Low Voltage Transformers

Low Voltage Transformers for 12V Lighting

Low voltage lighting transformers reduce the mains supply to the low-voltage AC output used by compatible 12V lamps. Commonly found in MR16 downlights and other low voltage light fittings, they provide the power needed to keep an existing lighting installation working.

Our range includes Varilight and Aurora transformers, with compact designs for downlights and round transformers for compatible light fittings. Choose a replacement for an existing installation or an LED compatible model when upgrading suitable lamps from halogen to LED.

Can I Use a Halogen Transformer with MR16 LED Lamps?

Some halogen transformers work with LED MR16 lamps, but compatibility depends on the lamp and transformer combination. One common issue is the minimum load: an older transformer designed to power a halogen lamp may need more power to be drawn than a replacement LED uses.

For example, a 5W LED lamp falls below the minimum load of a transformer marked 20-60W. This can cause flickering or prevent the lamp from lighting. Choosing a suitable LED compatible transformer with a low or zero minimum load helps overcome this issue.

Varilight YT50LZ: An LED Compatible MR16 Transformer

The Varilight YT50LZ low voltage transformer has no minimum load and is suitable for compatible 12V AC LED lamps. It is a useful option when retaining existing MR16 fittings and replacing an older transformer.

Varilight specifies a maximum load of 25W for LED lamps on the YT50LZ, compared with its 50W halogen rating. Its nominal output is 11.5V AC, designed for compatible 12V AC lighting. Features include soft start, overload protection, short circuit protection and over-temperature protection.

Choosing a Replacement Low Voltage Transformer

When replacing a transformer for downlights or another light fitting, use the existing label and your lamp details to identify the right model. The main points to match are:

• Output: Choose the voltage and AC or DC supply required by the lamps.
• Load: Add together the actual wattages of the connected lamps and follow the manufacturer's loading guidance for LED or halogen.
• Minimum load: Make sure the connected lamps meet any minimum requirement.
• Size and connections: Check that the replacement fits the available space and suits the fitting's connections.

Our range also includes Aurora round electronic transformers for compatible existing light fittings.

Dimmable Transformers for Low Voltage Lighting

For dimmable MR16 LED lighting, choose dimmable lamps, a dimmable transformer and a compatible LED dimmer switch. These components work together, so the combination matters as well as the rating of each individual product.

If you are keeping an existing dimmer, let us know its make and model alongside the lamps you want to use. We can help you choose a suitable transformer.

Do I Need a Transformer or an LED Driver?

Traditional low voltage lighting transformers provide an AC output. LED strip and many other LED fittings require a DC power supply, available in our LED drivers range. The lamp or fitting's specification identifies which supply it needs.

If you are replacing a complete downlight, mains voltage GU10 downlights offer another option. They use replaceable GU10 lamps and operate without a separate low voltage transformer.

Need help finding a replacement transformer? Send our lighting team a photograph of the existing transformer's label and details of the lamps it powers, and we can help you select a suitable replacement.