Critique this Transformer

[Venturewest]

I have done many searches on lawnsite for low voltage lighting transformer information. There is alot on here, but there is alot of confusion. Not just because of the depth or complexity of the information, but because of the differing opinions contractors have given.

So, to kind of summarize some of this information, I thought it would be helpful to get a critique on an 800 Watt transformer that I found on Ebay if a few of you wouldn't mind. Here is the link:

If this is junk please tell me why. Thanks alot.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEBI%3AIT&rd=1

I hope that works....I have never posted a link.

[Venturewest]

Part of what I am confused about is if there is truly value in a "no-load" transformer if such a thing exists, and are all the major players in landscape lighting offering this type....ie:

kichler, nightscaping, fx luminaire, cast lighting etc.

[NightScenes]

The first thing that I notice on this transformer, is that it is not UL1838. This is the current code for low voltage landscape lighting. It also is not a multi tap, it has 200 watt circuits instead of 300 watt and the lugs are way too small. This is a VERY cheap transformer. I prefer the Kichler Pro series transformers. The FXL transformer is also very good. You can ask a hundred different designers about transformers and get a hundred different answers about their favorite one. I like the Kichler best because of the 12 thru 15 volt taps. The taps are also very large so you can put up to 9 12awg wires into one lug. I also like the breakers instead of the fuses that some transformers have. The best thing to do is try only the best ones. The others will cost you more in the long run.

[Gilla Gorilla]

I just looked at the listing and then scrolled down to the bottom and looked at his other listings. Those tell the story in them selves, one hampton bay transformer and the other is malibu lights. Bottom of the barrel home owner stuff.

[NightScenes]

There ya go!!

[YardPro]

junk

all good transpromers are 300 watt legs
they have multi tap connections..

$250 list for that thing.... they are full of BS

i like the vista's
up to 15volt taps
breakers
stainless steel

[Venturewest]

Good info guys. I didn't realize how bad it was. Are there any good online sources for the Kichler or Vista transformers. I am not sure who here carries either. Ewing carries FX Illuminaire and my other main supplier only has Nightscaping. I will check out the websites.

[NightScenes]

You could contact Longhorn irrigation supply at www.longhorninc.com or Terradek landscape lighting supply at www.terradek.com or California Landscape Lighting at www.callite.com . I believe they all carry Kichler and Vista.

[Frog Lights, LLC]

Please take a look at out high end transformer line that FP series. This is made by the same company that makes Vista. It is UL, Multi tap, stainless, built in timer, remote photo eye and the price is right. Life time warranty. We never had one fail. Merry Christmas to all

[YardPro]

noel...
i have a question..
you say build in timer???
the vista, hadco, etc DO NOT have built in timers.
thier reason for this is that the timer is the most prone to failure... so thiers are plug in's ...

why do you make yours a made in timer??????