible that your current transformer is not suitable for the lamps that you wish to connect. As mentioned earlier, this may have to do with the minimum load of the transformer. Suppose that you want to connect three 4 Watt lamps (= total 12 Watt) to a transformer with a minimum load of 20 Watt, then your lamps will start to flicker. Therefore, use a transformer that can also handle 12 Watts in this case. Place the transformer out of sight as much as possible, for example behind a wall or ceiling.

Can I dim LED lights with a transformer?

Yes, you can. However, to dim lights you need a dimmable transformer. You place this between the dimmer and the connected bulbs. The dimmer in turn ensures that the transformer is also dimmed. In other words, the transformer gives off a little less power, which automatically dims the connected bulbs.

What is the minimum load of a 12 V transformer?

The minimum load of a 12 Volt transformer is always stated on the product. If, for example, it says 35 - 105 W, this means that the minimum load is 35 Watts. In other words, you must connect at least 35 Watts of lighting to ensure that the light continues to burn at full strength and does not start to flicker or blink.

Advantages of transformers

The Osram Halotronic transformers have a low power loss as a result of their high energy efficiency. They can also fit into small installations, due to their compact size. Other advantages include: 

• Dimmable on the leading edge (without HTN) and trailing edge
• Strain relief suitable for different cable types (HTM)
• Protective operation throughout the entire partial-load range for long bulb life

The Transformers range by Osram

In this range we have 3 types of Osram Halotronic transformers, depending on the wattage of your bulb:

• 20W – 70W: Osram HTM 70VA 230V
• 35W – 105W: Osram HTM 105VA 230V
• 50W – 150W:  Osram HTM 150VA 230V