There are basically two types of low voltage landscape lighting, the 12V and the 24V types. If you are interested in purchasing low voltage landscape lights, then in this section we will describe some great features of 12V and 24V LED lights, we will expand on how to prevent any possible problems, give some usage tips for low voltage lighting, and also present the specific types of low voltage LED lights and where to look for them.

Desirable features of low voltage landscape lighting

Due to the solid state design of LED lighting, there are some important features that will be very useful especially when it comes to outdoor, landscape LED lighting.

Safety of 12V LED lights. First distinguishing feature is safety. As compared to incandescent landscape lighting, low voltage LED lights are much more energy efficient and because of that, they are more fireproof. In other words, with lesser energy flow, the chances of fire getting started due to malfunction, overheating, or similar circumstance is relatively lower. Also, the electric short can not cause as much damage as with the 110V voltage lights. As opposed to halogen lights, there is hardly a fear of explosion of the LED light bulb upon overheating or other malfunction. Finally, LED lights are cold to the touch, adding to passers by safety.

Low energy consumption. In general, low voltage LED lighting will have lower energy consumption than incandescent lights, plasma based lights, or halogen lights, all the while providing similar levels of visible light.

Ease of installation of LED landscape lighting. With low energy consumption, and greater overall safety, low voltage landscape LED lights will be easier to install as well. Making sure that there are sufficient heat sinks present with the bulbs, and waterproofing the lights becomes a much simpler task. Also, the size of LED bulbs can be made smaller for the same output, which helps with the installation as well.

Tips and problems to avoid when installing low voltage landscape LED lights

24V vs 12V LED landscape lights. Since there are two types of low voltage LED lights, 12V and 24V, ou must pay special attention to match the 12V LED lights with the appropriate power supply, or transformer. Although 12V LED lights will shine (brightly) when connected to a 24V power supply, they will likely create excessive heat and burn out rapidly. Caution is in order.

Where to install the power supply When installing low voltage lighting, you will have two options, first, placing the power supply (transformer) outside, and bringing the 110V power to it, or placing the power supply inside the house. In general, unlike the manufacturer suggests otherwise, it is safer to keep the 110V power inside the house where it will more likely not be subject to weather, animal interference, and sun rays. Then draw the 12V or 24V cable to the landscape lighting.