Installing Low Voltage Lights
Energy Efficient Recessed and Track Lighting
Why not save money on your electricity bills by installing low voltage lights? Less voltage means more energy efficiency. Electricity is delivered to lighting fixtures at 110/120 Volts; this is typical line voltage. So how do low voltage bulbs work? The bulb employs a step-down transformer to lower 120 volts down to approximately 12 volts, or a tenth of the original voltage. All other electrical components, including the light switch, remain the same.
Which Areas are Good Candidates for Low Voltage Lighting?
One ideal area for low voltage lighting is the living room, especially with vaulted ceilings. This is a choice area for recessed lighting. Artwork on the wall comes to life brilliantly with track lighting. The best bulbs for these applications come from the MR 16 assortment of bulbs. The MR 16 bulbs are manufactured as wide floodlights, standard floodlights, and spotlights. They are available in a range of colors.
Low voltage lights are perfect for use over bathroom vanities. These fixtures generally hold at least four incandescent bulbs. Assuming each bulb is 60 watts, that adds up to 240 watts! This is a great place to save energy.
The Home Office is a Good Candidate
When making or refurbishing a home office, this type of energy efficient illumination is ideal for both task and accent lighting.
Use Track Lighting in the Kitchen
The kitchen is a good candidate for track lighting. Why? Because it allows the light to be directed precisely where it's needed. Bendable track can be suspended with low voltage lights secured on track as a monorail system. Conventional kitchen lighting often leaves prime working area in shade. Track lighting solves this problem without having to use more incandescent energy hogs.
Low voltage halogen lighting also works well illuminating the workbench in the workshop.
Homes with long hallways usually contain pockets of shadow due to the layout of conventional light fixtures. But multiple wall sconces equipped with low voltage bulbs will distribute the light more evenly. The hallway is easier to navigate and a cozy atmosphere is achieved with soft bulbs.
Maintain Safety with Low Voltage Lighting
If installing low voltage lighting fixtures is on the horizon, especially recessed or “can” lighting, there are a few precautions to be aware of. Many localities mandate that recessed lighting fixtures are classified as and marked as air tight lights. This is an important requirement and should be adhered to.
Other regulations address IC (Insulation Contact) and Non-IC (Non Insulation Contact) lighting fixtures. Homeowners should always check with authorities on local requirements and when in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Use low Voltage Lighting for Landscaping Effects
The exterior of the home can also benefit from low voltage lighting. It's always a good idea to have lights on outside the home at night to discourage would-be burglars, but it can do double duty by creating a spectacular effect on well designed landscaping.
Skillfully placed low voltage lights can paint a sculpted landscape with a fan of light, bringing out the colors of nature. Why not blend the light pattern off to carefully placed lights illuminating the walkway? Beauty, energy savings, and safety, all wrapped up in a low voltage package. What could be better?
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