Selecting a Transformer

The transformer is the key to a low-voltage system. It reduces standard line-voltage to 12 or 24 volts, which is safe to the touch. Tech Lighting transformers are standard for 120 volt input. 277 volt and other input voltages are also available.

To calculate which transformer you need for your system:

• Add up the wattages of the lamps you’ll be using on the system.
• Choose Magnetic or Electronic.
• Decide on 12 volt or 24 volt.

The total output wattage of the transformers determines the total wattage of the elements that can be used on the system. For example, a 300 watt transformer can power up to six 50 watt heads (6 x 50 = 300).

There are several transformer options from which to choose. Knowing the advantages of each will help you to select the best transformer for your application.

Magnetic Transformers

• Highly reliable
• Can be power both halogen and LED elements.
• Widde range of output wattage
• Dimmable with the correct low-voltage magnetic dimmer.
• Magnetic remote transformers have multiple secondary power taps to compensate for variations in voltage.

Electronic Transformers

• Much smaller and lighter than magnetic transformers
• Resettable at the wall switch in the event of a system short circuit.
• 12 volt electronic remote and surface transformers are available in a variety of output options.
• Not all electronic transformers can be used to power LED elements.
• Dimmable with a low-voltage electronic dimmer.

12 Volt

• For runs up to 30 feet.
• 12 volt transformers are most common.
• Elements use 12 volt lamps, readily available in a range of wattages and beam spreads.
• A 12 volt transformer can power a run with 300 watts per power feed (600 watts for a dual-feed), running up to thirty feet in each direction from the power feed.

24 Volt

• For runs up to 60 feet.
• Best suited for installations with limited power feed locations.
• Elements must use 24 volt lamps, which are not as widely available and offer fewer beam spreads.
• A 24 volt transformer can power a run with 600 watts per power feed (1200 watts for a dual feed canopy), running up to sixty feet in each direction from the power feed.
• 24 volt transformers cannot be used on Two-Circuit MonoRail.

Dimming

• All Tech Lighting transformers are dimmable with the appropriate dimmer.
• Use a low voltage magnetic dimmer for a magnetic transformer.
• Use a low voltage electronic dimmer for an electronic transformer, or a standard incandescent dimmer where indicated.
• The dimmer is placed on the line voltage side of the input line.
• It is v ery important to use the compatible dimmer type: failure to do so will substantially shorten the useful life of the transformer.
• Remote transformers are generally placed outside the room, so any buzzing that may be caused by dimming is not noticeable. If using a remote magnetic transformer and a buzzing noise is apparent, a debuzzing dimming coil may be wired in Series on one of the 120 volt input lines.

MonoRail Transformers

LED Compatible Transformers

• If you are using LED heads or pendants, be sure to choose a transformer that is compatible with LED fixtures. When using LED fixtures we do not recommend using greater than 70% of specified maximum wattage on the transformer due to inrush current.

Remote Transformers

• A remote transformer with power feed canopy provides the cleanest look.
• Remote transformers install in an accessible location behind the ceiling or wall. They requires a canopy or special power feed.
• 60 watts to 600 watts.
• 12 Volt or 24 Volt.
• Electronic or Magnetic.
• Standard or LED Compatible.
• Dimmable.
• In-wall recessed remote transformers are also available for magnetic 300 and 600 watt models for use in applications where a remote transformer is desired but there isn’t access to a remote location.
• Remote Transformers are available with a plug option. A 16' cord and plug allows the transformer to be plugged into a standard 129V power outlet instead of being hardwired.
• Must be used with a Power Feed (below).
• Power Feed Canopy and Power Extender shown below.

Surface Transformers

• Decorative surface transformers will be visible.
• Best suited where there is an existing junction box in a finished ceiling.
• The surface transformer has an integral power feed, so there is no need for a separate power feed.
• Must be placed within range of the rail or cable run.

Pass-Through Surface Transformers

• Sleek, minimalist design; the MonoRail practically hugs the ceiling.
• Easy to install.
  Simply mount and wire the upper canopy in much the same way a standard line-voltage pendant would be mounted. Then connect the rail connector to the rail. Finally, snap the lower canopy into the upper canopy, no tools required. The components click together automatically making the electrical connections.
• Dimmable.
• Can be used with 1" Standoffs.
• Not compatible with Pre-Bent S Curve or Pre-Bent 90° Curve MonoRail.
• Available for Halogen or LED lights.
• Currently available in Bronze or Satin Nickel finish.

Low Profile Transformers

• As easy to install as the Pass-Through Transformer, Simply mount and wire to a standard 4" ceiling junction box, connect the rail connector and snap the canopy together. The rail drops below the canopy using a Power Extender.
• Dimmable.
• Available for Halogen or LED lights.
• Currently available in Bronze or Satin Nickel finish.

