Interest in low voltage lighting configurations has been steadily increasing with the emerging awareness of energy efficient lighting options. With the buzz word humming, we at Simon Electric would like to elaborate on the differences between low voltage and line voltage to give you some familiarity to these different electrical applications.
Line Voltage Lighting Systems
Line voltage lighting is the standard configuration for most home lighting systems. From the building’s breaker system, the standard in lighting generally supplies 120v or 277v to lighting fixtures directly. Line-voltage fixtures are simple to install and do not require any special transformers or systems to operate in most cases because the same system and amount of power is supplied to most electrical outlets and junction boxes.
Low Voltage Lighting Installation
To lower the amount of voltage being supplied to a light fixture from 120v or 277v to 12v or 24 low voltage lighting systems that uses a transformer is implemented. Somewhere along the electrical circuit, the transformer can be built into the light fixture or located close to the light fixture. Due to the reduced amount of electricity running through the light fixture, these systems tend to be safer despite that they are trickier to install and need to be close to the transformer box. As they do not scatter in the same way that light produced by line voltage light fixtures does, the low-voltage light fixtures are known for producing a higher quality of light that looks more natural.
Do Low Voltage Lights Use Less Electricity
Low Voltage light bulbs are designed to produce lighter and far longer than a same wattage bulb. For example, a light bulb that requires 50 watts of power requires less energy with a low voltage system while still creating more than light that lasts longer than other systems. By using low-voltage lighting, fewer light fixtures are required to generate the same amount of light as a result. Ideally, low voltage lighting is maximized in locations where lights are used more often or where they are needed to generate the most light.
Line or Low Voltage Lighting in Your Home?
Because line voltage lighting is easy to install, they are best used for when you need more diffused ambient light. Where both voltage and low-voltage lighting systems have advantages, ultimately comes down to preferences. Simply consider the ease of installation and long-term operation as well as the costs associated with both systems. Line voltage lighting commonly is less expensive to buy and easier to install whereas low voltage lighting has less operating costs thought it is a little more to buy and install, with the installation being a little more complex.
Lighting Consultations, Fixture Installations, Wiring & More in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County, Florida
No matter which system is best for your Palm Beach County, Florida home, the professionals of Simon Electric is readily available to help you get them efficiently installed. Our team of certified experts can help you with the installation, recommendations, and ensure the installation is done correctly and safely. We use advanced equipment and products to maximize our services and you can count on superior workmanship. Contact us today!
