Why does my 12 volt transformer trip my GFCI receptacle?

I have an Amerlite 78431100 12VAC pool light (by Pentair Pool Products) fed by an Intermatic PX300 transformer. The primary of the transformer is fed by a GFCI protected circuit dedicated to the pool light. If a ground fault happens on the secondary side of the transformer, will the GFCI still trip to open the circuit and protect the pool inhabitants? It seems to me that since the load is on the secondary side of the transformer, the transformer itself will mask the ground fault such that the GFCI will not trip. Is there a special 12VAC, hi-amperage GFCI that can be installed on the secondary side of the transformer which will protect anyone in the pool if a ground fault should occur on the load side?

Well, the GFCI receptacle should be installed on the line side of the transformer. It is not designed to operate correctly on such a low voltage. I am not aware of a high amperage low voltage GFCI receptacle.

The same run applies if you decide to install a MAGNETIC DIMMER CONTROL. The GFCI would feed the dimmer, the dimmer would feed the 12 VOLT TRANSFORMER and the transformer would feed the light. Dimmers on pool lights are a very nice touch!

Hope this helps you solve your problem.

Labels: 12 Volt, Direct Burial Transformer, GFCI, Magnetic Dimmer

posted by xinger @ 7:27 PM