Lighting Tips

What is Low Voltage?
In general, buildings are wired 120 volts. Low voltage is a fixture that is 12 volts.
In order to connect a low voltage fixture in a building that’s wired with 120 volts, you need a
transformer that will make the 12 volt fixture work in a 120 volt building. The transformer takes the 120 volts in
to the fixture and puts out 12 volts.
You might also see the terms:
Input 120v = the wiring in the building.
Output 12v = the wiring in the fixture.

Are transformers automatically included with a Low voltage fixture?
Usually manufacturers include transformers with the low voltage fixture, since you can’t install the
fixture without it. There are, however, some manufacturers that sell low voltage fixtures without
the transformer.

For example: The Eurofase TE series of low voltage fixtures DO NOT come with transformers. In addition, most under the counter and cove low voltage fixtures don’t come with transformers.

What is the advantage of LED?
LED fixtures are designed to save energy and lower your electric bill.
A 7 watt LED bulb is equal to the average 65 watt bulb.
So you get the same amount of light out of the LED as the regular bulb but you’re only using 7 watts
instead of 65 watts. However, the biggest advantage is the exceptionally long lamp life that can last up to 25 years.
This in turn converts into even bigger savings.

When I buy a LED fixture, do I need to get other parts, such as transformers, in order for it to work?
LED fixtures, unlike Low voltage fixtures, don’t need transformers in order for them to work in a
regular 120 volt building. They use something called a “Driver”.
The driver does the same thing for LED fixtures as the transformer does for low voltage fixtures.
Most LED fixtures are sold with the driver so you don’t need to buy anything else to make it work.

What is the difference between Halogen,Fluorescent,LED, Flood and standard incandescen bulbs?

  • Halogen bulbs give off a very direct beam of light. It lights up only whatever the fixture is aimed at.
  • Flood bulbs give off a spread of light. It lights up whatever the fixture is aimed at and everything around it.
  • Standard incandescent bulbs give off a very general light. It will spread the light all over the room.
  • Fluorescent and LED bulbs give off light based on the application. If it’s a spot light, it’ll light up whatever the fixture is aimed at. If it’s a chandelier it’ll give off a very general light, to light up the entire room….



Published: March 29th, 2010 at 9:22
Categories: