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This tip
addresses how to identify the wires running in and
out of a unmarked 12volt AC light transformer. It
does not attempt to educate you on transformers, spa
lights, electricity or how to use or read a
electrical meter.
It is critical that a transformer be wired correctly. If a
transformer is wired backwards it will burn up. A spa light transformer
takes voltage from a incoming power source, let's say 115 volts or 230
volts and steps-down that voltage so it can be used to operate a low
voltage light bulb, lets say 12 volts. A transformer normally has two
wires coming into one side of the transformer and two wires coming out of
the transformer on the opposite side.
The question at hand is, which two wires are hooked to the incoming
power source and which two wires should go to the spa light?
By
using your test meter and testing for Ohms, you can determine the answer.
The pair of wires with the highest Ohms reading are the wires which are
to be connected to the incoming power supply. The smaller Ohm reading are
the pair of wires which will run to the spa light. Do not concern
yourself with the actual Ohm reading, it will vary from transformer to
transformer, just remember, the pair of wires with the highest Ohm
reading connects to the power source.
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example: |
Left pair of wires test out at
53.9
K Ohms
(to power) |
 |
Right pair of wires test out at
.9
K Ohms
(to light bulb) |
Also Note that where each pair of wires come out of the transformer
does not
determine which connects to power or which connects to the spa light.
by: H2Oco.com |
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