The 6 Best Low Voltage Lighting Transformers

This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in February of 2019. While interior lighting typically runs on 120-volt power, landscaping illumination often requires much less juice. Consequently, in order to run your outdoor lights safely, your home’s current needs to be stepped down by a low voltage transformer. Here we rank these devices for durability, ease of use, and price. Note that for safety, they should be installed by a licensed electrician. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in February of 2019. While interior lighting typically runs on 120-volt power, landscaping illumination often requires much less juice. Consequently, in order to run your outdoor lights safely, your home’s current needs to be stepped down by a low voltage transformer. Here we rank these devices for durability, ease of use, and price. Note that for safety, they should be installed by a licensed electrician. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Malibu LED 200 Watt

It’s a cinch to read and program the Malibu LED 200 Watt (appx. $100), which features a bright digital display, an easy-to-use dial, and a handy code reference chart. It can turn your lamps on and off at set times or it can run them from dusk till dawn, thanks to a photosensitive eye.

Water-resistant enclosure
Heavy-duty power cord
Backed by a 1-year warranty

2. Best Pro Lighting 600W

The Best Pro Lighting 600W (appx. $190) is made with rugged stainless steel and comes with a generous, 8-foot power cord and multiple pressure taps for effortless hookup. Just lift up the door to access a panel where you can enter your desired settings using the prominent arrow keys.

Push-button circuit breaker
Quiet operation
Underwriters laboratories certified

3. Pinnacle Lights WSS

The tough, contractor-grade Pinnacle Lights WSS (about $140) is built to withstand even the harshest of weather conditions, and its easy-access wiring compartment and multi-tap design make setup a breeze. Thanks to a see-through screen, its settings can be read without opening the lid.

Lightweight at 16 pounds
Works with halogen or led bulbs
Menu is simple to navigate

4. Lightkiwi U8810

The Lightkiwi U8810 (around $230) boasts a toroidal core that’s created for reliability and high efficiency, and its locking latch keeps the door securely shut. You’ll have peace of mind knowing it’s made with both thermal and magnetic circuit breakers for double the protection.

For indoor or outdoor installation
Meets etl safety requirements
Photoelectric sensor not included

5. Moonrays 95433

The Moonrays 95433 (appx. $93) is available in three different wattage capacities and can be installed easily on an outside wall near your grounded outlet. With its waterproof metal case and substantial 18-gauge cord, it’s built to hold up to all types of weather.

Programmable up to 9 hours
Comes with mounting screws
Photocell mode can be unreliable

6. LightingWill HM-16489

Designed for use with indoor or outdoor LEDs, the LightingWill HM-16489 (appx. $32) converts AC power to DC, and it safeguards against overloads and high temperatures. Furthermore, it will automatically recover when dangerous conditions are no longer present.

Very small footprint
Leads are short
Not the most durable choice

Last updated by Christopher Thomas

Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.

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