Hampton Bay Transformer

Use and Care Guide

Model: SL-200-12A

Item #: 1001 509 809

For questions, problems, or missing parts, contact HamptonBay Customer Service:

8 a.m. - 7 p.m., EST, Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., EST, Saturday

Phone: 1-855-HD-HAMPTON

Website: HAMPTONBAY.COM

Thank you for choosing Hampton Bay. We appreciate your trust and confidence.

Table of Contents

Safety Information

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR INJURY.

PLEASE NOTE: This landscape light system must be installed in accordance with all local codes and ordinances. If you are experiencing problems, contact a qualified electrician.

WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

FCC Compliance Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Warranty

What is Covered

The manufacturer warrants this transformer to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase. This warranty applies only to the original consumer and only to products used in normal use and service. If this product is found to be defective, the manufacturer's only obligation, and your exclusive remedy, is the repair or replacement of the product at the manufacturer's discretion, provided that the product has not been damaged through misuse, abuse, accident, modifications, alterations, neglect, or mishandling.

What is Not Covered

This warranty shall not apply to any product that is found to have been improperly installed, set-up, or used in any way not in accordance with the instructions supplied with the product. This warranty shall not apply to a failure of the product as a result of an accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, alteration, or faulty installation, or any other failure not relating to faulty material or workmanship. This warranty shall not apply to the finish on any portion of the product, such as surface and/or weathering, as this is considered normal wear and tear.

The manufacturer does not warrant and specifically disclaims any warranty, whether express or implied, of fitness for a particular purpose, other than the warranty contained herein. The manufacturer specifically disclaims any liability and shall not be liable for any consequential or incidental loss or damage, including but not limited to any labor/expense costs involved in the replacement or repair of said product.

Contact the Customer Service Team at 1-855-HD-HAMPTON or visit www.HamptonBay.com.

Pre-installation

WARNING: Use only CSA or UL approved low-voltage cable. Failure to use at least 16 gauge minimum cable or install it as directed in these instructions may result in Risk of Fire or Electric Shock. Using larger gauge cable will ensure maximum light output.

Tools Required

Hardware Included

Note: Hardware not shown to actual size.

Package Contents

Illustration shows the components of the package:

Installation

1. Preparing the Cable

Being careful when splitting the wire to avoid exposing the copper, remove approximately 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) of insulation from both wires and twist the ends. Refer to the strip length guide on the transformer.

Illustration: Landscape wire being split, with insulation removed to expose copper wire. A measurement of 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) is indicated. The text "Separate/Split" is shown.

Note: Gently pull on the landscape wire to verify if the connection is strong.

Note: Verify that there are no loose cable strands.

WARNING: Risk of Fire Make sure there is no wire insulation under the clamping plate and firmly tighten the terminal screws.

2. Connecting the Cable to the Transformer

Lay the transformer on a flat, stable surface. Insert the stripped end of one wire under the terminal clamping plate labeled "COM". Then tighten the screw. Repeat this procedure for the clamping plate labeled "12V" or "15V", depending on your desired voltage tap. Refer to the cable selection chart for correct voltage tap.

Illustration: Transformer terminals labeled COM, 12V, 15V. Wires are shown connected to these terminals.

3. Placing Your Fixtures and Routing the Cable

Lay out your fixtures (not included) in their desired locations. Ensure they do not exceed the transformer's 200-watt rating. Route the low-voltage cable to the fixtures. If there is extra cable, coil it neatly after the last fixture.

WARNING: Risk of Fire Be sure to leave a minimum of 10 feet (3m) of wire between the power pack and the first fixture.

Diagram: Shows a landscape scene with a transformer, cable running to multiple fixtures placed in garden beds. Arrows indicate the path of the cable. A warning box emphasizes the 10-foot minimum distance.

4. Attaching Your Fixtures

Turn the transformer on. Attach your fixtures to the cable using the provided cable connectors. Place one connector on each side of the cable, then press them together to lock. The connector's prongs will pierce the cable insulation to make contact, and your fixtures should light up.

5. Mounting the Transformer

To mount directly to a wall surface, use the included screws (AA). The mounting height should be between 12 inches to 48 inches (0.3 m to 1.2 m) from the ground. Ensure the spacing between the screw centers is 3.35 inches (85 mm), using the template (D) for correct spacing. Hang the transformer (A) onto the installed screws (AA).

