Due to the significantly lower voltage circulating through the lighting fixtures themselves, low-voltage lighting is much, much safer to use. However, dimming works much better and is cheaper with line voltage lighting. Low-voltage lighting requires more expensive dimmers, and once you add this to the cost of transformers, you really start to notice a difference in their cost. For most, low voltage is the preferred option.
Usually the hardware is cheaper and easier to install yourself (i.e. Without the help of an electrician). There are many options, from ready-to-use packages at the hardware store to a custom setup you may have to get from a specialist. However, there can be a lot to learn to get the configuration right and, if you don't feel 100% comfortable working with electricity, don't risk it, get a professional to participate.
Low-voltage lighting systems use a transformer to reduce normal line voltage (120 or 277 volts, generally) to 12 or 24 volts. Often used in recessed lighting, track, pendant, landscape, display and other applications. It is very useful when it comes to supplying light to a narrow and difficult to access area. All low-voltage lights are usually highly energy efficient, especially when compared to any incandescent bulb.
These types of outdoor LED lights can also emit a higher quality amount of light than any incandescent halogen bulb by using only 20 percent of the energy used by an incandescent bulb. This, together with an outdoor lamp body that is constructed to allow improved thermal reduction through its design, you will notice that it will be really useful to install these types of low-voltage LED lighting products to improve energy efficiency and reduce heat around sensitive plants which also allows you to lights last longer and keep lighting color temperatures consistent and looking great. This is probably the most important reason why low-voltage garden lighting is recommended for residential properties. Dimmers give you control over your lighting levels, and this has both aesthetic and financial benefits, whether you use line or low-voltage lamps.
The reason why line voltage simply no longer makes sense for residential outdoor lighting is because modern low-voltage LED lighting fixtures, in combination with multi-level step-down transformers, are able to match the power of a line voltage-based configuration. In addition, you should use LED luminaires in the low-voltage system, which cost more than incandescent lights but last much longer. Lights that use low-voltage power connections will be relatively smaller compared to all other types of 120-volt lights, including incandescent bulbs. Line-voltage lighting can be used almost anywhere low-voltage lighting can be used, although the opposite is not true.
These lights that operate on low voltage power consumptions are much safer to install and use, compared to other varieties of 120V lighting options. Line-voltage lighting systems do not require transformers to power lighting fixtures in many different applications. Low-voltage landscape lighting reduces the risk of shocks and is easy to install as there is no need to bury the cable. Low-voltage lighting is often used in screen lighting or in any application where it is difficult to run full standard voltage electrical cables and conduits.
Carrying a current of 120 volts, it can emit a lot of light and you can connect more lights in the circuit. Therefore, when you install these 12 volt LED lighting systems outdoors, these lights will not impose any risk of being electrocuted when exposed to snow or rain. Setting up a landscape lighting system with line voltage requires several safety measures, such as burying wires to a depth of at least 18 feet and ensuring that cable connections can be accessed through junction boxes. While the cables you would need for line voltage lighting are more expensive than those needed for low-voltage lighting.
.
