Single-phase transformer 230 V / 12 V
12 V AC · the “220 V / 12 V” · 63 VA to 20 kVA · IP00, IP23 or IP54 · made in France
4.9 · 16 reviews100 VA8.33 A at 12 V
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- 2-year warranty · wound and tested in Gailhan
Key features
This 230 V to 12 V transformer — the “220 V to 12 V transformer”, since 220 V is the former name for the 230 V mains — steps the single-phase mains down to 12 volts AC: low-voltage lighting (halogen lamps and spotlights, garden and patio lighting), control circuits and any equipment designed for 12 V AC. The primary and secondary are two separate windings. From 63 VA to 20 kVA, open frame (IP00), with a ventilated cover (IP23) or in a sealed housing (IP54): it is wound and tested in our workshop in Gailhan, in the Gard (southern France).
It supplies 12 V AC (marked 12 V AC or 12 V ~). A 12 V DC motor or pump, a car radio, a battery or an LED strip marked 12 V DC needs a power supply: see the next section.
The current is twenty times higher than at 230 V: 50 W of halogen lamps 10 m away already need 6 mm² cable to stay below a 3 % drop. Work out the cable size before you run the cable.
220 V is the former name for 230 V: a 220 V to 12 V transformer connects to the same mains and gives the same 12 V. Off load, you will measure slightly more: about 12.7 V on the 100 VA, 12.4 V on the 1,000 VA.
When should you use a 12 V transformer?
- 12 V halogen lamps and spotlights, low-voltage light fittings and pendants.
- 12 V AC garden, patio and path lighting.
- LED bulbs and spotlights marked 12 V AC or 12 V ~ (the marking is on the lamp).
- Control circuits: relay and contactor coils, 12 V AC solenoid valves.
- 12 V AC doorbells, chimes and small automation systems.
- Test benches, models and teaching equipment running on AC extra-low voltage.
It works on 50 and 60 Hz supplies and delivers AC: for 12 V DC, see the next section.
12 V AC or 12 V DC?
Check the rating plate on your device. The marking tells you which product you need.
- Small 12 V AC motors and automation systems
- 12 V garden and patio lighting
- 12 V AC relays, contactors and solenoid valves
- 12 V halogen lamps and spotlights
- 12 V AC doorbells and chimes
- LED bulbs marked 12 V AC
Specifications of the 230 V / 12 V transformer
Values for the selected configuration: 100 VA · IP00.
- Voltage
- 230 V AC (formerly 220 V)
- Rated current
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- Terminals
- 1 (0 V) · 2 (230 V) · earth
- Recommended protection
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- On-load voltage
- 12 V AC
- No-load voltage
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- Rated current
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- Terminals
- 3 (0 V) · 4 (12 V)
- Recommended protection
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- Type
- Dry-type transformer, two separate windings
- Core
- EI laminations, flux density 1.2 T
- Insulation class
- H (180 °C)
- Temperature rise
- 50 °C, 40 °C maximum ambient
- Standards
- EN 61558-2-4 and EN 61558-2-6
- Thermal protection
- On request
- IP rating
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- Overall dimensions L × W × H
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- Weight
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- Mounting
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- Altitude
- 3,000 m maximum
- Connection
- Screw terminals up to 55 A (630 VA on this model), lugs above
From 10 to 20 kVA, losses and efficiency are available on request.
Ratings and prices
From 63 VA to 20 kVA. Above that, or for another voltage, on request.
