In a recent post, we discussed how occupancy sensor switches can be combined with low voltage lighting in a harmonious union of energy efficiency. Even without the occupancy sensor, low voltage lighting systems are very energy efficient. It is important to recognize the benefits of using low voltage lighting where practical, and how building codes are starting to adopt energy efficiency initiatives that require low voltage lighting.
Often, low voltage circuits come with dimming switches to decrease energy consumption when full illumination is not required. They also often include built-in timers with auto on and off functions; this is especially useful for outdoor landscaping lighting and low voltage security lighting. These applications often demand electricity for longer periods of time compared to indoor artificial light. For this reason, energy efficiency is important. The built-in automatic timer will also add to the convenience of the lighting system.
Often, low voltage circuits come with dimming switches to decrease energy consumption when full illumination is not required. They also often include built-in timers with auto on and off functions; this is especially useful for outdoor landscaping lighting and low voltage security lighting. These applications often demand electricity for longer periods of time compared to indoor artificial light. For this reason, energy efficiency is important. The built-in automatic timer will also add to the convenience of the lighting system.
Additional benefits include the energy efficiency of the light sources that low voltage systems supply. They often join many LED lights or high efficacy light fixtures in series. Because these sources are so efficient, they allow a low voltage supply to provide enough power to each luminaire. This moderated supply guarantees that the LED bulbs will live their full life and not need replacement for decades. Features such as this make low voltage lighting a great choice for aesthetic and design applications. Examples would be landscape lighting, LED under cabinet lighting, and cabinet
lighting.
In fact, non-essential lighting such as these applications are required to be supplied by high efficacy luminaires by code. California title 24, section 6 for residential lighting, classifies types of lighting throughout the home and sets requirements as to what percentage must be high efficacy. For example, 50% of all kitchen lighting must be high efficacy and under cabinet lighting often exceeds this metric if it is not low voltage lighting. So by code, homeowners that fall under this applicable ordinance must have low voltage, LED under cabinet lighting.
One of the biggest advantages of low voltage lighting is its ease of installation and maintenance. This advantage is, in many ways, an evolution of all of the other advantages. It supplies small, cool burning luminaires such as LEDs, that last forever without replacement. Their plug and play design often allows the user to connect the transformer to a standard residential outlet receptacle. Without soldering or running dangerous conduit, connect link cables to fixtures in series and mount fixtures in the desired configuration.
lighting.
In fact, non-essential lighting such as these applications are required to be supplied by high efficacy luminaires by code. California title 24, section 6 for residential lighting, classifies types of lighting throughout the home and sets requirements as to what percentage must be high efficacy. For example, 50% of all kitchen lighting must be high efficacy and under cabinet lighting often exceeds this metric if it is not low voltage lighting. So by code, homeowners that fall under this applicable ordinance must have low voltage, LED under cabinet lighting.
One of the biggest advantages of low voltage lighting is its ease of installation and maintenance. This advantage is, in many ways, an evolution of all of the other advantages. It supplies small, cool burning luminaires such as LEDs, that last forever without replacement. Their plug and play design often allows the user to connect the transformer to a standard residential outlet receptacle. Without soldering or running dangerous conduit, connect link cables to fixtures in series and mount fixtures in the desired configuration.
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