Low Voltage Lighting Systems

Low voltage lighting systems were used for the first time in the 1950s, when a client asked Bill Locklin, an electrical contractor in Redlands, California, to suggest some light fixtures for outdoors. During that time, only 120 volt lights were being used for outdoor lighting. Locklin designed 12 volt lighting fixtures out of containers and headlamps and powered them by using car batteries. More and more people liked this idea for outdoor lighting and the demand for the low voltage lighting systems grew.

In the last few decades, use of low voltage lighting systems is becoming very popular. In a low voltage lighting system, a step-down transformer is used, which takes the normal 120 volt current and reduces it to 12 volt levels. Let's take a look at the installation, advantages and uses of low voltage lighting systems.

Low Voltage Lighting Systems: Installation

Installing low voltage lighting systems is very easy. In fact, you can fix them without the help of an electrician, provided you take certain precautions. Low voltage lighting systems are available in kits that contain a plug-in transformer, cable wire (at least 50 inch length) and low voltage light fixtures. The transformer should be plugged in to an outdoor outlet of 120 volt power outlet with Ground Fault Interruption Circuit (GFCI). The cable wire is fixed to the transformer, which distributes power to the low voltage light fixtures that are connected along the cable wire.

The voltage of the transformer should be chosen based on the combined wattage of the lighting fixtures. For example, if you have installed a system with six lighting fixtures, adding more lamps would mean upgrading the transformer to match the wattage of the lamps or rather you can install a second transformer. It is also to be noted that the brightness of the lamps depends on the cable wire that has been used. If the cable wire is not of a superior quality, the voltage may decrease over a longer distance.

Low Voltage Lighting Systems: Advantages

As the name suggests, they consume less energy in comparison to the traditional home lighting systems and are also available in affordable prices. Low voltage fixtures are available in two versions, viz. 12 volt current and 120 volt current. Majority of the homeowners use 12 volt lighting systems. Low voltage lighting systems have the following advantages:

• Since the electric voltage is low, you can install other lights when the power is still on. It is very convenient when you are installing lights at night.
• There are timers in the transformer of the low voltage lighting systems, with which you can set time durations like 4, 6 or 8 hours, as per your convenience. Some latest versions are provided with photocells for automatic switch on in the night and switch off during the day.
• If you don't want to deal with cables, solar-powered lights are also available in the market. But, solar-powered lights are more expensive and need eight hours sunlight per day for proper functioning.

Another major advantage of these low voltage lighting fixtures is that they are safe to use outdoors, even in wet conditions.

Low Voltage Lighting Systems: Uses

Low voltage lighting systems are commonly used in bathroom vanities, home offices, living rooms, kitchens, gardens, walkways and for landscape lighting. Low voltage halogen lighting systems are used in restaurants, museums and art galleries. Using this lighting system outdoors is good for security reasons and at the same time, it adds to the aesthetics of the surroundings. You can choose low voltage lighting fixtures from a variety of designs and color effects to make a perfect match with your interior design or the landscape of your garden.