Low Voltage Lighting Systems: More Than Just Energy Savings

Good Reasons for Choosing Low Voltage Lighting Systems

Low voltage lighting systems are popular because they look good, right? Actually, there are several reasons to think about getting these systems. They have advantages in looks, functions, and safety. They are one option worth considering.

Energy Efficiency

These systems run at 30 volts or less. Their transformers step down the voltage to as low as 12 volts. They are very energy efficient because of it. Incandescent lighting run on line voltage only puts out 40% of the light produced by a fixture run by low voltage. Therefore, it takes fewer fixtures to produce the same amount of light and energy is conserved.

Good Looks

Low voltage lighting systems do look good. They can take the form of track or monorail lighting. Track lighting used to be very modernistic and more functional than beautiful. Now, monorail lighting has been designed to encompass spot lighting along with attractive pendant lights. Other low voltage light fixtures such as recessed lighting are available.

This kind of lighting can establish a mood as certain features of the house or certain objects are down lighted or unlighted. It can provide warm light in a previously dark corner. Its lighting quality is a bit different from other forms of lighting.

Low voltage lights are easily dimmed. They can span the full range from dim to the maximum brightness. If you want to set the mood, all you have to do is dim the switch, and this lighting will respond immediately.

The hook-up for the low voltage lighting systems is minimal. For these fixtures, you can get by with trim holes that are a couple of inches in diameter. The remote transformer allows you to put the fixtures up cleanly with the transformer in an unobtrusive position.

Safety

It only makes sense that low voltage lighting would be safer. After all, the voltage that runs it is stepped down considerably to less than 30 volts. The danger of getting shocked from fixtures that are powered this way is low. Touching the wires that come after the transformer is much safer than touching the wires from a regular lighting fixture.

If you are thinking about getting rid of the wasteful ways of an old lighting system, you might find value in a low voltage system. The newer lamps have about 10,000 hours in them, or up to 20,000 if you dim them halfway. This makes it easy to keep up with your lighting system as time goes by, and keep it in good working order by cutting down on replacements.

Solid Warranty

Warranties on low voltage lighting systems are pretty good, too. The transformers for these systems are backed up especially well. Manufacturers usually stand by the materials and workmanship of these transformers for 25 years. This cuts the maintenance time and costs down considerably.

There are many reasons to consider low voltage lighting systems. Energy efficiency, looks, mood lighting, the ability to be dimmed, unobtrusive hook-up, safety, easy maintenance, and warrantees are all good. They are not the cheapest lighting systems on the market, but they are economical all the same.