Manufacturer in Gailhan (Gard, France) since 1993

230 V to 12 V transformers

From 230 V mains, still often called 240 V in the UK and 220 V in continental Europe, down to 12 V: single-phase, toroidal and waterproof transformers for 12 V AC, and power supplies for 12 V DC. Our transformers are wound and tested in our workshop in Gailhan (Gard, France), with prices shown online.

  • 10models
  • €31.58 ex VAT€37.90 inc VATstarting price
  • 2-year warrantytransformers wound in Gailhan
  • 24 to 48 hstandard models dispatched from France
See the models Request a free quote
Single-phase transformer 230 V / 12 V
Single-phase transformer 230 V / 12 V
Toroidal transformer 230 V / 12 V
Toroidal transformer 230 V / 12 V
Garden sealed transformer 230 V / 12 V
Garden sealed transformer 230 V / 12 V
  • Dispatched within 24 to 48 h
  • Shipped from France
  • Trade account: 5 % off the whole site
  • Advice Monday to Friday, 8 am – 6 pm (French time)
Prices

Single-phase 230 V to 12 V transformers

Open frame (IP00), covered (IP23) or sealed (IP54), from small ratings up to 20 kVA: lighting, control circuits and machinery running on 12 V AC.

2 models

Toroidal 230 V to 12 V transformers

More compact, lighter and quieter than a laminated transformer, each supplied with its mounting dish.

2 models

For the garden and pool

IP68 waterproof transformers for outdoor installation, and a pool light transformer for the plant room, outside zones 0, 1 and 2 of the pool.

2 models

230 V AC to 12 V DC power supplies

A transformer gives 12 V AC. LED strips, electronics, 12 V DC motors and battery charging need a power supply.

4 models

How to choose: 230 V to 12 V transformers

AC or DC?

Check the equipment’s rating plate: if it says “12 V AC” or “~”, it runs on a transformer; if it says “12 V DC” or “⎓”, it needs a power supply.

AC/DC power supplies

Which rating?

Add up the power of the equipment, multiply by 1.25 and choose the next rating up: three 20 W spotlights need 75 VA, so a 100 VA transformer.

Which IP rating?

IP00 in a cabinet, IP23 (covered) in a dry room, IP54 outdoors under cover, IP68 (Garden Family range) installed outside.

Garden and pool transformers

Which protection?

On the 230 V side, an aM fuse or a type D circuit breaker; for a toroid, a time-lag (T) fuse. On the 12 V side, protection rated for the output current. Recommended ratings are given on each product page.

Custom-built

Can’t find your voltage or rating?

We wind your custom single-phase transformer in our Gailhan workshop: input voltage, output voltage, rating, protection.

Request a free quote Configure online

Good to know

230 V, 240 V or 220 V: the same mains supply

230 V is the nominal mains voltage across Europe, the UK and Ireland included: 240 V is its old name in the UK and 220 V in continental Europe, and both are still widely used. A transformer sold as 240 V to 12 V, 220 V to 12 V or 230 V to 12 V is therefore designed for the same supply. On our product pages, the input voltage is shown as 230 V, the standard value today.

12 V AC or 12 V DC: the first thing to check

A transformer steps the voltage down without changing its nature: it delivers 12 V AC, at 50 Hz like the mains. That is what halogen lamps, pool lights, garden lighting marked “12 V AC”, control circuits and a good deal of older equipment expect. For these, choose a single-phase 230 V / 12 V transformer, a toroidal transformer or a waterproof model.

LED strips, electronics, DC pumps and motors, and battery charging all need 12 V DC. That calls for an AC/DC power supply: a rectified unit for motors and their inrush current, a regulated switch-mode unit for LEDs and electronics. An LED fitting marked “12 V DC” may flicker or be damaged if it is connected to a transformer.

Sizing a 12 V transformer

Add up the power of everything that will be connected, multiply by 1.25 and choose the next rating up: 300 W of lamps needs 375 VA, so a 400 VA transformer. On the secondary, the current is the power divided by the voltage: 400 VA at 12 V is about 33 A. At extra-low voltage the currents are high, so keep cable runs short and use cable of adequate size, otherwise the voltage will drop before it reaches the equipment.

Wound in Gailhan, dispatched within 24 to 48 hours

Our 230 V to 12 V transformers, whether single-phase, toroidal or waterproof, are wound and 100 % tested in our workshop in Gailhan (Gard, France) and carry a 2-year warranty. Standard models are dispatched within 24 to 48 hours; delivery options and costs for your address are shown at checkout, and orders over 30 kg travel on a pallet. Need a voltage or rating outside the standard range? We build to order: request a quote for a custom transformer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a 12 V transformer and a 12 V power supply?

A transformer gives 12 V AC, at the same frequency as the mains; a power supply gives 12 V DC. The rating plate of your equipment settles it: “12 V AC” means a transformer, “12 V DC” a power supply.

Do 12 V LED lights need a transformer or a driver?

Only lamps marked “12 V AC” or “AC/DC” can run on a transformer. Strips and spotlights marked “12 V DC” need a regulated 12 V LED driver, loaded to about 80 % of its rating, or an IP67 waterproof power supply outdoors.

What size of 12 V transformer do I need?

The total power of the equipment multiplied by 1.25, rounded up to the next rating: 60 W of lamps needs 75 VA, so a 100 VA transformer; 300 W needs 375 VA, so a 400 VA.

Which transformer do I need for 12 V pool lights?

A 230 V to 12 V transformer for pool lights running on 12 V AC, such as our 300 or 630 VA swimming pool transformer. It is installed outside zones 0, 1 and 2 of the pool, in a dry place such as the plant room; the installation must follow local wiring regulations and be carried out or checked by an electrician.

Toroidal or conventional transformer: which should I choose?

For the same rating, a toroid is more compact, lighter and quieter, and is fixed with a single centre bolt. A conventional laminated transformer comes in higher ratings, and in covered or sealed versions.

Can I get 24 V from a 2 × 12 V transformer?

Yes: connected in series, the two 12 V windings give 24 V. Connected in parallel, they give 12 V with twice the current, provided you follow the winding polarity shown on the diagram on the product page. If you only need 24 V, see our 230 V to 24 V transformers.

How quickly will my order be dispatched?

Standard models leave our workshop within 24 to 48 hours. Delivery options, lead times and costs for your address are shown at checkout; orders over 30 kg travel on a pallet with Kuehne + Nagel, taking 48 to 72 hours within mainland France and 96 hours elsewhere in Europe.