Without electricity, there would be no lights. In an outdoor landscape lighting system, low-voltage transformers step down the electricity to a manageable 12V and power a low-voltage outdoor landscape lighting system. An outdoor landscape lighting system enhances the beauty and security of a space at night.
A previous blog post discussed toroidal core transformers and the benefits they offer in outdoor landscape lighting. But there is another option for low-voltage transformers in outdoor landscape lighting: EI core transformers.
Read this week’s blog post to find out more about EI core transformers and the advantages they offer for outdoor landscape lighting.
What is an EI core transformer?
EI core transformers have a basic structure. They have a core that is made from steel sheets that are laminated and in the shape of the English letters, “E” and “I”, hence their name: EI core transformers.
The E sections and the I sections that make up the core are positioned so that they form a closed magnetic loop. This core design helps to reduce energy losses and handle high power levels. Because of this, the design of the EI core is widely used.
EI core transformers are commonly used in power supplies, various electronic and industrial equipment applications, and of course, lighting systems. If a job requires a reliable conversion and regulation of power, trust that EI core transformers can do the job.
Advantages of an EI core transformer
In outdoor landscape lighting, EI core transformers have plenty of benefits such as:
- Being Cost-Effective: EI core transformers have simple and mature production processes that make them an affordable option.
- Availability of Components: If parts of an EI transformer are damaged, it will be easy to find a replacement.
- Widely Used: Other than outdoor landscape lighting, EI core transformers can be applied in various other ways and fields.
- Core Design: The design of the core is a closed magnetic circuit, which maximizes energy transfer efficiency and reduces magnetic flux leakage.
Disadvantages of an EI core transformer
When deciding whether or not EI core transformers are right for a particular outdoor landscape lighting project, consider some of its disadvantages:
- EI core transformers may be a bit noisier than toroidal core transformers. This is due to magnetostriction. Reconsider EI core transformers if they are going to be installed in a place that requires a quiet atmosphere.
- Efficiency of EI core transformers can be affected by magnetic field leakage.
- Additional shielding may be needed to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).
- More heat may be generated due to EI core transformer’s higher core losses and less efficient thermal management.
- EI core transformers might be less efficient at higher frequencies.
- Due to their stacked lamination structure, EI core transformers are usually larger and heavier and may need more space for installation.
New EI Core Transformer at LightCh8in
A low-voltage transformer is essential to any outdoor landscape lighting system. An EI core transformer is one type of transformer available at LightCh8in. EI core transformers have their own advantages and disadvantages, so check it out and see if it will work for you.
EI core transformers for outdoor landscape lighting projects are available now at LightCh8in. Register or log into a LightCh8in account to view pricing and purchase it now. Explore our wide range of low-voltage transformers and see what options are available to power any sized outdoor landscape lighting project and transform an outdoor space into the magical nighttime wonderland it was always meant to be.