Low Voltage Lights vs. Line Voltage

Low voltage lighting is the most common and most preferred method for outdoor landscape projects.  Low voltage lights have many advantages over high voltage line alternatives.  High voltage lighting refers to fixtures that are powered by the 120 volt electricity that is the standard output of power companies in the United States.  In contrast, low voltage lighting systems have a transformer that reduces the high voltage output down to 12 volts.  Low voltage lighting is less expensive and safer to install and maintain.  In addition, the choices of fixtures, bulbs and designs are vast and far superior to the high voltage options.

Installing Low Voltage Lights

Installing a new line voltage circuit that runs into the landscape from the main dwelling requires a skilled electrician and permits from local government.  Line voltage must be buried at least 2 feet deep depending on local building codes and severe shock exposure is a very real risk. Installed correctly, low voltage lighting does not pose a safety hazard since the voltage is so low.  The connecting wire is not buried as deeply and this leads to flexibility in the initial design.  Future modifications and additions to the system usually do not require a complete overhaul of the existing system.  Many do it yourselfers can safely install low voltage lighting, but many homeowners prefer a professional installer to design and maintain their lighting.   Owner, Barry Scott, has the talent for creating the ambiance while keeping in mind the desire for security and practicality.  However, if the sky is the limit, he can certainly design an extravagant system comparable to the home of any celebrity.

Low Voltage Light Design Options

Outdoor commercial low voltage lighting systems have a countless number of fixtures, finishes, and lights that are generally smaller and easier to blend into the landscape than components that are typical of line voltage systems.  We only use the top commercial lines in the industry like Hadco, Kichler, FX and Unique.  The bulbs come in a variety of technologies including halogen and LED.  Halogen and LED both come with different initial investments, life expectancy and efficacy.

Will Low Voltage Lights Reduce My Electric Bill?

Do not assume that low voltage lights consume less electricity because they are low voltage.  Electricity usage is the  product of the total wattage of the bulbs in the system, not the voltage.  A 120 volt system that uses a 150 watt light bulb will use the same power as the 150 watt bulb on a low voltage system.  It could potentially use more because of the power needed by the transformer.  However, the efficacy and output of the low voltage light bulbs is 2x to 3x more.  A professional will design a low voltage system with lower wattage bulbs still giving off the same amount of light.  Thus, the potential for savings of your electric bill is significant.

If you are ready to dress up your landscape with a low voltage light design, call Dallas North Lawn Sprinklers at 770-943-9654 to get a quote today.