- #12 volt landscape lighting fixture using t5 bulbs drivers#
- #12 volt landscape lighting fixture using t5 bulbs driver#
There are two basic types of transformers that step line voltage down to 12VAC. Magnetic and Electronic (ELVT) Transformers Now that we know why 12VAC exists for landscape lighting, lets take a look at the transformers that make it all happen. Lastly, low voltage AC sources allowed lighting designers to work with thicker filaments that do not snap as easy from mechanical shock or burn out like 120VAC main connected lights. Low voltage is much safer than 120VAC if you are going to be working around that area a lot. As we touched on above, with outdoor systems there will be maintenance as well as wiring that could get damaged due to outside elements or pesky creatures. Safety is another reason that low voltage AC has been used outside so much. In old systems it made sense as it was cost effective and easier as you didn’t have to switch from AC to DC. It was actually used in many old systems as it was much easier to create a 12VAC transformer compared to a DC transformer and incandescent bulbs could care less about AC or DC power. No, low voltage AC lighting is not just used in landscape lighting to try and spite all those switching to LEDs. (we have just what you need!) Why is 12VAC used so much in outdoor lighting? If you already have an old fixture than it most likely will have a 12VAC transformer. In order to switch to LEDs, you will need to find a way to switch that 12VAC to direct current and output a steady and safe current to your LED replacement. Other readers may just be looking for a retrofit option to switch the lamp inside their fixture. Think a little shock from that compared to taking straight 120VAC…no thanks. Since there is moisture, dust and little critters outdoors, there can be added maintenance with these lights, 12VAC is safer if you are going to be tinkering around. Chances are, you already have a 12VAC transformer where old outdoor lighting has been or you might want to put one in place as going from 12VAC is much safer than going from your line voltage. So if you are a creative type and already have a plan in place for how you want your landscape lighting to be then that is great. We know that many of you have a knack for design and use our site so much in order to get all the components you need while having the freedom to design your own lighting system. The more hours of run time, the faster these systems will make their return on investment and start saving you money! New Lighting & Retrofits The ‘long run’ we speak of probably won’t even be that long with landscape lighting as they are being used so much at night. When you think of all the hours that are racking up (along with that utility bill) you may realize that switching to LEDs could really pay off as they are much more efficient and will save you money in the long run. The thing with landscape lighting, however, is that these lights usually stay on for a long time at night, either being on a timer or being left on when people aren’t at home. Some of you may be asking, why switch to LEDs if my old system is working fine? Some of you may initially want to make it easy and just stick to the same old lights, especially upon seeing that there might be a small hurdle to jump in terms of finding a driver.
#12 volt landscape lighting fixture using t5 bulbs driver#
Here at LEDSupply, however, we have the perfect driver option for landscape and outdoor lighting systems that utilize a low voltage AC transformer.
#12 volt landscape lighting fixture using t5 bulbs drivers#
When switching to LEDs this can be a problem as LEDs need direct current, and most LED drivers are made for low DC voltage or high AC line voltage. These 12VAC transformers are already in place in the majority of houses and businesses as incandescent bulbs could take AC power and it had advantages over going straight from the main line (120VAC).
Most outdoor lighting systems run off of a low voltage AC transformer, usually 12VAC.
Whether it just be small security lights, pathway markers, or just added accent lighting around the grounds, they run on a certain system and if you plan on switching to LEDs you will need to be aware of this. Some sort of outdoor, landscape lighting is needed in many residential and commercial areas.
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