Why is a transformer needed?  The main reason is because landscape light fixtures use a very low voltage.  The reason the lights use a low voltage is because anything that uses a higher voltage would easily short out and stop working the second the sprinklers turned on.  Another reason that low voltage is used is that is saves you a lot of money on your energy bill and allows you to safely string up and connect several lights to each other without straining the circuit breakers of your home.

What kind of transformer should you buy? This answer is totally dependent on your needs.  Do you need a transformer that turns on at a specific time?  Do you want the transformer to handle 30-50 lights or only 10?  By answering a few of these simple questions you can get a more clear understanding of what you want to accomplish with a landscape lighting transformer.  Most of the yard light transformers include features such as:

• Day and night timers
• Go up to 600+ amps
• Use extremely low current
• Energy Saver Mode
• Work with rechargeable solar lights
• Store solar energy in a battery bank

As you can see landscape lighting transformers have really improved.  Most of the time people plug these transformers into a wall plug in their garage, or in a wall plug out on a patio.  It is better to put your transformer outside if possible because many transformers have a light sensor to automatically turn on your yard lights when it gets dark.  We hope we have answered some of your questions regarding landscape lighting transformers and hope that you get to enjoy the benefits of landscape lighting soon!