Malibu Low Voltage Landscape Transformer 200W Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Power Pack for Outdoor Spotlight Path Light Floodlight 120V to12V with Photo Sensor Timer and Weatherproof Shield

Direct replacement for the old one I had. Works great.

This thing is a solid beast. We put in landscape lighting several months ago and I went round and round on which transformer I wanted. Finally, I decided not to be a cheapskate and spend a small bit more on something that seemed a bit better. I suppose when it comes to matters of electricity, we shouldn't be cheap!The transformer is solid. If you were to judge a product on it's shear weight, then this would be a winner just by that!. I attached it to my house using some fairly hefty bolts and it hasn't moved since.Programming it may be a bit tricky if you don't read the directions properly (yes I made that mistake at first and was a bit frustrated). But once you follow the directions, it works exactly as described. I was a bit worried about whether the photo eye would work properly. It has worked every day without fail and is much better than a timer that has to be reprogrammed if the power goes out. One thing to note is that the photo eye only activates the transformer when it's basically completely dark out. So, if you want it to engage when it's more dusk than dark, then you are going to have to do the timer.

The first transformer I received had a faulty "photo sensor"...the device that activates the circuit for low voltage lighting when it gets dark. It did not pass the test in the Malibu instructions. The sensor is a tiny part that plugs into the transformer and can easily be replaced. Malibu gives a part number and customer service number to call to obtain a replacement. Calling that number connected me to a representative (for whom English was not his primary language) who was very insistent on giving me a "free" $100 gift card. All I needed to do was provide some personal information. I did not want a free $100 gift card. I wanted to talk to someone about a replacement Photo Eye. I could not get past this individual, and when I refused to sign up for the card, he hung up on me. I contacted Amazon and the Amazon representative also tried working with the Malibu number without success. Ultimately the heavy and expensive transformer was shipped back to Amazon and Amazon shipped me a replacement transformer. The replacement transformer is working as expected so far. When shopping for this item on Amazon I saw a number of different brands all using images of what appears to be the same product. If the same product is being sold under multiple brand names, I would suggest, based on my experience, selecting a different brand. Perhaps the instruction sheet from a different brand would provide contact information for a legitimate customer service facility should assistance be required.

UPDATE - If your unit fails to operate properly, try disconnecting power for a few minutes to "REBOOT". Leave the lights in the on position to drain down the timer keeper battery. Then plug the unit back in.My unit went into a failed on mode. I thought the photo sensor had failed, ordered a replacement and installed. That did not fix the problem. Upon cycling the power as described above, the unit returned to proper operation. You will note that the 300W model includes a reset button. ORIGINAL REVIEW - I needed a controller that came on at dusk and went off at a pre-specified time each night. This unit has that capability and performs just as desired, combining the photo-cell to turn on at dusk and the internal digital clock to turn off at a set time. My previous Malibu timer incorporated a simple mechanical wheel with trigger stops to set fixed on and off times and needed to be adjusted as day length and dusk time changed. That unit lasted more than 25 yrs before becoming unreliable. The outward quality and case material of the new unit are the same heavy duty plastic as the previous- which is about the only material that will last here beside a pool and brackish waterway.

Breaker popped after putting 8 12 Watt lights on the line. Thinking it could be the light I tried three different lights but each time I went over 8 lights on the line the breaker would pop at half it’s rated value.Update: Purchased identical unit and it was able to light entire string. Only difference was push button breaker was red on the unit that worked and was black on the unit that kept tripping. Bought third one which had red breaker which worked just fine. If breaker is black then be sure to test.

Unit in place for 18 months now. Two lines coming off of it, one about 100" and the other near 85'. In total 9 LED lights on it. Not stressing it out really with that much footage or wattage (total of 72 wats of lights). I have in the pool house, covered but still in an environment of cold, hot, and humid. Keeps time well, Easy to adjust for DST and throughout the year for dusk/dawn times. Really recommend.

It replaced a similar Malibu 150W transformer that is about 12 years old. I would hope this one will last as long. I just use auto setting so cannot speak to all the timer settings. Installation was simple with masonry drill and inserts with the screws. The wired light sensor would allow the transformer to be located indoors. However mine is outside just like before.

Great purchase so far!! Installation was slightly challenging because the template for hole placement that is included in the directions is slightly off. I ended up having to drill a second set of holes and created my own template with a piece of paper lined up directly with the holes on back of the transformer. Needless to say, 2nd set of holes was perfect and I’m happy with the outcome. Utilizing the various functions is simple with this transformer! Very minimal hum that haven’t noticed since the first time I plugged it in. Very pleased with purchase, but it’s only been a week since installation. Will update if I have any issues.