When choosing outdoor lighting, electrical contractors, landscaping experts and lighting distributors face an important choice — low- or line-voltage lighting systems. Each option has unique benefits and considerations. Voltage impacts the electrical system’s performance, functionality and applications, so understanding the key differences is essential for making the right decision for your client’s needs and specifications.
We are exploring important distinctions between low- and line-voltage lighting below to help you determine the right systems for your business.
What Is Low-Voltage Lighting?
Low-voltage lighting operates at a voltage below standard 120-volt systems. They are useful in residential and commercial electrical applications. You can find light-emitting diode (LED), halogen and incandescent low-voltage bulbs. LEDs tend to be the most efficient option.
A low-voltage lighting system uses a transformer to reduce the power to 12 volts. These cost-effective solutions — especially LED options — can lead to significant utility savings over time.
Uses for Low-Voltage Lighting
Low-voltage landscape lighting systems are ideal for illuminating the following:
- Gardens
- Trees
- Pathways
- Driveways
- Special features
- Decks
- Patios
This type of lighting can also enhance safety and improve the quality of security camera footage by illuminating dark areas around a property.
Low-Voltage Lighting Pros and Cons
The following are the pros of a low-voltage lighting system:
- Energy-efficient: Low-voltage lighting systems often use LED bulbs and fixtures. LED technology is the most energy-efficient lighting option, impacting energy savings.
- Flexibility: Low-voltage lighting systems’ components are easy to rearrange and move around, offering more flexibility than a line-voltage lighting system.
- Safety: This lighting system works at a lower voltage, making it safer for installation and outdoor spaces and reducing the risk of electrical shocks.
- Styling: Low voltage allows the creation of smaller lamps and fixtures and provides many options.
Potential cons of low-voltage lighting systems include:
- Voltage drop: Low-voltage lighting systems use a transformer to work. If your system’s components exceed the transformer capacity, you’ll experience voltage drops. Making low-voltage systems less reliable than line-voltage ones.
- Limited capacity: Low voltage also means limited load capacity. You’ll have to plan your lighting system ahead of time, leaving less room for additional fixtures or illuminating large spaces.
- Transformer life span: The transformer must be repaired and replaced over time.
Light quality for low-voltage lighting systems was an issue in the past. With LED technology improving in recent years, it is now possible to have high-quality light output using a low-voltage electrical system.
What Is Line-Voltage Lighting?
Line-voltage lighting systems operate at the standard voltage from wiring and electrical outlets. In the United States, outlets typically supply 120 volts of electricity. Installation of these solutions typically demands connecting lighting fixtures to the electrical supply, meaning a licensed electrician is likely required.
Line-voltage lighting can produce high light output and brightness, making these systems suitable for various applications in both residential and commercial spaces.
Uses for Line-Voltage Lighting
Line-voltage lighting systems are best for applications demanding robust illumination. They suit large areas, including parking lots, sports facilities and commercial properties. They are also ideal for lighting signs or displays for businesses to ensure visibility from a distance.
Line-Voltage Lighting Pros and Cons
Explore the advantages of line-voltage lighting systems below:
- Initial cost: The initial cost of a line-voltage lighting system is usually lower. There’s no need for a transformer. Depending on your choice, bulbs, fixtures and dimmers are usually less expensive than LED ones.
- Capacity: Line-voltage light systems are great when a large number of fixtures are wired to the same circuit.
- Brightness: A line-voltage lighting system allows you to illuminate a larger area or areas with large trees or big obstacles.
The cons of a line-voltage lighting system may include:
- Operational costs: Since these lighting systems require a higher voltage, they can increase a property’s electrical bills.
- Less environmentally friendly: When comparing line- and low-voltage systems, the latter is more sustainable. Line-voltage lighting that uses incandescent bulbs — which cannot be recycled — can impact the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Line-Voltage vs. Low-Voltage Systems
Find the answers to your most frequently asked questions about line- and low-voltage lighting systems below.
How Do I Choose Between Line- and Low-Voltage Systems?
When determining which lighting system is right for your business or clients, consider the following factors:
- Safety: Low-voltage LEDs stay cool during operation and are an especially safe choice. Line-voltage lighting must adhere to strict installation standards to reduce potential shock risk.
- Installation: Regarding installation of landscaping lighting, low-voltage options are often easier than line-voltage systems. Line-voltage solutions may require professional installation to align with local electrical codes.
- Energy efficiency: Those looking to maximize efficiency will benefit from choosing low-voltage LED bulbs that optimize energy use. LED line-voltage options are also energy-efficient, especially compared to incandescent or halogen bulbs.
- Brightness: Line-voltage landscaping lighting is best for applications requiring significant illumination. Low-voltage bulbs are typically suited for smaller areas that don’t require robust brightness.
Why Are My Low-Voltage Outdoor Lights Blinking?
Your low-voltage outdoor lights might be blinking because of a voltage drop. This happens when the transformer is overloaded due to the number of components connected to your circuit. To avoid blinking lights, check that your transformer is the correct one for your lighting system voltage.
Where Can I Get Line- and Low-Voltage Lighting For My Business?
If you are an electrical company, contractor or landscape lighting expert in the U.S. or Canada interested in becoming a Brilliance LED distributor, please fill out this online form, and we will contact you with the next steps.
Become a Brilliance LED Distributor Today
Brilliance LED manufactures high-quality LED lamps, landscape fixtures, power sources and easy-to-operate smart products engineered for functionality. Since 2008, our team has worked hard to design lighting solutions that improve your customers’ lives in residential and commercial settings. When you partner up with Brilliance, you enhance how your clients experience spaces with innovative LED lighting products that are:
- Durable: Our LED landscape lights require less maintenance and have fewer breakable parts than other options on the market.
- Cost-efficient: LED lights use less energy than incandescent lights, which can reduce utility bills in homes and businesses.
- Safe: LED lights are cool to the touch and more resistant than glass lights, reducing the risk of injuries and fire hazards.
- Bug-Resistant: Low-voltage LED lights emit less heat, making them less attractive to bugs.
- Environmentally friendly: Our LED landscape lights are 100% recyclable and toxic metal-free.
We offer exceptional customer services to our distributor network by answering all your product questions and delivering orders promptly. Work with us to provide great lighting solutions to homeowners and contractors. Become a Brilliance LED distributor in the U.S. and Canada. Contact our team today for more information.
