Component identification on Landscape Lighting Transformer

[Stevelin9]

Hi everyone,
.
I have a relatively new landscape lighting step down transformer 120VAC to 12VAC. There is a component about 1/2" x 1/2" x 1" with 4 solder points that is wired in series between the mains and the primary and also the secondary and the output lugs on the case. The circuit looks something like this (with a 4p header in place of the component, and an LED connected to the output of the appliance):




Can anyone tell me what this component is and what it's purpose is? It has burned out (visibly) and if bypassed all together (on the primary and secondary side of the transformer) the desired 12V output is achieved. I dont however want to risk any of the LEDs.

Thank you.

Steve

 

[Minder]

Looks like a common mode choke/suppresor.
M.

 

[shrtrnd]

Can you show us a picture of it?
I'm thinking like Minder, some kind of custom transient voltage suppressor of some kind?

 

[Stevelin9]

 

[Stevelin9]

So, if it is just a filter / suppressor, what risks would I run operating the transformer without it? After it's removal, there's nothing in the box other than a standard iron core transformer and a fuse.

 

[Minder]

If there is no electronics, timers etc, then it should not be a problem, I would fuse the unit as tight as possible with maybe a fast-blo fuse take care of any transients etc, with landscape wiring of any large area, I have found it is usually lightning effects in the low voltage circuits that cause the most havoc, and a input transient protector does nothing in this case.
M.

 

[Stevelin9]

No electronics to speak of. There was a timer controller unit, but as I wanted to control via a z-wave switch, that has all been bypassed already. I misspoke earlier when I said that there was a fuse. It is actually a push button breaker mounted to the chassis. Being not home at the moment I cant tell you what it is rated at. Theoretically, its a 150W transformer and at 12vac, it's probably a 15 or there about.

Thanks for the responses.

 

[shrtrnd]

Your picture has a part number on it.
What's the company name at the top? JAxxxxx (glare from the light, can't read it)
Are the rest of the markings:
DN11
15-15Q-1106?

 

[Stevelin9]

I can pull it apart again tonight and look, but that picture was taken a few weeks ago, and I'm at work now.
I did search for every name / set of numbers on the device and came up with nothing, but I may not have the best places to search.

 

[shrtrnd]

Do you have any literature from the company that sold the unit? Might they sell replacement parts for it?
Is there a listing for a repair service for your model that you might be able to buy parts from?
Just some other things to check into.