Item #1001 513 030

Model SL-45-12A

USE AND CARE GUIDE

TRANSFORMER

Questions, problems, missing parts? Before returning to the store,

call HamptonBay Customer Service
8 a.m. - 7 p.m., EST, Monday Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., EST, Saturday

1-855-HD-HAMPTON

HAMPTONBAY.COM

THANK YOU
We appreciate the trust and confidence you have placed in Hampton Bay through the purchase of this transformer. We strive to continually create
quality products designed to enhance your home. Visit us online to see our full line of products available for your home improvement needs. Thank
you for choosing Hampton Bay!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .........................................................2  Hardware Included ................................................................ 4 
Safety Information ........................................................2  Package Contents ................................................................ 4 
Warranty .........................................................3  Installation ................................................................... 5 
What is Covered .................................................................... 3  Operation ................................................................... 8
What is Not Covered .............................................................. 3 Troubleshooting ......................................................... 10
Pre-installation ............................................................4  Cable Selection Chart .............................................. 10
Tools Required ................................................................... 4

Safety Information
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR INJURY.
♦ Do not install within 10 feet (3 m) of a pool, spa or fountain.
♦ For use with low voltage outdoor landscape lighting system only.
♦ There are no serviceable parts inside the power supply unit. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE.
♦ Do not submerge transformer.
♦ Do not connect two or more transformers in parallel.
♦ Do not use with a dimmer.
♦ Plug the power supply unit directly into a GFCI wet location outlet.
♦ Do not use an extension cord.
♦ The maximum output of this transformer is 45 watts. Do not overload the transformer. Be sure that the total cumulative wattage of all 12
volt fixtures connected to the transformer is equal to or less than 45 watts. 

PLEASE NOTE: This landscape light system must

be installed in accordance with all local codes and
ordinances. If you are experiencing problems,
contact a qualified electrician.

WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not

expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.

Note:This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

2
Warranty
WHAT IS COVERED
The manufacturer warrants this transformer to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from date of
purchase. This warranty applies only to the original consumer and only to products used in normal use and service. If this product is found
to be defective, the manufacturer’s only obligation, and your exclusive remedy, is the repair or replacement of the product at the
manufacturer’s discretion, provided that the product has not been damaged through misuse, abuse, accident, modifications, alterations,
neglect or mishandling.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED

This warranty shall not apply to any product that is found to have been improperly installed, set-up, or used in any way not in accordance
with the instructions supplied with the product. This warranty shall not apply to a failure of the product as a result of an accident, misuse,
abuse, negligence, alteration, or faulty installation, or any other failure not relating to faulty material or workmanship. This warranty shall
not apply to the finish on any portion of the product, such as surface and/or weathering, as this is considered normal wear and tear.
The manufacturer does not warrant and specially disclaims any warranty, whether express or implied, of fitness for a particular purpose,
other than the warranty contained herein. The manufacturer specifically disclaims any liability and shall not be liable for any consequential
or incidental loss or damage, including but not limited to any labor / expense costs involved in the replacement or repair of said product.
Contact the Customer Service Team at 1-855-HD-HAMPTON or visit www.HamptonBay.com.

3 HAMPTONBAY.COM
Please contact 1-855-HD-HAMPTON for further assistance.
Pre-installation
WARNING: Use only CSA or UL approved low-voltage
cable. Failure to use at least 16 gauge minimum cable
or install it as directed in these instructions may result
in Risk of Fire or Electric Shock. Using large cable will
ensure maximum light output.

TOOLS REQUIRED

Phillips
screwdriver
Electrician
Claw hammer
knife

HARDWARE INCLUDED

NOTE: Hardware not shown to actual size.

PACKAGE CONTENTS

Part Description Quantity

A Transformer 1
B Photocell 1
C Mounting Template 1
Hardware pack
y AA Screw 4.8X30. (QTY 4)
D 1
y BB Screw 3.5X15 (QTY 2)
y CC Wall anchor (QTY 4)

4
Installation
Connecting the Cable to the
1 Preparing the Cable
2 Transformer
Being careful when splitting NOT to expose the copper wire, remove Lay the transformer on a flat, stable surface and insert the stripped
the landscape wire insulation 1/2 in. from both wires and twist ends. end of one wire under the terminal clamping plate “COM”. Then
Also, refer to strip length guide on the transformer. tighten the screw. Repeat this procedure for clamping plate “12V” or
“15V”.
See cable selection chart for correct voltage tap.

NOTE: Gently pull on the landscape wire to

verify if the connection is strong.

NOTE: Verify that there are no loose cable strands.

WARNING: Risk of Fire

Make sure there is no wire insulation under the clamping
plate and firmly tighten the terminal screws.

