You will also find links below to help you with your landscape layout where we provide landscape tips for your landscape lighting and
landscape lighting installation guide. Transformer and low voltage cable offered for low voltage lighting and landscape lighting.
| What is the difference between 12v Low Voltage and 120v Standard Voltage for Outdoor Lighting? |
 Definition of 12v: Also known as LOW voltage. This voltage is achieved by "stepping down", reducing or in other words, converting standard 110/120v HIGH voltage into LOW voltage with the use of a 12v transformer. Definition of 120v: Also known as HIGH voltage, LINE voltage, Standard voltage or 110v/120v/130v. This is the voltage that comes directly into most homes. |
With 12v: a) a transformer is required and you must be aware of voltage drop issues (click here for details) b) 12v is safer for outside lighting whether it going to be near a body of water, in water or away from water. c) 12v usually ends up costing less labor-wise due to the fact that you do NOT have to trench and run the 12v landscape cable in conduit as opposed to 120v applications where you are required to have to put 120v cable in conduit. d) 12v is energy efficient costing you less to operate. e) 12v bulbs generally last longer than 120v bulbs f) 12v bulbs are available in a larger variety of wattages, colors and beam spread options than 120v bulbs. With 120v: a) no transformer is required and there is no concern for voltage drop for landscape lighting applications b) 120v may not be as safe for outside lighting, especially in or near a body of water and other considerations must be taken. c) 120v usually ends up costing more labor-wise due to the fact that you have to trench and run the 120v cable in conduit as opposed to 12v applications where you are not required to have to put 12v landscape cable in conduit. d) 120v is not as energy efficient costing you more to operate (unless you use 120v Fluorescent Lighting for Outdoors) e) 120v bulbs generally don't last as long as 12v bulbs f) 120v bulbs are not available in a large variety of wattages, colors and beam spread options as 12v bulbs. Click Here if you would like to know the difference between 12 Volt and 120 Volt for Indoor Lighting. With 120v applications, we strongly recommend consulting a licensed electrical contractor. As opposed to 12 Volt applications where, depending on the job, can be done by your average Do-It-Yourselfer. We do however recommend consulting a licensed electrical contractor for any electrical installations. Please Note: We are not licensed contractors, please use this information as a guide ONLY. We do not endorse or recommend any of the above information. We recommend consulting with a licensed electrical contractor for correct installations, and we cannot be held liable for any use or misuse of the information above. |
Landscape Lighting Tips - Landscape Lighting Accessories - Courtesy Landscape Lighting Assistance
Landscape tips for your landscape lighting and landscape lighting installation guide.
Transformer and low voltage cable offered for low voltage lighting and landscape lighting.
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