Low Voltage Lighting

Exterior low voltage light fixtures come in a wide range of designs to suit different areas and create different lighting effects. Most fixture types are available in either 12-volt or 120-volt versions. For the homeowner, 12-volt, or low-voltage landscape lighting systems have several advantages. Most important, low-voltage landscape lighting equipment is easier to install. Except for the transformer that's connected to a 120-volt circuit, the entire system runs on harmless 12-volt current. Low-voltage wiring is lightweight and can be laid on the ground or buried just below the surface. We even have outdoor rock lights that look like boulders in your garden.

In contrast, a 120-volt system runs on the same power that supplies your home and requires the same precautions and expertise that normal house wiring does. Outdoor 120-volt lighting will need to be installed according to code and may require buried conduit. Once installed, 120-volt systems are relatively permanent, while outdoor landscape low-voltage lighting fixtures can easily be relocated if you wish to change your lighting scheme. One disadvantage with low voltage wiring is that the wires are not buried deeply and are more prone to being damaged.

Another advantage of low-voltage lighting equipment is that it can be relatively inexpensive. And, when you do the job yourself, the bottom line for outdoor low-voltage lighting looks even better. Not only can the capital outlay for a standard high-voltage system be greater, but you may need to hire a professional for part or all of the installation.

One shortcoming of low-voltage lighting generally means less lighting power. For example, if you want a brightly lit parking lot area for security purposes, you may require the muscle of 120 volts. Most grounds and garden situations, however, don't need this much light and can actually look better with tastefully placed low-powered lamps. For extra beef, bright 12-volt halogen lamps can be very effective when used to flood an area with light.

The low-voltage lighting transformer that powers your system must be sized to match the combined wattage of your lamps. If you buy a system that comes with six fixtures, for example, adding new lamps may mean upgrading the low-voltage lighting transformer or adding a second one. And, because voltage drop over long distances is more pronounced in a low-voltage lighting system, using wire that's too light can affect the output at the lamps.

In addition to 12 volt and 120 volt systems, some light fixtures use the energy in sunlight to provide electric light in the evening. These solar lamps have a photoelectric panel that charges a battery while the sun shines. When the sun goes down, a light sensor or photocell activates the lamp.

Low Voltage Equipment Types:

Outdoor low-voltage lighting fixture designs vary to suit a range of lighting situations. For example, path lighting usually sheds light on the ground or shrubs while in-ground fixtures throw light up and out to highlight a garden structure or wall. Other examples include mercury vapor moonlighting tree-hung fixtures, spotlights, and deck lighting that's built into posts or steps to create a visual effect and add an extra measure of safety.

For automatic control, some low-voltage lighting transformers have a light-sensor or motion sensor mechanisms that turns the lights on at dusk and off at dawn, while others have a timer that controls on and off cycles. You can also buy a motion sensor to switch on the lights when a moving heat source is detected.

Low-voltage lighting is available in kits or as individual fixtures. The advantage of a kit is that you get the proper transformer, wire and one or two fixture styles all in one box. Individual components, on the other hand, let you customize your lighting system, although you'll have to determine wire gauge size and transformer capacity to match your plan.

Working With the Best:

Our ability to design with low voltage lighting system to paint an infinite palette of mood begins with full knowledge of how light works within a given space. As leading designers we know this elusive science. We also know our tools-the world's best low voltage lighting products-and how to effectively harness them.

By consulting with architects, builders and interior designers in specifying original equipment, including house wiring, consistent high quality is always assured. Existing residences with their structural limitations may produce low voltage lighting design challenges that are creatively resolved every day with stunning results. Much of our success is due to its long-standing familiarity with custom low voltage design practices for your residential or landscape needs.

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