rbinvest
Aug 24, 2009, 07:45 AM
I had some LED light bars for small hallway directional signs that are run 24/7 produced by a supplier who also provided the transformers. 4 of 8 units have gone dim after 4 weeks. I am having the (120 to 12v) transformers replaced with a new brand. Is there a difference in transformer brands? What makes a 12v transformer more reliable than another? Why do they fail? How can I avoid this happening again?
tkrussell
Aug 24, 2009, 08:02 AM
Most transformers are very resilient, and I have no opinion of one brand over another.
I will say, look to see what the country of origin is.
If China, then I suspect that may be one reason. Not a conspiracy nut, but I am of the opinion that prodcuts made in China will work for a while, then fail. Most of these items are so small or inexpensive, that the owners rarely go through the trouble of getting a new prodcut or credit for the failed part.
And China gets to build more crap for us.
The units may be overloaded. Need to confirm the wattage or VA (volt-amperes) rating of the transformer, and know what the load is in watts or VA of the LED lights. Transformers should be sized at least 25% larger than the load to be served.
rbinvest
Aug 24, 2009, 10:36 AM
Thanks! I'll look into the load and sizing issues.