Low voltage outdoor lighting is very dependable, affordable, and can meet any of your landscaping design needs. You’ll be able to highlight your landscape features: gardens, pools, statues, etc. Furthermore, you can also light your walkways and entryways to increase your home’s security.

What exactly is low voltage lighting?

Low voltage outdoor lighting is 12 volts. The lower voltage is more efficient for homes, while higher voltage systems are more efficient for commercial and institutional purposes. I’ve listed the basic differentiating characteristics of 12 volts and 120 volts below.

12v

- cables are buried in very shallow trenches

- performs well in wet locations

- light bulbs and fixtures are much smaller

- precise lighting that comes in a variety of beam levels

- transformer converts your home’s 120 volts to an efficient 12 volts

120v

- cables must be buried 18 inches due to high voltage

- all cables, wires, connectors, and fixtures are sealed to be protected from the elements

- light bulbs and fixtures are much larger

- the overall system is expensive to operate

- a licensed electrician has to install everything

The cool thing about low voltage lighting is that you don’t need to be an electrician to install them. Just follow the manufacturers directions and pick up some tips online.