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Topic: Outdoor Lighting
 Probably the biggest JacalynW writes: Tue, 03/06/2007 - 3:22am
Probably the biggest difference between low and high voltage wiring is the fact that a do-it-yourself person can install low voltage lights. Basically, for low-voltage, you buy a transformer and whatever type of lights suit your needs. You plug the transformer into a regular outlet (GFCI outlet) and then attach wiring to the transformer. You run the wiring to where you want your lights to be and attach the lights to the wiring. It's a very simple process and provides low-key lighting for just about anything. There are spotlights, uplights, bullet lights, lights for steps, well lights, decorative pathway lights, etc. Make sure that you do not exceed the recommended wattage for the transformer when installing low-voltage lighting. If your transformer is designed for 100 watts of power, you can use 10 light fixtures that have 10 watt bulbs in them (10 x 10 = 100). There are many transformers out there that provide up to 300 watts of power, and you can connect various types of lights to them. Spotlights use the most wattage, so if you're planning on adding a few, it's worth the extra cost to buy a bigger transformer. You can also buy kits (the transformer and lights come in a complete package), but you'll be limited in the types of lights that come in the package. I don't know about anyone else, but I would never attempt to try to do high-voltage lighting myself given the fact that many times you are mixing electricity with water-prone areas so the connections must be absolutely perfect to avoid problems. I feel high voltage lighting is a project best left to professionals. Our local electric company has personnel experienced in high-voltage, outdoor lighting, and so do many lighting companies.
OUtdoor Lighting JacalynW writes: Tue, 03/06/2007 - 3:54am
This is a follow-up to my previous comment about low-voltage lighting. I cannot stress enough that when it comes to lighting outside, safety comes first. When I did low-voltage lighting, I hired a licensed electrical contractor to run a water-proof, GFCI outlet so I had some place to plug in the transformer since no nearby outlet was readily available. This was not an easy job, as it required him to drill through our foundation walls to run a dedicated line back to our electrical box and then attached the outside box to a convenient place to plug things in. Where I live, our building codes require licensed contractors perform high-voltage outdoor lighting, and it's a great idea. If you cannot find an electrical outlet located in a protected inside area to plug in a transformer (and this, too, should be a GFCI outlet, again that water/electricity thing), or don't have one already outside, I really think it's best to leave this to the pros or at least someone who knows what they are doing if your building codes don't require licensed pros to install this. You may also want to check with your building department to see what the code requires in your area.
Outdoor Lighting catlovercg2002001 writes: Thu, 09/21/2006 - 5:05am
where are you planning on placing them outside? That may be an easy way to determine which one might be better.
Outdoor Lighting klinteeth writes: Thu, 09/21/2006 - 5:03am
Hi He-Jane,
There is a big difference between low and high voltage lighting just as KarasMom said. The difference is in the name - low voltage. Basically it won't give off much light at all. If you are considering doing some lighting, I suggest using high voltage. Low is usually a disappointment in the end. Outdoor Lighting catlovercg2002001 writes: Thu, 09/21/2006 - 5:03am
yes-and if you're wanting to use it as a guide up to a walkway for instance-you'd be better off with the high voltage
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Outdoor Lighting
metaboman2001 writes:
Thu, 09/21/2006 - 5:04am
High voltage lighting is used as "showcase" lighting. (This according to our landscaper). "Showcase" lighting shows off the trees, sides of the structure, or, lights the property for security reasons. Low voltage is more for softly lit walkways and driveways.
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