Low-voltage outdoor lighting -- what is it, how is it different from conventional lighting, and where can it be used? These are questions that are commonly asked by homeowners today. Low voltage outdoor lighting is different from conventional lighting in that it does not need a higher, 120 V power supply. Instead, low voltage outdoor lighting relies on a step-down transformer which takes normal 120 V house current and reduces it to a 12 V level.

One of the big reasons for using low voltage outdoor lighting is that any non-professional can install these types of systems. With typical 120 V systems you normally will need to pay a certified electrical contractor to do the installation -- not so with a low-voltage system. And the transformer used with a low-voltage system can simply be plugged into an existing electrical outlet.

Another reason why low voltage outdoor lighting is preferred is that these types of electrical systems function safely in the out-of-doors -- even when conditions outside are wet. Traditional (120 V) systems must be completely insulated from all types of moisture, which makes them less desirable for use outside. In addition, low voltage lighting systems give you a greater range of lighting design options than the higher-voltage systems, especially with respect to light bulb size and design.

 



Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting

Another advantage of low voltage outdoor lighting is that smaller and compact fixtures are flexible and can be activated by timers, motion detection or switches. This is an advantage as compared with high or regular voltage lighting fixtures that require conduits and labor to fix wiring. The size and design of low voltage outdoor lighting fixtures help add to the aesthetics of surrounding.

The reason they can be safely hidden or placed in nooks and corners, waterfalls, bushes or exterior of buildings and residences. The drawback is that to highlight a particular area more fixtures are needed. Quality also matters in that if inexpensive crack and corrode due to extreme temperature or corrosion. The inconvenience ends here as low voltage outdoor lighting once installed requires minimum attention. Nevertheless a perfectionist or cleanliness freak would like to coat sockets with silicon - based lubricants once a year, clean accumulating debris in up-lifting fixtures and replace dead lamps to avoid unused voltage.

 

Once the design and type of outdoor lighting fixture is selected, the next important question is voltage. Outdoor light fixtures are available in either 12-volt or 120-volt versions and for houses the best deal is low voltage outdoor lighting. These are easier to install as the system runs on harmless 12-volt current with light weight wiring laid on the ground or buried just below surface. The 120-volt system on other hand is same as used in interior of house and requires precautions and handling. The advantage of high voltage outdoor lighting is that it is permanent using buried conduit whereas the low voltage outdoor lighting is that is easily damaged due to superficial placement of wires.


With expenses climbing the graph we need economical trimmings. A saving advantage of low-voltage outdoor lighting is that one does not need a professional for installation. The money saved can be spent on high-quality fixtures and landscaping. Some low voltage light fixtures work on solar energy and once charged work when sensors activate the lights on sunset.