1 Big Reason Why Your Digital Malibu Lighting Transformer is Failing by Total Outdoor Lighting

[@thegov31]

Thank you for this video. Super helpful. I was wondering why it wouldn’t use the correct time to come on and off but it was still working at Dawn and dusk via the photo cell. Again thanks for the video.

[@Totallightingsupply]

Thank you for sharing your experience and glad you found our video helpful. A low battery can be the root cause of all sorts of issues. If you are in need of a replacement transformer we have some great options on our website www.totaloutdoorlighting.com/landscape-transformers.html 🙂

[@PubFX]

Old Malibu 200w unit, the clock display comes on and I hear a hum when I turn it to on but I don’t detect any voltage coming from wires with a 12-1000~ v Klein mini detector. Could this be the battery issue or is my detector not sensitive enough?

[@Totallightingsupply]

Hard to know for sure but it could be the battery is failing or the magnetic transformer itself is failing as they do last a long time but not forever. If you know of another 12volt device you know works you can test your detector on that device to help you pin point if your detector is not sensitive enough. Or purchase a multi-meter from your local home improvement center and test with that. Since these do produce 12volt and your lights are not coming on, I am assuming, and your detector is not sensing any voltage I would say your transformer is no long working properly. We have a few options if you find you need a new transformer here ⬇ www.totaloutdoorlighting.com/emcod-esl200w-200watt-12-15volt-led-ac-landscape-outdoor-transformer-stainless-steel-with-mechanical-timer-photo-eye.html www.totaloutdoorlighting.com/emcod-epc200w-200watt-12-15volt-led-ac-landscape-outdoor-transformer-with-mechanical-timer-photo-eye.html

[@iComplainer]

i’ve got one of these and it buzzes loudly. can tours be resolved??

[@Totallightingsupply]

Sounds like it could be on its last leg. The only other issue I can think of at the moment is If the unit is on a dimmer. Many landscape lighting magnetic transformers are not designed too dim or if they can dim buzz loudly. If it's not on a dimmer then it sounds like it maybe time to invest in a new unit. If you do need a new transformer stop by our website www.totaloutdoorlighting.com/ and we can help you out. Hope that helps 🙂

[@vvgmhod4]

I have an old Malibu transformer that is still going strong and wish to replace some landscaping lights with LEDs. Looking online I see confusing and often contradictory information about whether an "LED transformer" is better, as many assert that LED transformers are configured to be more efficient with LED bulbs. Your take? Thank you for any insight you can offer.

[@Totallightingsupply]

When it comes to LED it really comes down to the quality of the LED itself. We have been selling LED low voltage landscape lights in kits with magnetic transformers for years with little to no issues. It's when you get into dimming and wanting to control the LED independently than the other lights that specific controllers and drivers should be used. We have hundreds of customers with older transformers like yours that replace their old incandescent light fixtures with our LED fixtures and have done it without issue. You can find our lights here www.totaloutdoorlighting.com/ Have a blessed day 🙂

[@vvgmhod4]

@@Totallightingsupply Thank you for your prompt reply! What is the wattage, lumens, and light color (K reading) of the LED replacement MR16 Gu5.3 light bulb for outdoor landscapes? Thanks again!

[@wrthrash]

WARNING: I ordered their 100w unit and the photo-eye does not work. The timer trippers work great, but there is no Dusk-2-Dawn feature using just the photo-eye.

[@Totallightingsupply]

I am sorry to hear you are having issues with the photo-eye. Please contact us regarding this issue and we can help in resolving problems you are having with the transformer ⬇ www.totaloutdoorlighting.com/contacts/

[@seank819]

Every time i power it on the bulb blows out,so is the transformer bad ,or the batttery? Thanks

[@Totallightingsupply]

Hmm, if by blows out you mean the bulb literally pops then it sounds like the voltage going to the light fixture's light bulb is too high. I would check to make sure everything is wired correctly and producing the correct voltage.