Mini Surface Transformers

• The industry’s smallest 300 watt surface transformer.
• Only 1. 4" deep and 5.25" in diameter
• It practically disappears on the MonoRail system.
• Dimmable.
• Constructed of die-cast aluminum.
• Mounts to a standard 4" ceiling junction box.
• Can be used with 2" or greater Standoffs and a Power Extender.
• Available for Halogen or LED lights.
• Currently available in Bronze or Satin Nickel.

Surface Transformers

• Your MonoRail run must be placed so it runs directly beneath the junction box with surface transformer or power feed canopy.
• A surface transformer simply mounts to a junction box.
• Available in Single-Feed or Dual-Feed.
• 60 watts to 600 watts.
• 12 Volt or 24 Volt.
• Electronic or Magnetic.
• Dimmable with compatible dimmer.
• Available for Halogen or LED lights.
• Currently available in Bronze, Black, Chrome, Satin Nickel and White.
  Black and White finish options have Satin Nickel feeds.

Remodel Recessed Transformer

• The remodel recessed transformer provides the same clean look of a remote transformer but doesn’t require access to a remote location.
• Add a power extender to your canopy or surface transformer for a drop over a few inches. The maximum standard drop for MonoRail is eight feet.
• Available in Low-Profile or Extendable Single-Feed.
• Available in 150 watt or 300 watt Electronic Transformer.
• Dimmable with compatible dimmer.
• Currently available in Bronze, Chrome, Satin Nickel and White.
• Remodel Recessed Transformers install in a similar fashion as remodel recessed downlights.
  • They are concealed inside a housing that recesses above the ceiling. Will not work with concrete ceilings.
  • The decorative canopy is the only visible portion of the transformer once installed.
  • Remodel Recessed Transformers look similar from below the ceiling to the power feed canopies used with remote transformers and are preferred for their clean look.
  • An additional benefit they have over remote transformers is that they do not require access to a remote location because the transformer sits just above the ceiling.
  • Not compatible with all finished ceilings. An electrician will need to install the Remodel Recessed Transformer in close proximity to an existing junction box, drill through the finished ceiling in the location where the Remodel Recessed Transformer will be installed, and cover the existing junction box with the provided field-paintable metal cover.
  • In new construction, an electrician can simply bring power to the Remodel Recessed Transformer directly.
  • The Remodel Recessed Transformer has an integral power feed so there is no need for a separate power feed; however, the transformer must be installed directly above the rail run.
  • Insulation must be kept at least 3 inches away from the transformer and housing.
  • This transformer is equipped with fast-acting short circuit and overload protection that will safely turn off the system should a short occur.
  • Once the short is removed, the unit can be reset by simply flipping the wall switch off and back on.

Recessed Can Transformer

• Use a Recessed Can Transformer to retrofit an existing recessed down light to power a MonoRail system.
• Mounts to any recessed can that is 6-1/4" to 6-1/2" in diameter and has “C” shaped hooks on the inside can wall.
• Screw in like a light bulb, then hook to the inside of the can like the existing trim.
• Compatible with 2" Rigid Standoff.
• Includes White canopy, Antique Bronze, Chrome or Satin Nickel Power Feed and 150 watt electronic transformer.
• Dimmable with a low-voltage electronic dimmer.
• ETL classified for use with a number or Juno, Halo, Cooper Lighting, Capri Lighting, Thomas Lighting, Progress Lighting and other recessed cans.
• Tech Lighting does not distribute or sell, is not affiliated with, nor is it endorsed by any of these companies.

Power Feed Ceiling Canopies

• Power Feed Canopies are available in Single-Feed, for use with one single-feed remote transformer and Dual-Feed, for use with one dual-feed remote transformer (isolating connectors included).
• Ceiling Mounted Power Feeds currently available in Bronze, Black, Chrome, Satin Nickel and White.
• A Power Vault Adapter allows a Power Feed to adjust to any angle.

Power Extender

• A Field-cuttable Power Extender added to a power feed canopy or surface transformer drops power from the ceiling. For dual-feed canopies and transformers, order two.
• Available in 3", 6", 12", 24", 36", 48" and 96", field-cuttable.
• Currently available in Bronze, Chrome and Satin Nickel.

Wall Direct-End Power Feed Canopies

• Wall Direct-End Power Feeds bring power from a remote transformer to the rail at an end of the run and mounts to a wall.
• They are Round, Square or Rectangular.
• The Round or Rectuangular mount to a standard 4" junction box.
• The 2" Square Direct-End Power Feed mounts to a special 2" square junction box (included).
• They are available in Bronze, Chrome or Satin Nickel.

Remote End & Center Power Feeds

• End and center power feeds bring power to a MonoRail system when the transformer cannot be located directly above the run.
• The power feed can be mounted to a standard 4" junction box, directly to a Remote Transformer or to a Kable Lite Surface Transformer.
• The End Power Feed pushes into an end of the MonoRail and includes a removable 4" round canopy and 12' field-cuttable softwire leads.
• The Center Power Feed can be used anywhere within the run and includes a removable 4" round canopy and 12' field-cuttable softwire leads. It is available in single-feed or dual-feed for use with a dual-feed transformer.