Diagram: Shows the transformer (A) mounted on a wall. Dimensions are indicated: 12 in. to 48 in. (0.3 m to 1.2 m) for height, and 3.35 in. (85 mm) for screw spacing, referencing the mounting template (D).

6. Mounting the Photocell

Mount the photocell (B) bracket on a wall or other solid surface using the screws (BB) provided. Snap the sensor into the bracket. Route or coil any excess wire to protect it from lawn mowers or trimmers. Avoid pointing the sensor at nighttime light sources such as windows, porch lights, or street lights.

Placing the sensor in areas receiving less sunlight at dusk (e.g., east side of house, behind trees and bushes, under a deck) will cause the transformer to come on earlier in the evening. Mounting the photocell in brighter locations will have the transformer come on when it becomes darker.

The location, position, and orientation of the photocell can be adjusted to achieve the desired light level activation time. If the wires to the photocell are cut or broken, the photocell can be replaced. Unscrew the photocell connector cover from the transformer and pull the bi-pin connector out of its mating socket. Insert the replacement part into the socket and screw the cap back on to ensure a watertight connection. Note that the bi-pin connector is polarized and can only be inserted one way. The photo eye operation can be tested by turning the transformer mode to TEST. Replacement photocells are available.

Cover the connection hole with the dust cap when no photocell control wire is connected.

Diagram: Illustrates mounting the photocell (B) bracket and sensor. It shows examples of good placement (areas receiving less light at dusk) and bad placement (avoiding direct light sources like porch lights). It also shows the connection to the transformer and the dust cap.

7. Protecting or Hiding the Cable

Once all fixtures are in place and their locations are satisfactory, the cable may be covered with mulch or buried up to 6 inches (15 cm) deep. Leave approximately 12 inches (30 cm) of cable after the last fixture.

WARNING: Risk of Fire Do not coil cable around the transformer. Total bulb wattages must not exceed a maximum of 200 watts.

Operation

1. Setting the Clock

This function allows you to set the clock to local time.

  1. Press MENU until the CLOCK LED indicator is lit and the digit indicator is flashing. Then press OK.
  2. When AM and PM begin to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow button to select AM or PM and press OK.
  3. When the Hour begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow to the desired hour and press OK.
  4. When the Minute begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow to the desired Minute and press OK.
  5. The Clock setting is now complete.

Note: To scroll through the clock settings more quickly, press and hold down the UP and DOWN arrows.

Illustrations: Show the transformer's digital display interface for setting the clock, with options for CLOCK, AM/PM, Hour, Minute, and buttons for MENU, UP, DOWN, OK, and Choice/Set/Confirm.

2. Operating in Manual Mode

This setting allows you to immediately turn the lights on and turn them off when you no longer need them.

  1. Press MENU until the MANUAL ON/OFF LED indicator is lit and then press OK.
  2. The MANUAL ON/OFF mode is now set to ON. Press the UP arrow button to turn on the lights. Press the DOWN arrow button to turn off the lights.

Illustrations: Show the transformer's digital display interface for MANUAL ON/OFF mode.

3. Setting PHOTOCELL AUTO ON/OFF

This setting allows the photocell to turn the lights on at dusk and off at dawn automatically.

  1. Press MENU until the PHOTOCELL AUTO ON/OFF LED indicator is lit and then press OK. The PHOTOCELL AUTO ON/OFF mode is now activated. The digit display shows the current time, and the AM/PM LED indicator stays lit.
  2. The start delay time is 0.1 sec. ± 1 sec.; the off delay time is 60 sec. ± 10 sec.

Illustration: Shows the transformer's digital display interface for setting PHOTOCELL AUTO ON/OFF mode.

4. Setting PHOTOCELL ON / TIME OFF

This setting allows the photocell to turn the lights on at dusk, and you set the specific time they go off.

  1. Press MENU until the PHOTOCELL ON / TIME OFF LED indicator is lit and press OK. The display shows "OFF".
  2. When AM and PM begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow button to select AM or PM and press OK.
  3. When the Hour begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow to the desired hour and press OK.
  4. When the Minute begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow to the desired Minute and press OK.
  5. The setting is now complete. The PHOTOCELL ON/TIMER OFF LED indicator stays lit, and the display shows the current time. The lights will automatically turn on at night and will turn off after the set time interval.

