The Real Difference Between Low Voltages vs. Line Voltage - Does It Really Matter?
Ever had the chance to look at the lighting around your house and wondered why the lights sometimes start flickering out of the blue? Well, the problems can either be simple or much deeper than expected. It can be in the roots - in this case, the transformer - or the surface, like the fixtures and loose bulbs. In this blog post, we'll focus on the wiring system to fix the faults and create the best possible output for your electrical needs. Let’s dive right into it.
Background:
Canadian households were introduced to low-level lighting 1950s. Line voltage and low voltage are indicated by 120V and 12V, respectively. The term 'line voltage' doesn't necessarily mean high voltage; line voltage can be operated well with a range of 30V to 1,000. In this case, high voltage refers to operating on above 1,000V.
Line Voltage Wiring:
Let’s talk about the wiring itself first. Outdoor lighting works so that the wiring connects from the transformer to the lighting circuits, and the connection of two wires through three-phase circuits powers the fixtures.
Low Voltage:
The fixtures for line voltage circuits are usually larger than low voltage circuits, which only harbor 120 volts or lower to generate a light bulb; even then, it produces; light only if the transformer is attached as it can’t handle energy exceeding 120 volts.
Do They Require Transformers?
Both types of circuits are directly connected to a transformer. Still, if the transformer doesn't provide the right amount of electricity, it may start causing outdoor or indoor flickering lights.
Line voltage circuits can be used anywhere in the framework of the building, where low voltage wirings can be placed. The major difference in the wiring is the fixture sizes and the output level they produce. Line voltage wiring can produce diffused ambient lighting compared to low voltage wiring, which produces light in tight, difficult-to-access areas, mostly used in display lighting applications, also proving useful to provide light to areas with a standard high voltage wiring cannot provide light to.
Benefits/Disadvantages for Low-Level Circuits
The advantage of running a low-level circuit is that it mainly requires minimal energy to provide light; otherwise, the area doesn't require much power, proving useful in low-energy areas. Moreover, the use of low-level lighting proves a better ability for energy savings since low voltage circuits require less input to create a larger output. Energy Savings can be an important way to reduce carbon emissions that can harm the environment.
However, it entirely depends on the transformer to provide the output needed for the light fixtures; if something happens to the transformer or the lighting cable connected to the low voltage circuit, it can cause flickering lights. If the transformer cannot handle the load of the fixtures, it can and will obscure the proper function of the light fixtures. Low voltage is intricate rather than a line voltage system, which causes an increase in difficulties. Understanding a low voltage system by an electrician may come at a high price since low-voltage systems may have difficulty understanding where a transformer usually is.
Benefits/Disadvantages for Line-Level Circuits
Line Voltage requires no transformers due to them having their power supply unit; it can operate directly with the mains supply. When it's converted to LED, their conversion is simple and requires no additional changes as lamps can be fitted with retrofit LEDs.
However, Line voltage has high power dissipation than the low-voltage due to the integrated supply unit. It results in high waste heat and can cause problems based on the installation situation. Therefore there is a higher safety requirement, which may cost extra money to maintain. Moreover, the excessive voltage cannot be energy-saving efficient, which can create factors harming the environment.
Voltage Drop
A voltage drop is a decrease in voltage through the circuit, which consist of lighting fixtures; it occurs in low voltage lighting systems due to the electricity being lost along the transmission; it occurs due to the cable's length and results in the fixtures receiving less power for the output needed.
The transformer should be closer to the landscape light and avoid a daisy line configuration to fix this.
However, this is not the case in line voltage, as it has sufficient power to run the fixtures.
The wires should be split into runs for a more evenly distributed power across all the fixtures in low voltage lighting.
It is advisable to make sure the transformers handle only the required amount of fixtures; you can decide what is best based on the calculation of total wattage for the fixtures you want to light up.
Application of Lighting Performance in Outdoor Light System
When the lightning fixtures are correctly installed, it causes the problems to decrease significantly; But in the application process, low-level circuit wires are more likely to confuse. The framework of low-level fixtures is laid over each other rather than connected via a single line like the line voltage framework, which doesn’t need to be connected near the transformer.
