Why low voltage landscape lighting is better than line voltage (120v)

December 30, 2007

Low voltage lighting has been available for some time but homeowners, business owners, and landscape lighting professionals still often have questions about the differences between the two types of landscape lighting systems and what the advantages and disadvantages of each are. This article will provide a brief overview of the two types of lighting and highlight the differences.

What is line voltage or high voltage landscape lighting?

Line voltage or high voltage landscape lighting is simply outdoor lighting that runs on standard household line voltage which is usually 120 volts.

What is low voltage landscape lighting

Low voltage landscape lighting is a lighting system that uses a transformer or power converter to step-down standard in line 120 voltage to 12 volt power.

What are the Pros and Cons of high voltage landscape lighting?

The only real benefits of high voltage is that there is no need for a transformer and no concern or issue related to voltage drop which can occur in some landscape systems with long wire runs. There are no other true benefits that low voltage does not offer. However, there are many disadvantages:

1. High voltage wire must be buried a certain depth underground or be run through a protective conduit which makes installation more labor intensive and also makes it tough to move.

2. All fixtures, wire connections and other components of the system must be completely water proof because of the risk of electric shock.

3. High voltage lamps allow for very limited beam control options. Low voltage alternatives allow for more beam control and helps control glare. Basically, all that is available for high voltage landscape lighting is a flood light.

4. High voltage lamps are large and therefore must be housed in large fixtures. This limits the styles of fixtures that are available.

5. High voltage lighting is dangerous to work with and may require a licensed contractor and permits to install.

What are the Pros and Cons of low voltage landscape lighting?

There was only one real disadvantage of low-voltage lighting compared to high voltage and that was the problem of voltage drop. However, that disadvantage is no longer a concern with the use of highly efficient LED lamps. There are many advantages of using low voltage lighting systems:

1. Low voltage systems are safe, easy to install, and do not require the assistance of an electrician.

2. Low voltage wire does not have to be buried or put in conduit so it is easier to install and easy to move.

3. The smaller lamps allow for a smaller and more diverse line of fixtures.
4. Can be safely used in wet locations without risk of electric shock.

5. Low voltage lamps are available with a variety of lens shapes and configurations which allow for a broad range of beam control. One can select anything from a very focused 12 degree spot light to a 60 degree wide flood.

6. Highly efficient LED lamps consume 80-95% less energy than comparable high voltage lamps.

Comments

Nice list!

Good to see folk giving out solid information and not just marketing talk.

cheers!

--
Confusion is a kinky form of enlightenment, clarity in drag.
Uncertainty is certainty that has stepped on a banana peel.
Negativity is brilliance competing with itself.

AmpafuTHKD

gXGETh cialis 8-]]] ambien qvlp cheap cialis yjx levitra 10 mg order 8] aciphex iekgun viagra >:OO

vZfzHLIMxJDJ

PqcJfI accutane =-P cialis 9966 prednisone lnlnx acomplia :(( buy cialis 8]]]

Evening Dresses and Gowns,

Evening Dresses and Gowns, Mother of the Bride Dresses, Formal Dresses, in Missy and Plus sizes for immediate delivery. Multimedia degree AND hr degree AND Online management degree

Shop Simply Dresses for

Shop Simply Dresses for dresses, 2010 prom dresses, homecoming dresses, formal dresses, and evening wear. Find formal dresses for prom and bridesmaids watch macgruber online | watch shrek forever after online | watch prince of persia: the sands of time online

Shop Simply Dresses for

Shop Simply Dresses for dresses, 2010 prom dresses, homecoming dresses, formal dresses, and evening wear. Find formal dresses for prom and bridesmaids Online Marketing degree AND Computer Science school

My Travel Blog

My Travel Blog pr2
http://www.my-travel-blog.net
DSC:honeymoon travel,summer travel,travel guides,air travel,travel deals,discount travel,travel channel.
Travel Blog

13. How to Convert 3GP
http://www.how-to-convert-3gp.com/
how to convert 3gp to AVI, 3GPP, 3G2, DivX, F4V, FLV, MKV, etc.
How to Convert 3GP

14. Childrens Book Review
Reviews for Childrens Book from amazon
http://www.childrens-book-review.com/
Childrens Book Review