DEWENWILS 200W Low Voltage Transformer (HALT04A): modes, sensor and specs

The DEWENWILS HALT04A is a 200W transformer for outdoor low-voltage lighting. It converts 120V AC household power to 12V or 14V AC, and comes with a removable photocell sensor and five operating modes, so spot lights, step lights and garden lights can switch on and off automatically.

What it converts and what it powers

Most landscape lighting runs on low voltage rather than mains. DEWENWILS says this unit converts 120V AC to 12/14V AC and works with fixtures designed for those voltages, including spot lights, step lights, LED lights and garden lights. A second output voltage is typically useful on longer cable runs, where voltage drops along the wire and fixtures at the far end may look dimmer. The manual explains the connections.

The removable photocell

The photocell is a light sensor that tells the transformer when it is dark. Here it is removable and replaceable, with a 6.8-foot (about 2 m) cord, so it can be placed away from the transformer. This is useful because a sensor placed where it isn't lit by your own fixtures or other lamps reads daylight more reliably.

Five setting modes

DEWENWILS lists these modes, selected by buttons and shown on an LED screen:

• Manual ON/OFF
• Dusk to Dawn: on at dusk, off at dawn
• Dusk ON / Countdown OFF: off after 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 hours
• Dusk ON / Timer OFF: off at a set time
• Timer ON/OFF: on and off at set times

The countdown and timer modes let you light a path for the evening without leaving the lights on all night. A memory function retains the last mode, so you don't need to set it again after an interruption.

Circuit protection

Built-in circuit protection disconnects the output during faults to protect the lights. After finding and fixing the cause, you reset the breaker to restore power.

Materials and installation

The housing is polycarbonate (PC), which DEWENWILS says endures wind, rain and sunlight and resists sea-breeze erosion. Inside is a toroidal coil, a ring-shaped transformer core that is typically compact and quiet, and the brand says it keeps energy use and noise low. The back has a fan-based heat arrangement the brand says prolongs lifespan.

Mounting uses built-in hanging holes and two nails. DEWENWILS recommends a height of 12 to 48 inches (0.3 to 1.2 m). The power cord is 3.3 feet (about 1 m), 18AWG SJTW. Connect the positive and negative terminals as the manual shows, and follow local electrical codes.

Who it suits

It suits anyone running a modest low-voltage garden or path lighting system who wants flexible scheduling, with a sensor that can be positioned separately.

What to check before you buy

• Fixture voltage: confirm your lights are designed for 12V or 14V AC.
• Total load: add up the wattage of every fixture and stay below the 200W limit, leaving headroom as the manual advises.
• Cord reach: the power cord is 3.3 feet, and the photocell cord is 6.8 feet.
• Outlet: plan a protected outdoor outlet within reach.
• Mounting height: 12 to 48 inches off the ground.
• Settings: read the manual on programming the timer modes.

The short version

• A 200W transformer, model HALT04A, converting 120V AC to 12/14V AC.
• Removable photocell with a 6.8-foot cord.
• Five modes, including dusk-to-dawn, countdown and timer settings, with memory.
• Circuit protection with a resettable breaker; polycarbonate housing.
• Mounts with two nails at 12 to 48 inches high.

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