11 Vs. 12 Volt Landscape Lighting

Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

• Standard landscape lighting runs on about 120 volts, because standard outdoor outputs generate around 120 volts of electricity. However, 120-volt systems run up very high electricity bills and require professional installation in waterproof piping. Lower voltage systems keep electricity cost and output down. With less electricity running through the system, low voltage landscape lighting also prove less of a fire hazard than 120-volt systems, requiring fewer safety precautions. You can purchase low voltage systems through online retailers and from landscape supply stores.

Transformer

• Transformers constitute an integral part of a low voltage landscape system. The transformer alters, or transforms, the electrical output of an electricity source. In the case of low voltage outdoor lighting systems, transformers convert the voltage output of the power source to a lower voltage. Landscape lighting transformers convert electricity at a ratio of 10 to 1. Therefore, if your power source produces 120 watts, your landscape lighting runs on 12 volts.

Voltage

• All low voltage landscape lighting systems contain the same basic parts -- lights, cables and light bulbs. These systems run on various levels of power, depending on the output of your power source. For instance, if you power source puts out the standard 120 volts of electricity, low voltage landscape lighting runs on 12 volts. However, if your power source only puts out 110 volts, your low voltage landscape lighting runs on 11 volts. Ultimately, there is no difference between the actual lights used, only in the power output involved.

Voltage Drop

• Some lights in a 12-volt system may actually run on 11 volts due to a phenomenon known as voltage drop. Voltage drop occurs when electricity traveling through a wire from a power source loses some of its power due to the length of its journey and the type of cables used. However, the difference between a 12-volt and 11-volt output, particularly when using the same types of light bulbs in all light fixtures, proves marginal.