Lighting Transformer
The Lighting Transformer tool places a transformer symbol on your plan. It documents the power supply location for a low-voltage outdoor lighting circuit.
The Lighting Transformer tool places a documentation symbol that marks the location and specification of the low-voltage power supply feeding your garden lighting circuit. It records capacity in volt-amps, input and output voltage, and any installation notes — giving installers and clients a complete, readable wiring plan. The transformer does not emit light in the 3D view; it is a planning element that anchors the electrical system alongside cable runs, junction boxes, and controllers. Place it first, then draw cable routes out to your fixtures.
Inspector fields
Name — a label for this transformer (e.g., 'Zone A Transformer'). Capacity — the wattage or VA rating. Product — optional brand and model reference for the installation specification.
Click to place the transformer symbol
Click on the canvas at the location where the transformer will be installed — typically near the electrical supply point or a wall-mounted enclosure. A transformer symbol appears at the click point and becomes selected, so its properties show in the Inspector. Press Esc to exit placement mode.
Name the transformer in the Inspector
With the transformer selected, type a meaningful label into the Name field in the Inspector — for example "Transformer 1" or "Main LV Supply". This name appears on the plan and in the cost/schedule reports.
Record the electrical specification
Expand the Details accordion in the Inspector and fill in Capacity (VA), Input Voltage, and Output Voltage. These values are carried through to the installation documentation and help verify that the transformer is correctly sized for the connected fixtures.
Add installation notes
Use the Notes field in the Inspector to record any site-specific remarks — mounting height, enclosure rating, or maintenance access requirements. Notes are printed on the delivered plan so the installer has the information on-site.
Draw cable runs from the transformer
Switch to the Cable Run tool and start the first segment at the transformer location. Trace the cable route to each junction box or fixture. The completed cable runs connect the supply to the distribution network and show the full circuit on the plan.
Place the transformer, junction boxes, and lighting controller first, then draw cable runs between them. Working from supply to distribution keeps route lengths accurate and prevents you from having to reroute cables after fixtures are already placed.
Position the transformer symbol at a location that installers and maintenance crews can physically reach — near a wall outlet, meter box, or external enclosure. Logical placement reduces questions during installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the transformer emit light in the 3D view?
No. The transformer is a documentation symbol for the electrical system and does not produce any light or glow in the 3D or photoreal view. Only fixture entities — path lights, spotlights, area lights, string lights, and LED strips — emit light.
How do I enter the transformer's VA rating?
Select the transformer, open the Details accordion in the Inspector, and type the value into the Capacity (VA) field. You can also set Input Voltage and Output Voltage in the same section. These values are for documentation only and do not affect the 3D rendering.
Can I connect cable runs to the transformer?
Yes. Use the Cable Run tool to draw routes starting from the transformer location and ending at junction boxes or fixtures. The cable runs visually connect the supply to the distribution network on the 2D plan.
Can I place more than one transformer on a plan?
Yes. Large gardens with separate circuits — front yard, back yard, pool perimeter — benefit from a transformer per zone. Place each transformer, give it a unique name in the Name field, and draw the corresponding cable runs for each circuit independently.
Where does the transformer name appear in the output?
The name set in the Inspector appears as a label on the 2D plan and is included in any schedule or specification report exported from the project. Use a clear, consistent naming convention such as "T-01" or "Main LV Supply" so the plan is easy to read on site.