Low voltage lighting is often mistaken for energy-efficient lighting, the reputation of which took a beating when the first few rounds of products were released. Most of us still think of low voltage lighting as those spiral-shaped lamps which glowed with a sickly, pale blue hue and took forever to brighten up after being switched on. But low voltage lighting is a little different, and all forms of lighting have come a very long way since those dimly-lit days. So what is low voltage lighting? Here we explain the technology behind it and the many benefits it carries.

What is Low Voltage Lighting?

Low voltage lighting as we know it today began with the introduction of 12v halogen bulbs, which generally produced the same levels of brightness and performed just as well as mains voltage halogen lamps. Halogen lighting is now being phased out, however the low voltage lighting industry is now dominated by the much more energy-efficient LED technology.

In an ever more pronounced shift away from standard 230v mains voltage lighting, low voltage lighting and its benefits are winning over consumers everywhere. Initially developed to facilitate safe outdoor landscape lighting, the technology is now also used indoors and works by using an LED driver or transformer to step the voltage down from 230v to 24v, 12v or lower. The driver or transformer is either built into the light fitting itself or installed separately, but its presence is essential for the operation of the light.

What is the Advantage of Low Voltage Lighting?

The benefits of low voltage lighting are often debated, but some are undisputed. Let’s take a closer look at the key low voltage lighting advantages and how this makes a difference in your home:

Top 3 Benefits of Low Voltage Lighting:

1. Safety

Due to the significantly lower voltage running through the light fittings themselves, low voltage lighting is much, much safer to use. The lower voltage reduces risk of serious electric shock, while also providing a safer option for outdoor lighting installations that won’t pose a hazard when exposed to rain and moisture.

2. Versatility

A lower voltage means bulbs can be smaller, which also means lighting designs can be more varied and creative. These smaller fittings allow for the lighting of smaller, tighter spaces that would otherwise be difficult to light safely or efficiently.

3. Long Lifespan

Our final benefit of low voltage lighting is the lifespan. Particularly now that LED is becoming the most popular form of low voltage lighting, the combination of the lower wattage and LED technology creates ideal conditions for long-lasting bulbs when compared with outmoded incandescent and halogen bulbs. LEDs are now more cost-effective than ever, requiring less energy to provide the same levels of light and requiring less frequent replacing.