[@seank819]

@@Totallightingsupply thanks

[@monsourhanoud9285]

My Malibu transformer, no matter what I select the lights automatically stay on and fail to go off. What could be the issue

[@Totallightingsupply]

If its digital then it could be a failing battery. Have you tried a different transformer?

[@hosshamidi1058]

I have a 300W Malibu and trying to figure out what’s wrong w it. The lights turn on every day at 7pm and off at 9pm. I’ve tried resetting, changing the clock, changing the timer on off times, doing dusk to dawn… but nothing does anything. Keeps turning on at 7 and off at 9. Would this be a battery issue?

[@Totallightingsupply]

Sadly, it sounds like it may be the battery as the adjustments are not being saved and it's adjusting to a default setting. If you're looking to replace it we have a few solid options with great product support here ➡️ www.totaloutdoorlighting.com/landscape-transformers/shopby/manufacturer--emcod--total-lighting-supply/max-load-wattage--300.html

[@nemesisxrox6773]

I've 'currently' been using '3' Intermatic Malibu outdoor low-voltage 'analog' timer transformers - all 3've been in use goin on "30" yrs now - 2 r finally goin on the blink this past month - strange but 2 now have basically the same similar issues - IF they go on certain days they dont go off n vice versa - times on both r consistant (that part works) - tried changing the timer pins but still not workin correctly. Been searchin for replacements (both r only 40-50w) - COULDNT find any similar transformers ! One of them is mounted INDOORS - SO an issue develops since any found anywhere seem to rely on a 'photocell sensor' to operate. Whats with that ??? Issue #2 - all 3 Transformers r operating a mix of led, some older style wedge bulb lites, & theres even a lo 10w halogen on one of the lines ---- all 3 of those old Mailbu's have worked everything for years without fail - til now - even thou some of the led style lites were added as older lites failed or were broklen a few yrs ago. I went n gave a new style a try - didnt work - wouldnt light the mix of 6 leds with the one halogen 10w style lite on the line so i returned it. Then theres issue #2 - one of the transformers is mounted at an INSIDE location - I dont want it outside - seems all new styles need OUTDOOR mounting due to the sensor crap in order to operate. Will the 40w listed on your site work for this issue ? Seems it didnt rely on the photocell AND If so what about (leds, wedge, halogen mix) ? *Remember - Intermatic Malibu's did operate for the 2 issues. Its kinda funny too - to take notice on how Bidenflation set in on transformer pricing - wasnt expecting $100 40w transformers. Not sayin the landscape lighting biz did the following BUT it does kinda remind me of the way the car industry went over the years - factories started loadin em up with features so even the cheapest terd has a/c & power everything - 'no more options'. Thou in that industry - u still hava cheap terd - only the price doubled 🙃

[@charlton5787]

Thank you for covering this, I thought for sure it was the transformer. The battery in there makes perfect sense, especially in the AZ heat.

[@Totallightingsupply]

You're welcome 🙂

[@derekgrisales6779]

How do you know when the battery is dead and is it replaceable?

[@Totallightingsupply]

@@derekgrisales6779 A big sign it's failing is that you are constantly having to reset the settings. It is unable to save the settings.

[@cannotbeshaken7889]

@@Totallightingsupply Isn't the battery replaceable?

[@Totallightingsupply]

@@cannotbeshaken7889 we have found it requires skill in soldering to replace it and from our experience most of our customers and contacts do not have this skill. but if you do it can be done :)

[@ryanhammond1865]

Ok is this why my “new” transformer timer keeps turning on at all weird hours of the day?

[@Totallightingsupply]

If your timer is digital it relies on a battery and if the battery is failing it can create all sorts of unreliable results.

[@EnergeticWaves]

is all Malibu stuff 12VAC?

[@Totallightingsupply]

I believe it all is excluding the solar lights.

[@johnsanders3290]

Great video

[@Totallightingsupply]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