Connecting lights to a CTB16PCg3 via transformer plug or direct plug?

[rdornhart]

Hi,

 

Do I risk ruining my CTB16PCg3 (16 Channel Controller 240v) if I connect string lights that have a transformer?

 

The majority of my lights connected to the power via a transformer plug that takes 240v to 24v.

 

I have been told I should be purchasing lights that are 240v direct without a transformer.  If I use lights with a transformer and I am doing anything other then on/off I risk ruining the controller or the lights/transformer.

 

Cheers.

 

[dgrant]

I believe the controller is switchable to 240volt, so supposedly it should be fine. However, it would be doing on/off's, fades and ramps, based upon a 0-240 volt range. Please don't hold me to this as I'm truly not sure. "if" I'm correct, then you could run the 110 volt circuits/strings at a maximum of %50 and not higher, possibly achieve the desired results. Just carefully set the intensity levels, fades, twinkles and etc...to no more than %50. Someone else in here will no doubt correct me and I hope they do. Its early here, one cup of coffee so the brain isn't going full blast yet. I have to now wonder if the controller HWU can program a limit on each channel? Anyway, this is a lot of interesting possibilities and by no means am I saying it can be done this way. Best Wishes for you!

[plasmadrive]

Hi,

 

Do I risk ruining my CTB16PCg3 (16 Channel Controller 240v) if I connect string lights that have a transformer?

 

The majority of my lights connected to the power via a transformer plug that takes 240v to 24v.

 

I have been told I should be purchasing lights that are 240v direct without a transformer.  If I use lights with a transformer and I am doing anything other then on/off I risk ruining the controller or the lights/transformer.

 

Cheers.

There are a couple of things to worry about here. 

1.  The controllers are not meant to work with inductive loads.  Though your transformers on single light strings are small, The are still inductive and could cause issues like they won't shut off once they are on. You could blow a triac but less likely with such a small load.

2.  The transformers in the lights are not meant to be dimmable with a phase angle type of controller.  This is most likely where you cause serious issues.  Those transformers,(if that is truly what they are), are most likely to over heat and possibly burn.  They could become a fire hazard if they don't just fail first.

 

Are you sure you have transformers and not power supplies on those lights?  Either way, it is not a great idea to try to dim or control them with the LOR controller.

 

Whoever gave you the advice to buy 240v lights... it was good advice... take it..

 

Craig