If you’re exploring outdoor walkway lighting ideas or planning to install new deck or patio lights, you might be considering low-voltage options. These lights are attractive because they can help you lower your home’s energy costs, being more efficient than high-voltage alternatives. Additionally, low-voltage lighting is often easier to install, making it feasible as a DIY project, potentially saving you the cost of hiring an electrician.
While there are benefits to using low-voltage outdoor lights, there are also some drawbacks to consider. For instance, you’ll need a voltage converter box, and the bulbs may emit a dimmer glow. Evaluating these downsides along with other factors can help you determine if low-voltage outdoor lighting is suitable for your needs.
Why low-voltage outdoor lights might not be the ideal choice
One significant drawback of choosing low-voltage lights for your outdoor area is the requirement of a transformer. This transformer is essential because it converts the standard 120-volt lines to 12-volt lines, allowing the electrical wires to run along the ground without breaching local codes. Since low-voltage lights necessitate a transformer, you’ll need to allocate space for it in your yard. Although transformer boxes are generally small — with dimensions typically under 10 inches — they may not be visually appealing. You’ll need to consider how a large black or silver box will look in your space and how you might conceal it.
The need for a transformer isn’t the only potential downside of low-voltage lights. These lights are usually dimmer than their higher line-voltage counterparts. As electricity passes through the transformer to reduce the voltage, it can result in a loss of energy, leading to a less brightly-lit area. Voltage drop is another issue that can cause your outdoor lights to be dimmer than desired. This problem is more likely to occur when the wires from your lights to the transformer are longer. Bulbs farther from the transformer may not receive sufficient voltage to illuminate as brightly as those closer to it. Depending on the layout of your space and your reasons for installing lights in your garden or lawn, this could pose a potential safety hazard.