Illustrations: Show the transformer's digital display interface for setting PHOTOCELL ON / TIME OFF mode.

5. Setting the TIME ON/OFF

This setting allows you to control the specific times the lights turn on and when they will go off.

  1. Press MENU until the TIME ON/OFF LED indicator is lit and press OK. The digit display shows "ON".
  2. When the AM and PM LED begin to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow button to select AM or PM and press OK.
  3. When the Hour begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow to the desired hour and press OK.
  4. When the Minute begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow to the desired Minute and press OK.
  5. The display shows "OFF", indicating that you can now set the OFF time.
  6. When AM and PM begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow button to select AM or PM and press OK.
  7. When the Hour begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow to the desired hour and press OK.
  8. When the Minute begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow to the desired Minute and press OK.

Illustrations: Show the transformer's digital display interface for setting TIME ON/OFF mode.

6. Using the TEST function

This setting allows you to test your landscape lighting after installation.

Press MENU until the TEST LED indicator is lit and press OK. The time for the photocell to sense the external light signal: the lights will turn on at dusk and off at dawn within 0.5 seconds.

Note: When using the TEST function during daylight hours with the photocell installed, be sure to completely cover the photocell for the lights to turn on. The photocell needs to sense darkness to function, even in TEST mode. If no photocell is installed, the lights will turn on regardless of daylight when using the TEST function.

Note: If you do not press "OK", the transformer defaults to the presently-set function within 10 seconds. In other modes outside of TEST, the transformer defaults to the presently-set function within 30 seconds.

Illustrations: Show the transformer's digital display interface for the TEST function.

7. Power Outage

In the event of a power outage, the transformer functions may need to be reset.

8. Display Auto Shut-down

In TEST mode, the display and LED indicator lights on the transformer turn off after approximately 10 seconds of idle time. In all other modes, this auto shutdown occurs after approximately 120 seconds. Press any button to turn on the transformer display.

9. Restoring the Factory Settings

To restore the transformer to its original factory settings, press and hold the OK button for 3 seconds. The display shows "88:88" and then resets to "12:00" after 1 second, indicating that the transformer has been restored to factory settings.

Troubleshooting

ProblemProbable Cause
All of the lights fail to work
  • Check that the transformer power is on.
  • Check if there is a loose connection at the transformer screw terminal with the cable.
  • Check that the power switch is not in an OFF setting.
Only some lights work
  • Check the connector to make sure the wire barbs have pierced the landscape cable.
  • Halogen or incandescent bulbs (if applicable) can be burned out. Use caution as the bulb can be hot.
The lights are on during the day
  • The photocell is mounted in a dark area which causes the lights to turn on unnecessarily.
The lights do not switch on at dusk
  • The photocell is mounted in an area that has too much constant light at night, preventing the system from turning on.

Cable Selection Chart

12 VOLT TAP

Total Fixture WattageCable Length (0-50 feet)Cable Length (51-100 feet)Cable Length (101-150 feet)
0-60 Watts16 AWG16 AWG14 AWG
61-120 Watts16 AWG14 AWG12 AWG
121-180 Watts14 AWG12 AWGNot recommended
181-240 Watts14 AWG12 AWGNot recommended
240-300 Watts12 AWGNot RecommendedNot recommended
600W =(2x300) Watts12 AWGNot RecommendedNot recommended
900W =(3x300) Watts12 AWGNot RecommendedNot recommended

15 VOLT TAP

Total Fixture WattageCable Length (0-50 feet)Cable Length (51-100 feet)Cable Length (101-150 feet)
0-60 Watts16 AWG *16 AWG16 AWG
61-120 Watts16 AWG *16 AWG12 AWG
121-180 Watts14 AWG *14 AWG12 AWG
181-240 Watts14 AWG *14 AWG12 AWG
240-300 Watts12 AWG *12 AWGNot recommended
600W =(2x300) Watts12 AWG *Not recommendedNot recommended
900W =(3x300) Watts12 AWG *Not recommendedNot recommended

* Not recommended for Halogen Landscape.

Note: This data is provided as a general guideline. Actual performance will depend on the installation layout, the fixtures, and the condition of the cable.

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