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Energy Savings Options :: Low Voltage Cable Lighting
Low Voltage Cable Lighting:
Advantages of a Low Voltage Cable Outdoor Lighting System
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Low voltage cable lighting for outdoor purposes is increasingly popular with homeowners seeking to improve safety, security and backyard entertainment facilities.
Low-voltage lighting systems are a good choice for many lighting situations for several reasons, including the big advantage of simple and safe do-it-yourself installation.
To learn more about low voltage cable lighting, its cost and how to really utilize it, keep reading.
Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting Basics – Cost and Power
A typical low-voltage cable lighting system with three to six lights costs less than $100 and can illuminate a patio, walkway, driveway or flight of dark steps, or serve such decorative purposes as lighting up a garden, pool or group of flowering trees.
Because low-voltage lights operate on only 12 volts, instead of the 115 volts used for regular household lighting, there is no danger of a harmful shock.
The 12-volt current even makes it possible to leave wiring cables exposed while traditional 115-volt systems require burying cables at least 18 inches deep.
Advantages of Low Voltage Cable Systems
Changes can be made in the position or type of low-voltage lights as needs change, and additional lights can be added to a system in minutes using simple, clamp-on connectors.
Temporary installations are also possible to handle special occasions, since the entire system is easily disconnected and bundled up for storage.
Low-voltage systems use smaller bulbs that normally have much lower wattage than many fixtures. A typical low-voltage bulb is about the size of an automobile turn-signal bulb.
These smaller bulbs won't provide the light output of high-voltage systems using 60-watt or 100-watt bulbs, of course. However, the ease with which the light can be distributed to different areas by using multiple fixtures helps make up for the lower light output of individual bulbs.
How Low Voltage Cable Lights Work
The 12-volt current is supplied from a transformer that converts household alternating current to low-voltage direct current.
Special weatherproof transformers are used, and in the simplest setup, the transformer is fastened to a home's siding or foundation and plugged into an existing 115-volt outdoor outlet. Many transformers include a timer-switch that can be used to control the lighting period.
Installing Low Voltage Outdoor Lights
In a typical low-voltage installation, the system's main cable is run from the transformer to the points where lights will be installed. In permanent installations, the cable can be protected from damage and possible tripping accidents can be avoided by placing the cable in a shallow trench.
An easy way to conceal the cable in a low voltage cable lighting system is to force a flat spade several inches into the ground and work it back and forth until a gap is opened that will accept the cable.
A tamper or the feet can be used to press the ground back into place over the cable. Cable also can be run along the edges of patios or porches and stapled in place to help keep it out of the way.
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EnergySavingsOptions.com :: Low Voltage Cable Lighting