What is Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting?

I’m sure you have heard of low voltage outdoor lighting if you have thought of installing landscape lighting. They are good option for the majority of your landscape lighting needs. You will be able to highlight and accent your landscaping features. Furthermore, you will be able to light your walkways and entryways increasing your home’s security measures.

If you tried low voltage lighting systems in the past and were disappointed, you will be pleasantly surprised at the durability, dependability, and much improved performance of new low voltage lighting systems.

What exactly is low voltage outdoor lighting?

A lot of homeowners wonder why the overwhelming majority of low voltage outdoor lighting is 12 volts. The simple answer is that low voltage lighting systems are more efficient in residential settings, while line voltage systems are more efficient for commercial and institutional purposes. I’ll highlight some of the basic differences between 12 volts and 120 volts below:

12 v
- Installation flexibility; cables are buried in a shallow trench
- Performs well and operates safely in wet locations
- Light bulbs are smaller which allows fixtures to be smaller and less obtrusive in the landscape design
- Light bulbs are available in low wattage and many beam levels; the lighting is precise and can be achieved with lower energy costs
- Transformer can be plugged into existing household electrical outlets
- Transformer converts electrical current from 120 volts to 12 volts

120v
- Due to it’s high voltage, cables must be buried 18 inches which makes it very difficult to move
- Everything (cables, wires, connectors, fixtures, etc.) must be sealed and protected from the elements – there is dangerous shock potential when wet
- Light bulbs are much larger and require much larger fixtures to house them
- Light bulbs are high wattage and one or two high beam levels; expensive to operate
- A licensed electrician is required to install
- Transformer is not required

You do not have to be a professional contractor to install low voltage outdoor lights. Be sure to read the directions and follow them precisely. If you do not follow your manufacturers you run the risk of your lighting system not working properly.

The web sites below provide the basic information necessary to determine whether or not low voltage outdoor lighting is right for you:
Low Voltage Lighting Info
Low Voltage Lighting Guide