Landscape Light Transformer

[JRose]

I've been wondering about a smart low voltage transformer for the new landscape lighting I'm installing. I've found a few but they're driven by Tuya, ECO Plugs or some other custom app. Not interested in another app or internet driven device. The Suraielec 200W two zone WiFi one is interesting but it's Tuya. My last house I used dumb transformers connected to Insteon outlets. Anyone found a Z-wave, MQTT or other local connection mode transformer? It's probably better and more future proof to go with dumb transformers to Z-Wave outlets but I figured I would investigate what else might be out there.

[Rupp]

I'd say use the dumb transformer with a Z-Wave, Insteon, Tuya, etc outlet and save the money for something else. It's a lot easier to replace a outlet than a blown smart transformer.

[will40]

I use a zwave relay to control the primary to my 24VAC landscape lighting transformer. Been working great for a couple of years now.

similar to this unit

https://a.co/d/27dSYEn

[Roger D]

I've used a ZV-1008 from RGBgenie for 4 different strings of under counter LED lighting.

[kenm]

I use dumb transformers with Z-wave appliance modules. Didn't see a reason to get any more complicated than that.

[windracer]

Same here ... Z-Wave appliance module connected to the transformer.

[Pete]

Started to tinker with LED outdoor lighting in 2011

I still utilize Black and Decker X10 outdoor Freewire switches with LED transformers almost 20 years now. Same for outdoor Christmas lighting.

I am also testing Wifi Tasmota modded (wifi and bluetooth) dual outdoor 120VAC switches with power logging.

Also converted all of old style glass and metal (a few Kichler) which I cannot find any more for less than $75 each to 1 watt LED lamps.

I converted the older style half moon deck lighting to tiny LED lamps a few years back.

The glass outdoor lamps are using bayonet style LEDs and are covered with a glass diffuser then inside of a glass and metal colonial style lamp.

Old style LED lighting was DIN mounted on a rail transformers inside of the basement.



This transformer is mounted outside and has a timer if you want to use it.

[kenm]

I use dumb transformers with Z-wave appliance modules. Didn't see a reason to get any more complicated than that.

Pete's post reminded me that I had re-purposed those Z-Wave modules and re-flashed a couple of Wyze dual-outlet WiFi plugs with Tasmota. I needed the Z-Wave modules as repeaters to improve network coverage.

A dual-outlet (independently controller) outdoor module for $18 is hard to beat.

[JRose]

I've used a ZV-1008 from RGBgenie for 4 different strings of under counter LED lighting.

Thanks for all the responses and reminding me to Keep It Simple. I've decided to go with the Dumb version for the Landscape lights but this is perfect for another garage project.

[ksum]

I have a dumb transformer that uses the old dial timer and pulled all the pins so it is always on. It is plugged into an outlet controlled by a light switch and have a z-wave light switch in place. That way it is easy for my wife to turn it on/off. She needs to manually control things so this helped the WAF.

[SteveW]

My heavy-duty transformer is plugged into one of these, which plugs into an outdoor-compliant outlet:

https://www.amazon.com/GE-14298-Enbr.../dp/B07VFQBBJS

It's expensive, but it has no Z-Wave range problems and it's weather-resistant.

[mulu]

Amazon actually has the Minoston on sale (15% - 20% off) for another 2 hours. I just bought one to control the fountain and the Easter bunny blow up. The one I bought also has an energy monitor built in. I will get another one with two outlets for landscape lightening, one port for the transformer (12V lights) and one for 120V lights in the backyard. Minoston Z-Wave Outdoor Plug with Energy Monitoring, Built-in Repeater Range Extender, Z-Wave Hub Required, Alexa and Google Assistant Compatible(MP22ZP): Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

[SteveW]

Good price!

[keepersg]

I use Volt lighting transformers with an Insteon on/off module . The module fits inside the transformer stainless steel box plugged into the power outlet inside. It's made to accept various kinds of timers into which the transformer power cord, also inside the box, plugs. These are bomb proof. Fifteen years--no failures, not a drop of water inside the box.

[Pete]

Here originally moved the large outdoor 300 watt AC Toroidal transformers inside the house and went to zoning the outdoor low voltage lighting using 14-16 guage wire for the different lighting zones. Documented here on the forum moving from these transformers to DIN mounted 12VDC transformers. Everything outside was protected except for the outdoor HVAC compressor which was struck by lightning and melted one day.