Why do Malibu transformers insist to be mounted outdoors?

[jim.scharf]

Why do the Malibu transformers insist on being mounted outdoors?

Their instructions strongly insist on this
http://www.intermatic.com/images/instruction_sheets/MLV_powerpacks.gif

But when I ask even electrical engineers "WHY" - I don't get a straight answer. Theories include:
- Heat dissipation
- That they only paid to have the UL certify it as an outdoor product


I'd prefer to mount it indoors (like the previous one in the house I bought was mounted) for both cosmetic and electrical outlet reasons.

[NCSULandscaper]

you talkin indoors like a garage? If so it should not matter

[jim.scharf]

Yes, indoors like attached to a concrete wall in my basement.

I mean - I have transformers (i.e. for under-cabinet lighting) in my house already - I can't understand why they're so insistent that it be outdoors (they specifically call this out in their FAQ page).

I've sent the manufacturer an email - I'll post their answer if they reply.

[Stonehenge]

My guess is the heat they generate - those get hotter than pro models. Get them in an enclosed area and near something flammable and there could be problems.

[Bill Schwab]

Smaller transformer, tightly wound, less venting. Even though they will work inside, they stress the point for liability more than anything.

Personally, we don't use Malibu brand for three reasons.

First, hey are for sale at any popular garden center. We try to set our work apart from our competitors by choosing lights that don't look like the mass produced stuff.

Second, you get what you pay for. Malibu has made some significant strides in changing it's product line over years. At one point they were so poorly made that when we hit them accidentally with a trimmer line the shafts would explode. the UV rays from the sun had more to do with that than our equipment, but nonetheless, we got hung for replacing the stuff.

Third:

Malibu does not offer anything with the amounts of power we need to run the light runs in the systems we install. I would recommend tanking the transformer you have and getting one from Vista or Nightscapes, and I would calculate the wattage you need or will expand to in the future and up it as necessary.

A good professional style transformer is going to set you back $280-$600.00 depending on how much punch you need, but worth every penny you will pay.

If you have to run what you have in hand, I see no reason other than the typical CYA policy as to why the transformer cannot be used inside a garage for example. There have been numerous systems we have upsold over the years where a Malibu unit was in the garage, and obviously there were no problems or they would not have ran it there.

[jim.scharf]

I respect the posts by the professionals - I know that Malibu is consumer-grade, but I had an existing setup with a mere 4, 11-watt bulbs - Malibu metal lights that light a path - I wanted to just replace the old transformer whose timer had failed.

I got through to their tech support and they said that UL won't certify it for indoor use b/c if mounted indoors, UL would want the wire to run through conduit until it reached the ground, and the Malibu units don't have knock-outs for conduit.

Seems like this is a new-ish UL rule b/c the old (10-15 years??) Malibu/Intermatic unit I had wasn't marked with this warning.