To save cost, I'm asking if it's possible to re-purpose the existing 12V a.c. 200W garden light transformer, to power the new 12V a.c. 55 pool light.
I think the only difference between pool light specific transformer and garden light transformer is that pool light specific ones are fitted with fuses.
But in my case, since the circuit is already fitted with 2A fuse within the chlorinator light outlet, any weather-proof transformer with large enough power rating would do the job.
The
short answer is that you
may not use any transformer unless it is "A safety isolating transformer complying with AS/NZS 61558." (AS/NZS 3000 - Section 7.5.3)
Hence, only if the transformer concerned is certified by the manufacturer that it complies with AS/NZS 61558 may it be used for the purpose which you intend.
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A
longer answer is : -
AS/NZS 3000 - Section 6.3.4.5
Luminaries,appliances and other electrical equipment.
The following conditions shall apply to the installation of luminaires, appliances and other electrical equipment.in classified zones.
(a) Zone 0. Luminaries,appliances and other electrical equipment shall be permitted in Zone 0 where -
(i) Designed and constructed specifically for use in a swimming or spa pool
and
(ii) Provided with the required degree of protection
and
(iii) each luminaire, appliance or other item of electrical equipment is supplied -
(A) from an individual source installed outside Zone 0
and
(B) at a nominal voltage not exceeding 12 v a.c. or 30 V ripple free d.c.
and
(C) as an SELV or a PELV system, in accordance with Clause 7.5
Luminaires in Zone 0 shall not be provided with a protective earthing conductor, in accordance with clause 5.4.3
AS/NZS 3000 - Section 7.5.3
Sources of supply by SELV and PELV
The source of supplying a SELV or a PELV system shall be
one of the following
(a) A safety isolating transformer complying with AS/NZS 61558
(b) a source of current independent of a higher voltage supply, such as an engine driven generator or an electrochemical source, such as a battery.
(
plus a few other somewhat esoteric sources of supply )
(Zone 0 is [virtually) "in water".)