| Rating | 12 V current | Primary fuse | 12 V protection | No-load / load losses | Efficiency | Weight | Dimensions (mm) | Price ex VAT |
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| 63 VA | 5.2 A | aM 2 A | aM 6 A | 2 / 3.5 W | 92.1 % | 1.5 kg | 75 × 68 × 73 | €47.42 |
| 100 VA | 8.3 A | aM 2 A | aM 10 A | 3 / 5.4 W | 92.0 % | 2 kg | 84 × 82 × 78 | €57.42 |
| 160 VA | 13.3 A | aM 2 A | aM 16 A | 4 / 8.6 W | 91.9 % | 2.5 kg | 96 × 89 × 87 | €63.25 |
| 200 VA | 16.7 A | aM 2 A | aM 20 A | 5 / 9.4 W | 93.0 % | 2.6 kg | 118 × 97 × 97 | €66.58 |
| 250 VA | 20.8 A | aM 2 A | aM 25 A | 5 / 11.9 W | 93.2 % | 3.9 kg | 108 × 95 × 100 | €78.25 |
| 300 VA | 25.0 A | aM 2 A | aM 32 A | 6 / 14.6 W | 93.0 % | 4 kg | 108 × 103 × 94 | €80.75 |
| 400 VA | 33.3 A | aM 2 A | aM 40 A | 8 / 14.7 W | 94.2 % | 6 kg | 126 × 122 × 108 | €102.42 |
| 500 VA | 41.7 A | aM 4 A | aM 50 A | 10 / 18.2 W | 94.4 % | 6.8 kg | 126 × 110 × 115 | €112.42 |
| 630 VA | 52.5 A | aM 4 A | aM 63 A | 11 / 24.4 W | 94.4 % | 9 kg | 150 × 124 × 126 | €132.42 |
| 750 VA | 62.5 A | aM 4 A | aM 80 A | 15 / 23.3 W | 94.9 % | 10.3 kg | 150 × 120 × 135 | €144.92 |
| 1 kVA | 83.3 A | aM 6 A | aM 100 A | 18 / 29.8 W | 95.2 % | 14 kg | 150 × 144 × 127 | €175.75 |
| 1.6 kVA | 133.3 A | aM 8 A | aM 160 A | 19 / 46.9 W | 95.9 % | 16.4 kg | 180 × 140 × 160 | €219.92 |
| 2 kVA | 166.7 A | aM 10 A | aM 200 A | 19 / 60.3 W | 96.0 % | 20 kg | 180 × 160 × 160 | €243.25 |
| 2.5 kVA | 208.3 A | aM 12 A | aM 250 A | 24 / 67.4 W | 96.4 % | 24 kg | 180 × 180 × 150 | €250.75 |
| 3 kVA | 250.0 A | aM 16 A | aM 315 A | 29 / 131.5 W | 94.6 % | 29 kg | 180 × 200 × 160 | €288.25 |
| 4 kVA | 333.3 A | aM 20 A | aM 400 A | 42 / 107.9 W | 96.2 % | 33 kg | 240 × 190 × 220 | €425.75 |
| 5 kVA | 416.7 A | aM 25 A | aM 500 A | 45 / 121.7 W | 96.7 % | 36 kg | 240 × 200 × 220 | €458.25 |
| 6.3 kVA | 525.0 A | aM 32 A | aM 630 A | 56 / 127.5 W | 97.1 % | 40 kg | 240 × 210 × 220 | €483.25 |
| 7.5 kVA | 625.0 A | aM 40 A | aM 800 A | 56 / 160 W | 97.1 % | 46 kg | 240 × 230 × 220 | €548.25 |
| 10 kVA | 833.3 A | aM 50 A | aM 1000 A | —* | —* | 75 kg | 390 × 150 × 470 | €1,012.42 |
| 15 kVA | 1250.0 A | aM 80 A | on request | —* | —* | 80 kg | 390 × 160 × 470 | €1,145.75 |
| 20 kVA | 1666.7 A | aM 100 A | on request | —* | —* | 95 kg | 390 × 170 × 470 | €1,279.92 |
aM fuses sized for the rated current; alternatively, a type D circuit breaker of the same rating. * 10 to 20 kVA: catalogue weights and dimensions, losses on request.
Cable size on the 12 V side
Voltage drop depends on the current and the length. Aim for less than 5 % (3 % for lighting).
| Cable size | Drop | Voltage at the device | Drop (%) | Verdict |
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Copper cable, resistivity 0.0225 Ω·mm²/m (at operating temperature), outgoing and return conductors, reactance ignored. “Too small for this current”: current-carrying capacity of a PVC-insulated copper cable in conduit, two loaded conductors, for guidance only. Final sizing is the installer's responsibility (IEC 60364; NF C 15-100 in France).
Connection and dimensions
Extracts from the datasheet: diagram, terminal block and dimensions.
PDF · specifications, ratings and part numbers, protection
Primary protection
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12 V protection
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As close as possible to the transformer, on the 12 V outgoing circuit.
Safety
- Connection with the power off, by a qualified person.
- Earth connected before switching on.
- IP00: inside a closed cabinet or enclosure.
Standards, warranty and options
A standard transformer, made in Gailhan and also available in other voltages.