Low-level voltage circuits need to be closer to the transformer, and often, having different low-level circuit fixtures can cause the wires from varying outputs to intermingle with one another, proving it hard to get to the main cause of the issue of flickering lights.
Flickering lights can further be fixed by: a) replacing or repairing the old transformer or b) tightening the bulb in the bulb outlet to connect the bulb properly with the fixture. To make the former point, it's better to contact an electrician, and for the latter point, it’s better to wear heat-resistant gloves and turn off the light switch first to replace or connect the right size bulb.
Line voltage circuits can be expensive to operate; they cost more than a low-level voltage circuit, whereas low-level voltage circuits are safer, practical, and less expensive.
Types of Low Voltage and Line Voltage Lighting
Many people choose low-level voltage lighting fixtures for outdoor lighting, mostly out of ease of installation. The uses that include low-level lighting are path and landscape fixtures, mostly requiring an electrician to conceal it to fulfill electrical code requirements.
Spotlight, step lighting, and LED outputs are also very popular as decorations for outdoor lighting; it increases and subsides depending on the popularity of different kinds of lighting throughout the year; for instance, on holidays like Christmas and Halloween, fairy lights or LED lights are mostly used for decoration.
For line-level outdoor lighting, people use line-level voltage circuits in floodlights and lights that need heavy output. In this case, they need an electrical conduit to prevent junction boxes and wiring from getting damaged outdoors.
Let's look into the different types of light installments that can upgrade your outdoor lighting game plan.
Floodlights
Flood lights are adjustable angle beams that can be rotated and directed towards illuminating a certain area outside; it highlights that area to gain attention. LED floodlights are a much safer, easier version of normal floodlights as they require less energy to create a luminous beam; they are typically low-level circuit-based.
Landscape Lights
These lights rely on other fixtures like spotlights, lanterns, sconces, and globes to portray a luminous soft beam that highlights the landscape.
Motion Sensor Lights
Outdoor lights can have an extension of motion sensor lights which illuminate light when any movement occurs; these lights can be applied for security reasons and help gain attention away from the highlighted area.
These are examples of varying lights that help improve outdoor light depending on where you want the lighting. There are varying factors to take into account when searching for the right type of lighting you want to use, such as:
· Accent Lighting: Landscape lighting and spotlight lighting
· Focused areas: Spotlight
· Large areas: Floodlights
· Security: Floodlights and motion sensor lights
Design ideas for outdoor lighting
Illuminate Doors and Windows
String lights and flexible LED light tubing can help illuminate the back porch area, where the garden connects and over the fences; these areas can offer a soft glow to the backyard.
String Lights in Trees
This can offer a well-lit area under the tree, which can make the tree stand out and provide the house with a welcoming look.
Paper lanterns
Paper lanterns with LED lights can help decorate your front lawn and give a fantastic look; it is well suited for events like Halloween or even Chinese New Year.
When to choose which technology?
When converting existing installations to either low voltage or line voltage led light, neither is better than the other but it entirely depends on what kind of items you are converting into LED.
When converting older installments into either of these types of light, it is suggested to ensure the new installment voltage is retained in the outlet. You can use the already existing cabling. The low-level voltage installation needs to have LED transformers attached to avoid the result of flickering lights.
DC or AC Voltage
There are two types of Electric Current; DC (Direct Current) and AC (Alternating Current). Some low voltage LED lamps require 12V DC Voltage, while others require 12V AC Voltage. With the use of an integrated rectifier, it can be operated on both DC and AC Voltage.
LED Spots and Recessed Lights
Some electricians suggest using low-voltage recessed spotlights in wet rooms like a bathroom for safety reasons; their lifespan is expected to be extended due to their lower power dissipation.
If a room requires to be illuminated with high luminous power, a line voltage LED light is recommended.
With everything covered, don't let any restriction stop you from getting your creative outlet outside; with the help of trusted electricians, follow all safety protocols and decorate your place.
Electrician Richmond
Kato Electrical is the best option if you are looking for the most experienced electrician Richmond to help you with your lighting fixtures. Call us today, and we will send our best people for the job.