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Low Voltage Lighting
Are you looking for a lighting system that you can safely use in the garden and even in your home? Low voltage lighting is perfect for you. It is safe, energy efficient, and can even be installed yourself in some cases. Read on to learn more.
What is Low Voltage Lighting?
Low voltage lighting systems use 12 volt current to operate. A transformer is necessary to convert the standard house current to 12 volts. Low voltage light fixtures yield a high lumen output at a low wattage. They are usually compact, but not always, energy efficient. While the light globes themselves use less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs, the transformers use 10 to 30 percent of the energy of the globe, offsetting some of the gain in energy efficiency. You can use electronic transformers if you are looking for an even more eco-friendly option.
Low Voltage Lighting in the Garden
Low voltage lighting is popular for landscape lighting as they are adaptable, easy to install and use very little energy. Most outdoor lighting systems are made up of the fixtures and bulbs, the low voltage connector cable, the cable connector caps, and a control box that contains the power transformer, timer, and light sensor. The control box plugs into a standard outlet and uses the standard house current.
Using low voltage lighting in the landscape means that you can highlight selected parts of the home or garden at night. As well as the aesthetic appeal, they are also used for safety and security.
Positioning Low Voltage Lights in the Garden
If you are using low voltage lights in your garden, think about how they are positioned. Highlight plants that have already reached maturity. Also use the lights to highlight other features of your garden such as sculptures, pathways, water features, and entertainment areas. Be careful when placing the lights in order to get the best effect. It can help to draw a diagram of your garden first, so you can see exactly where they are being placed. Be especially careful in areas that are higher maintenance as lawn mowers, whipper snippers and other equipment can cut cables or even destroy your lights.
Low Voltage Lighting Installation in the Garden
Low voltage lights used outdoors appeal to gardeners because it is safe and easy to install. It can be done yourself, but if you have any doubts at all about your ability to install the lights, always use electricians. Most low voltage lighting systems come with instructions. Always follow these. Some basic installation tips include:
- lay the cable in as direct a route as possible
- plug in the transformer box
- connect the cable to the transformer box
- connect the lights to the cable
- bury the wires if desired
- position the lights
Low Voltage Lighting in the Home
Low voltage lighting can also be used in the home. If you are using it in a room, the general rule is that you use one 20W wide beam light per square metre or one 50W light per 1.5 square metres. This rule starts at half a metre in from the edge of the room. The transformers are generally placed in the floor or ceiling void and it is very important to ensure that they are in a well ventilated space. Do not cover them with insulation. If you are installing low voltage lights in the home, you will need the help of an electrician.
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Garden Ornaments
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Lighting