Frequently asked questions
About the 230 V / 12 V single-phase transformer, the “220 V to 12 V”.
Does this 230 V to 12 V transformer supply DC?
No: it supplies 12 V AC. A 12 V DC motor or pump, a car radio or a battery needs a 230 V / 12 V DC power supply; LED strips or spotlights marked 12 V DC need a 12 V LED power supply, sized for their current.
220 V to 12 V or 230 V to 12 V transformer: what is the difference?
None: 220 V is the former name for the 230 V mains. A 220 V to 12 V transformer connects to the same mains and gives the same 12 V.
Which rating should I choose?
Add up the power of the lamps or equipment supplied at 12 V, multiply by 1.25 and take the next rating up: four 50 W halogen spotlights make 200 W, i.e. 250 VA; 1,300 W of equipment needs 1,625 VA, so a 2 kVA transformer. The calculator above the table does this for you.
Why do I measure more than 12 V?
Off load, the voltage is slightly higher: about 12.7 V on the 100 VA and 12.4 V on the 1,000 VA. It falls to 12 V when the transformer delivers its rated current. Measure with your multimeter set to AC (V~).
What cable size on the secondary?
At 12 V, a 0.36 V drop is already 3 %: 50 W of halogen lamps 10 m away need 6 mm² cable, and the current doubles when the power doubles. The cable size calculator works it out for your installation; moving the transformer closer to the lamps is often the best solution.
How do I connect a 230 V to 12 V transformer?
The 230 V supply goes to terminals 1 (0 V) and 2 (230 V), and earth to the primary earth terminal; your 12 V equipment is fed from terminals 3 (0 V) and 4 (12 V). The connection diagram is on the datasheet.
What protection should I install?
On the primary, an aM fuse or a type D circuit breaker rated for the primary current: 2 A for the 100 VA, 6 A for the 1,000 VA. On the secondary, protection rated for the 12 V current: a 10 A aM fuse for the 100 VA, 100 A for the 1,000 VA. At switch-on, the transformer draws about twelve times its rated current; the protection rating for each size is given in the table.
Can I connect 12 V LED bulbs to it?
Yes, if they are marked 12 V AC or 12 V ~: this is the case for many LED bulbs that replace halogen lamps. LED strips and spotlights marked 12 V DC need an LED power supply: see AC or DC.
Electronic or conventional transformer?
This 12 V AC transformer is wound on a laminated steel core: it supplies an AC voltage at mains frequency and handles halogen lamps as well as control loads (relays, solenoid valves). An electronic transformer, which is lighter, is a switch-mode power supply designed for a given range of lamp wattages.
IP00, IP23 or IP54: which should I choose?
IP00: open-frame transformer, to be installed in a cabinet or enclosure. IP23: ventilated cover, for a dry room. IP54: moulded housing up to 630 VA, sealed enclosure above that, protected against dust and splashing water, for sheltered outdoor use. All about IP ratings.
Is it a safety isolating transformer (SELV)?
Yes: 12 V AC is an extra-low voltage, and this transformer complies with the current standards, EN 61558-2-4 and EN 61558-2-6 (safety isolating transformers). In damp rooms, outdoors or near a swimming pool, the installation must follow IEC 60364 (NF C 15-100 in France): have it carried out or checked by an electrician.
Customer reviews
Reviews posted by customers who bought this transformer (in French).
Très bon produit qui me donne entière satisfaction. Merci pour la rapidité de livraison et votre compétence. Site à recommander.
Très bon produit,ne ronfle pas/plaque magnétique,ne chauffe pas, facile a câble, je recommande***
enorme odeur de colle mais fonctionne parfaitement sur les premier test
Alimentation pour un spot led piscine de 20w , parfait .
Tout est parfait et simple. Le transfo paraît de très bonne conception, robuste et bien dimensionné. Le transfo est facile à trouver sur le site, vite reçu, sans surprise, pourtant en période difficile. Un peu dérouté par le site qui ne demande pas de création de compte, mais c'est vraiment une simplification et une très bonne chose. Merci à l'équipe
Très bon produit de bonne qualité, mon appréhension etait qu’il ne soit pas silencieux mais cela n’est pas le cas.. Livraison rapide malgré le covid 19. Je recommande.
Other voltages and alternatives
12 V in toroidal or sealed versions, other voltages, and power supplies for 12 V DC. See all our 230 V to 12 V transformers.