5 HAMPTONBAY.COM
Please contact 1-855-HD-HAMPTON for further assistance.
Installation (continued)
Placing Your Fixtures and Routing
3 the Cable 4 Attaching Your Fixtures
Lay your fixtures (not included) out where you want to locate them. Turn the transformer on. Attach your fixtures to the cable to using
Be sure they do not exceed the 45-watt rating of the transformer. cable connectors as shown. Place one connector on each side of
Route the low voltage cable to the fixtures. If there is extra cable, the cable, then press together to lock. Prongs will pierce
coil after the last fixture. the cable to make contact and your fixtures should light up.
Turn the transformer on. Attach your fixtures to the cable using the
cable connectors as shown. Press the connector tight onto the cable
WARNING: Risk of Fire
until the prongs pierce the cable insulation. The fixture should light
Be sure to leave minimum of 10 feet (3m) of wire
on.
between the power pack and first fixture.

6
Installation (continued)

5 Mounting the Transformer 6 Mounting the Photocell

To mount directly to a wall surface use the included screws (AA) as Mount the photocell (B) bracket on a wall or other solid surface with
shown, suitable for mounting within 12 in. to 48 in. (0.3 m to 1.2 m) the screws (BB) provided. Snap the sensor into the bracket. Route or
of the ground. When installing the screws, the spacing between the coil the excess wire to protect it from lawn mowers, trimmers, etc.
screw centers is 3.23 in. (82 mm). See the template (D) for correct Avoid pointing the sensor at nighttime light sources such as
spacing. Hang the transformer (A) onto the screws (AA). windows, porch lights, and street lights.

Placing the sensor in areas receiving less sunlight at dusk (east side
of house, behind trees and bushes, under a deck) will have the
transformer come on earlier in the evening. Mounting the photocell in
brighter locations will have the transformer come on when it has
become darker out. The location, position and orientation of the
photocell can be adjusted until the transformer turns on at the
desired light level.
If the wires to the photocell are cut or broken, the photocell can
be replaced. Unscrew the photocell connector cover from the
transformer and pull the bi-pin connector out of the mating socket.
The replacement part is inserted into the socket and the cap is
screwed back onto the socket to provide a water tight connection.
Note that the bi-pin connector is polarized and can be inserted into
the socket only one way. The photo eye operation can be tested by
turning the transformer mode to TEST.
Replacement photocell is available in the store.
Cover the connection hole with the dust cap when no photocell
control wire is connected.

7 Protecting or Hiding the Cable

Once all fixtures are in place and you are satisfied with their
locations, the cable may be covered with mulch or buried up to
6 in. (15 cm) deep. Leave about 12 in. (30 cm) of cable after the
last fixture.

WARNING: Risk of Fire

DO not coil cable around transformer. Total bulb
wattages must not exceed a maximum of 45 watts.

7 HAMPTONBAY.COM
Please contact 1-855-HD-HAMPTON for further assistance.
Operation

1 Setting the Clock

This setting allows you to set the clock to local time.
2 Operating in Manual Mode
This setting allows you to immediately turn the lights on and turn them
a) Press MENU until CLOCK LED indicator is lit and the digit indicator off when you no longer need them.
is flashing. Then press OK. a) Press MENU until MANUAL ON/OFF LED indicator is lit and then
b) When AM and PM begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow press OK.
button to select AM or PM and press OK. b) The MANUAL ON/OFF mode is now set to ON. Press the UP arrow
c) When the Hour begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow to button to turn on the lights. Press the DOWN arrow button to turn off
desired hour and press OK. the lights.
d) When the Minute begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow to
desired Minute and press OK.
e) The Clock setting is now complete.
NOTE: To scroll through the clock settings more
quickly, press and hold down the UP and DOWN
arrows.

3 Setting PHOTOCELL AUTO ON/OFF 4

This setting allows the photocell to turn the lights on at dusk and off
Setting PHOTOCELL ON / TIME OFF
This setting allows the photocell to turn the lights on and you set the
at dawn. time they go off.
a) Press MENU until the PHOTOCELL AUTO ON/OFF LED indicator is lit a) Press MENU until the PHOTOCELL ON / TIME OFF LED indicator is lit
and then press OK. The PHOTOCELL AUTO ON/OFF mode is now and press OK. The display shows "OFF".
activated. The digit display shows the current time and the AM/PM b) When AM and PM begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow
LED indicator stays lit. button to select AM or PM and press OK.
b) The start delay time is 0.1 sec. ± 1 sec. ; The off delay time is 60 c) When the Hour begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow to
sec. ± 10 sec. desired hour and press OK.
d) When the Minute begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow to
desired Minute and press OK.
e) The setting is now complete. The PHOTOCELL ON/ TIMER OFF LED
indicator stays lit and the display shows the current time. The lights
will automatically turn on at night and will turn off after a set time
interval.

