Best 480V to 120V Single-Phase Transformers for Quick Power Conversion

Looking for reliable 480V to 120V single-phase transformers? This guide highlights five functional options ready for use in industrial control, electrical panels, and equipment that require a 120V output from a 480V supply. Each product is best suited for specific setups, such as with circuit breakers and varied mounting options. Use this quick reference to choose the right transformer for your application and installation needs.

Product	VA Rating	Primary Voltage	Output Voltage	Mounting	Best For
Functional Devices TR40VA013	40 VA	208/240/277/480 VAC	120 VAC	Foot or 1/2″ NPT hub	Smaller control circuits in compact enclosures
Functional Devices TR50VA008	50 VA	208/240/277/480 VAC	120 VAC	Foot and dual threaded hub	Medium-duty control panels with robust mounting
Control Transformer, 100 VA	100 VA	208/240/277/480 VAC	120 VAC	Foot or dual 1/2″ NPT hub	Higher-demand control circuits in larger enclosures
Functional Devices TR50VA015	50 VA	480/277/240/208/120 VAC	24 VAC	Foot and single threaded hub	Step-down to low-voltage control or signaling
BK-200VA 480V to 220V Transformer	200 VA	480 V	220 V	Single-phase	Industrial equipment requiring isolation and stepping down to 220V

Functional Devices TR40VA013 Transformer

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VA Rating: 40 VA. Primary: 208/240/277/480 VAC. Output: 120 VAC. Mounting: Foot or 1/2″ NPT hub. Includes: Circuit Breaker. Country of Origin: China.

Best for: Small to mid-size control panels needing a compact 120V supply from a high-voltage source. The integrated circuit breaker helps protect the transformer and downstream controls.

Why selected: This model provides a balanced footprint (3.00″ H x 3.26″ W) with dual mounting options, suitable for tight spaces where space-saving is critical.

Limitations: Not rated for enclosure finish; output is 120 VAC with 40 VA capacity, which may limit the number of downstream loads.

Functional Devices TR50VA008 Transformer

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VA Rating: 50 VA. Primary: 208/240/277/480 VAC. Output: 120 VAC. Mounting: Foot and dual threaded hub. Country of Origin: United States.

Best for: Medium-load control circuitry within a US-made product footprint and where dual hub mounting helps simplify installation in larger panels.

Why selected: The dual-threaded hub mounting adds versatility for diverse panel configurations, supporting stable mechanical installation.

Limitations: Limited product data on enclosure or finish; additional enclosure considerations may be needed for certain environments.

Control Transformer, 100 VA

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VA Rating: 100 VA. Primary: 208/240/277/480 VAC. Output: 120 VAC. Mounting: Foot or dual 1/2″ NPT hub. Enclosure: Not Rated. Country of Origin: China.

Best for: Higher-output control circuits in larger enclosures where a 100 VA transformer is appropriate.

Why selected: The 100 VA rating aligns well with mid-to-high load control panels, offering a reliable 120V supply from a multitude of 480V variants.

Limitations: Enclosure rating is not specified; verify enclosure compatibility for your installation environment.

Functional Devices TR50VA015 Transformer

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VA Rating: 50 VA. Primary: 480/277/240/208/120 VAC. Output: 24 VAC. Mounting: Foot and single threaded hub. Country of Origin: United States.

Best for: Applications needing a 24 VAC secondary for signaling or low-voltage control, with flexibility to source from a wide range of primary voltages.

Why selected: This unit broadens compatibility by accepting a wide primary range while delivering 24 VAC, useful for control systems that require multiple voltage levels.

Limitations: Output is 24 VAC, not 120 VAC, so ensure the downstream devices accept 24 VAC or plan for additional regulation.

BK-200VA 480V to 220V Transformer

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VA Rating: 200 VA. Primary: 480 V. Output: 220 V. Mounting: Single-phase. Country of Origin: United States.

Best for: Equipment that requires isolation and stepping down from 480 V to 220 V for heavy-duty loads or specific 220 V machinery.

Why selected: The higher VA rating enables handling larger loads with a single transformer, making it a solid choice for robust applications.

Limitations: Output voltage is 220 V rather than 120 V; integration may require additional voltage conversion for 120V devices.

Buying Guide

What to consider when choosing a 480V to 120V transformer

• Load requirements: Match the VA rating to the total downstream load. Oversizing provides headroom but increases size and cost.
• Primary voltages supported: Ensure the transformer accepts your available 480V supply and aligns with regional electrical standards.
• Output target: If you specifically need 120V, confirm that the transformer’s secondary is 120 VAC. Some models provide alternative outputs (e.g., 24 VAC or 220 VAC) and may require additional conversion.
• Mounting and enclosure: Consider space constraints and enclosure ratings. Foot, hub, or NPT mounting options affect installation.
• Protection: Units with integrated circuit breakers offer added protection for loads and equipment.
• Enclosure and finish: Some models specify enclosure ratings or finishes; verify compatibility with environment (dust, moisture, heat).

Installation considerations

• Safety: Follow NEC guidelines and professional installation practices; transformers should be installed by qualified personnel.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow since transformers can generate heat during operation.
• Wiring: Use appropriately rated conductors for primary and secondary connections; verify lead lengths meet your panel layout.
• Grounding: Proper grounding is essential to avoid electrical faults and ensure safety.

Common configurations and what they mean

• Low VA with 120V secondary: Suitable for small control circuits or signaling within compact panels.
• Medium VA with dual hubs: Provides flexibility for more complex panel layouts and multiple mounting options.
• High VA with 120V or alternative secondary: Fits larger systems or equipment with higher power demands.

Choosing the right transformer type

• Control transformers with integrated circuit breakers: Best for protection and quick shutdown in fault conditions.
• Isolation transformers: Useful when galvanic isolation from the supply is needed before downstream devices.
• Step-down variants (e.g., 480V to 220V): Appropriate for equipment requiring non-120V outputs, with potential extra conversion needs.

FAQ

• What does VA rating tell me? It indicates the transformer’s apparent power capacity. Choose a unit with a VA rating at or above your total load.
• Can I use a 480V to 120V transformer for 277V systems? Models that list 277 VAC as a primary option are suitable when 277V is the available supply.
• Do transformers include protective devices? Some models include circuit breakers for protection; verify features before purchasing.
• Is enclosure rating important? Yes. Enclosure ratings determine suitability for indoor, outdoor, or harsh environments.
• What mounting option should I choose? Foot mounting is common for free-standing setups; hub or NPT mounting is preferable for panel integration.
• Do I need a separate regulator if I need 120V from 24V or 220V? Yes. If the output does not match 120V, additional voltage conversion or regulation may be required.