When you're sorting through industrial power supplies transformers, the two numbers that matter most are the VA rating and the primary voltage. Both of these Hammond control transformers target different spots in that decision, so the right pick is less about brand and more about matching your control load. In one corner is the Hammond PT50MLI, a compact control transformer; in the other is the HPS PH250MQMJ, a larger industrial unit.
Quick Verdict
If your control circuit is small, the Hammond PT50MLI is the budget pick. If your panel needs more capacity, the HPS PH250MQMJ is the stronger option. Most buyers will find the decision comes down to load size and primary voltage, not brand loyalty.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Product | Listed Price | VA Rating | Primary / Secondary | Current |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammond PT50MLI | $44.99 | 50VA | 208/230/460V to 115V | - |
| HPS PH250MQMJ | $149.99 | 250VA | 480V | 2.08A |
Where Each Product Wins
The Hammond PT50MLI wins when your control load is light and you're watching cost. It steps down multiple primary voltages to a common secondary voltage, which covers a range of control circuits. The HPS PH250MQMJ wins when you need more headroom and are already on a higher-voltage primary. Its higher VA rating and current spec make it the better match for larger control panels. One extra consideration: the PT50MLI's multi-voltage primary makes it easy to standardize on a single spare for different line feeds. The PH250MQMJ's narrower input spec means it's best matched to a known higher-voltage installation.
Product Notes
Hammond PT50MLI
The PT50MLI is a no-nonsense control transformer for modest control circuits. It's rated at 50VA and accepts either 208V, 230V, or 460V on the primary, delivering 115V on the secondary. That voltage flexibility is useful if your facility has mixed supply voltages, because one unit can sit on different line feeds and still provide the same 115V control power. The $44.99 price makes it easy to stock a spare, and the BULK label in the title points to a component-level purchase. The main limitation is capacity: 50VA will only feed small loads. If your control circuit draws more, you'll need the larger HPS unit or a different transformer.
HPS PH250MQMJ
The PH250MQMJ is the higher-capacity option in this pairing. It's rated at 250VA and built for a 480V primary, with a 2.08A current spec. That level of capacity suits larger control loads, and the HPS part number gives you a specific model reference for cross-checking your application. The 250VA rating also means you can power several control devices from one transformer, which keeps wiring simpler. The trade-off is the $149.99 price, a significant step up from the PT50MLI, and the need to match it to a 480V circuit. If your panel is already wired for 480V and you need more power, this is the unit to choose.
Final Choice by Use Case
For a small control circuit, the Hammond PT50MLI gives you the lowest-cost way in. For a higher-voltage panel with heavier control loads, the HPS PH250MQMJ's extra capacity and current rating make it worth the higher price. If your primary voltage is uncertain, the PT50MLI's multi-voltage primary offers more flexibility; if you're committed to a single high-voltage feed, the PH250MQMJ is the straightforward choice.
