If you have been thinking about taking on an exterior home lighting project, then chances are you have heard talk about low voltage outdoor lighting. Are you confused about what this is and how it is going to benefit you? Let’s take a look at an overview of low voltage lighting as well as present a few tips to help you make the most of this popular, energy efficient choice.
What is Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting
Simply put, this system consists of a transformer that plugs into the wall and then reduces the high voltage output from your electric system down to about 12 volts. The current is then passed through the cable to the fixtures that you have placed in your garden, on your deck or patio, on the exterior of your home, and elsewhere outside your home such as along pathways.
Low voltage lighting fixtures are perfect for providing ambient illumination for gathering areas where you get together with friends and family to eat and relax. They are also perfect at providing garden lighting as well as used to light up portions of your pathways and landscaping.
Low Voltage Fixture Advantages
This is actually one of the easier lighting styles for the average homeowner to install on their own. There really aren’t any special tools required, so this can truly be an easier weekend project that you can accomplish. The dividends it pays far outweigh the work you will put into this project.
Another big advantage is the savings in your pocket after the initial purchase. With low voltage outdoor lighting you are getting a very energy efficient lighting solution. This will be reflected in your monthly power bill. You will utilize low wattage light bulbs as well and this will help to keep costs down.
The transformers of the system are rated for a specific amount of wattage. So you must plan ahead accordingly. Take note of how much load you can put on the transformer, decide the bulb wattage you are going to use, and then you can determine how many fixtures you can place on the system. As long as you stay within the wattage rating your system will not become overloaded causing an annoying night time situation!
Note that you can mix and match bulb wattages in your design. They don’t all have to be bulbs of the same watt rating. So this will allow you to use higher rated bulbs for areas that might need a bit more light, such as above a dining area outside or to highlight specific areas of your garden that you wish to show off.
Once you get to the point where you have exceeded the rating for your transformer you can add another to your design or replace your current one with a stronger power pack.
Note that it is never advisable to introduce an extension cord between the transformer and electrical outlet. To do so can have dire consequences. Always plug the transformer directly into the power outlet.
Low voltage outdoor lighting is the perfect choice for the homeowner that wants an easy to install, easy to maintain, and highly efficient exterior home lighting design.