8
Operation (continued)

5 Setting the TIME ON/OFF 6 Using the TEST function

This setting allows you to control the time the lights turn on and This setting allows you to test your landscape lighting after
when they will go off. installation.
a) Press MENU until the TIME ON/OFF LED indicator is lit and press Press MENU until the TEST LED indicator is lit and press OK.
OK. The digit display shows "ON". The time of photocell feeling the external light signal: the lights will
b) When the AM and PM LED begin to flash, press the UP or DOWN turn on at dusk and off at dawn within 0.5 seconds.
arrow button to select AM or PM and press OK.
c) When the Hour begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow to NOTE: When using the TEST function during
desired hour and press OK. daylight hours with the photocell installed on the
d) When the Minute begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow to transformer, be sure to completely cover the
desired Minute and press OK. photocell for the lights to turn on. The photocell
e) The display shows "OFF" indicating that you can now set the OFF needs to sense darkness in order to function, even
time. in TEST mode. If no photocell is installed on the
f) When AM and PM begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow transformer, the lights will turn on regardless of
button to select AM or PM and press OK. daylight when using the TEST function.
g) When the Hour begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow to
desired hour and press OK.
h) When the Minute begins to flash, press the UP or DOWN arrow to NOTE: If you do not press "OK", the transformer
desired Minute and press OK. defaults enter into the presently-set function
within 10 seconds. In other modes outside of
TEST, the transformer defaults enter into the
presently -set function within 30 seconds.

7 Power outage
In the event of a power outage the transformer functions may need
8 Display Auto Shut-down
In TEST mode, the display and LED indicator lights on the transformer
to be reset. turn off after approximately 10 seconds of idle time. In all other
modes, this auto shutdown occurs after approximately 120 seconds.
Press any button to turn on the transformer display.

9 Restoring the Factory Settings

To restore the transformer to its original factory settings, press and
hold the OK button for 3 seconds. The display shows 88:88 and
resets to 12:00 after 1 second to indicate that the transformer is now
restored to factory settings.

9 HAMPTONBAY.COM
Please contact 1-855-HD-HAMPTON for further assistance.
Troubleshooting
Problem Probable Cause
y Check that the transformer power is on.
y Check if there is a loose connection at the transformer screw
All of the lights fail to work
terminal with the cable.
y Check that the power switch is not in an OFF setting.
y Check the connector to make sure the wire barbs have pierced the
landscape cable.
Only some lights work
y Halogen or incandescent bulbs (if applicable) can be burned out. Use
caution as the bulb can be hot.
The lights are on during the day y The photocell is mounted in a dark area which causes the lights to
turn on unnecessarily.
y The photocell is mounted in an area that has too much constant light
The lights do not switch on at dusk
at night ,preventing the system from turning on.

Cable selection chart

12 VOLT TAP Cable Length
Total Fixture Wattage 0-50 feet 51-100 feet 101-150 feet
0-60 Watts 16 AWG 16 AWG 14 AWG
61-120 Watts 16 AWG 14 AWG 12 AWG
121-180 Watts 14 AWG 12 AWG Not recommended
181-240 Watts 14 AWG 12 AWG Not recommended
240-300 Watts 12 AWG Not Recommended Not recommended
600W =(2x300) Watts 12 AWG Not Recommended Not recommended
900W =(3x300) Watts 12 AWG Not Recommended Not recommended

15 VOLT TAP Cable Length

Total Fixture Wattage 0-50 feet 51-100 feet 101-150 feet
0-60 Watts 16 AWG﹡ 16 AWG 16 AWG
61-120 Watts 16 AWG﹡ 16 AWG 12 AWG
121-180 Watts 14 AWG﹡ 14 AWG 12 AWG
181-240 Watts 14 AWG﹡ 14 AWG 12 AWG
240-300 Watts 12 AWG﹡ 12 AWG Not recommended
600W =(2x300) Watts 12 AWG﹡ 12 AWG Not recommended
900W =(3x300) Watts 12 AWG﹡ 12 AWG Not recommended
﹡Not recommended for Halogen Landscape.

NOTE: This data is provided as a general

guideline. Actual performance will depend
on the installation layout, the fixtures, and
the condition of the cable.

10
Questions, problems, missing parts? Before returning to the store,
call HamptonBay Customer Service
8 a.m. - 7 p.m., EST, Monday Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., EST, Saturday

1-855-HD-HAMPTON

HAMPTONBAY.COM
Retain this manual for future use.