10 BENEFITS OF 12-VOLT OUTDOOR LIGHTING
There are numerous advantages of using low voltage (12-volt) outdoor lighting compared to a 120-volt system. If you're unsure about why you should switch to 12-volt landscape lighting, you've come to the right place.
Wait, What's 12-Volt Lighting?
Before we get into the benefits, let's go over what we mean by 12-volt lighting.
If you're new to the world of landscape lighting, you might not be familiar with what 12-volt lighting is, how it works, or how it's different from ‘traditional’ outdoor lighting.
12-volt lighting uses a low voltage lighting transformer to convert the standard 120 volts (from your house) into 12 volts. This is what’s most commonly used for outdoor lighting.
Installing a low voltage lighting transformer is easy. Just plug it into any GFCI outlet to ensure your system and outlets are safe from moisture. You can put it on the side of your house, under a deck, in a shed - it's up to you! You can then run a standard low-voltage cable through your outdoor space and plug your 12-volt lighting fixtures into the cable.
Benefits of 12-Volt Outdoor Lighting
A 12-volt lighting system is not only more energy-efficient than higher voltage systems, but also safer and easier to install.
1. Safety First
Don’t worry about your little loved ones, our lighting is completely safe. Your children and curious pets won’t be in any danger here. Oh, and you're safe too! Our system is safe to interact with, touch, and install. In fact, low-voltage means you can actually install the lights while the system is running.
Plus, all in-lite 12-volt outdoor lighting fixtures use LEDs ‒ durable, water-resistant, and free of glass or any toxic chemicals. It’s the safest way to light your outdoor space!
2. What a Bright Idea
The light output from 12-volt lights is exactly the same as with 120-volt lights so brightness is not altered at all. Some of our largest lights can project light up to 30 feet.
3. Water You Worried About?
Even though a 12-volt outdoor lighting system does not require the same connection technique as a 120-volt system, our Easy-Lock connector contains a special gel that offers extra protection against moisture and external influences (just to be on the safe side).
4. Change It Up, We Dare You
If you’re someone who loves change, these are the lights for you. Adjustments to your lighting design can be easily made. All you have to do is twist the Easy-Lock connector loose and re-connect it in another location. This won’t damage our cable at all and you can move your lights numerous times.
5. All You Need is Love (And an Electrical Outlet)
You don't need an electrician to set up your 12-volt outdoor lighting system. With an easy installation process, all you need is an outlet for the transformer.
6. We Dig It
We know you’ll dig it (pun intended) but you don’t have to use a shovel! Low voltage cable does not need to be buried deep in the ground. Instead, it can be placed directly under paving or even a thin layer of soil or mulch.
7. Not All Who Wander Are Lost
The 12-volt cable can end anywhere. Seriously. Just install sealing caps (included with the transformer) or wrap with electrical tape and you are finished.
8. Bigger Isn’t Always Better, But Sometimes It Is
We have heavy-duty cables that can reach up to 262.5 feet into your yard. If you want to add a fixture further away from where your cable is positioned, you can easily add cable branches by using a CC-2 cable connector for up to 50 watts!
9. One Step at a Time
Not sure exactly what you’re going to need? Can’t decide on what lights you like the best? Don’t have the budget to do the whole backyard at once? You can easily and continuously add lights to your design as you see fit.
10. No, YOU Choose
Landscaping lighting can do just about anything... Illuminate a large tree or subtly line your pathway... Bring attention to your beautiful plants or create a romantic atmosphere around your outdoor living space! With in-lite, choose exactly where you want your lights to go and watch your outdoor space transform around you.