Residential Low-Voltage Lighting: Enhance Your Living Space
Introduction to Low-Voltage Lighting for Residential Spaces
Low voltage lighting operates at a lower voltage than the standard found in most homes. It relies on transformers to reduce line voltage from 120 volts to less than 50 volts of power. True low voltage makes this conversion at a remote location separate from the light fixture, therefore increasing its lifespan. Low voltage lighting offers a ton of benefits for residential homes including:
Enhanced illumination options
Smooth dimming and tunable white options
Driverless fixtures provide optimal performance and extended lifespan
Ability to integrate into control systems
Centrally located drivers make for quick and simple maintenance
Energy savings
Applications of Low-Voltage Lighting in the Home
Low Voltage lighting can be incorporated into residential homes in many different ways, such as accent, task and ambient lighting.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is used to transform environments as well as highlight features by
focusing light directly on them. It is a great way to illuminate specific areas of the
home and provide a lighting solution that is sleek and elegant, yet functional.
Low voltage LED strips can be embedded into stairs to provide subtle illumination, enhancing safety while contributing to the aesthetic appeal of the staircase.
Under-cabinet or under-shelf low voltage lighting can be installed to showcase collections, decorative items, or books on open shelving or inside display cabinets.
Low voltage downlights can be configured in a variety of ways including as spotlights to strategically highlight paintings, sculptures, or other artwork on display, drawing attention to them and adding a sense of drama to the room.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is the primary source of light in a designated space. It has the power to determine whether a space is bright and open, or dim and moody.
Low voltage downlights can be installed in the ceiling to provide general ambient lighting throughout a room. Dimmable and tunable white downlight fixtures allow a
space to be instantly transformed to suit any occasion.
Cove lighting is another low voltage ambient lighting solution. Low voltage LED strips can be installed in ceiling coves to softly illuminate a room with an indirect ambient glow that provides a sense of warmth.
Task Lighting
Task lighting directly illuminates an area with the intent to increase visibility and make completing tasks, such as reading or cooking, easier.
Task lighting is essential in the kitchen. Low voltage downlights and under-cabinet lighting offers focused illumination on countertops, making food preparation and cooking tasks easier and more efficient.
Options for Low Voltage Lighting in Residential Homes
Low-voltage lighting enables the creation of custom spaces and offers a variety of ways to maximize the use of these areas. When deciding which option is right for your project, consider the unique characteristics of the home, and what the goals and priorities are for each space.
Here are a few initial steps to take when deciding which low voltage lighting solutions are going to be best for your home:
1
ESTABLISH YOUR Goals.
It is important to determine your design goals before beginning the project. Consider which spaces you would like emphasized and how these rooms will be used. Whether you are in need of ambient lighting, task lighting, accent lighting, or a mixture of all three, planning ahead will allow you to leverage lighting in your designs. Our team of lighting engineers is available to assist in planning out your project from start to finish.
2
CONSIDER YOUR Budget.
Our team has years of experience with assisting clients in creating a lighting plan that fits within the project's budget while still providing the desired high-quality illumination.
3
CREATE YOUR Lighting Design.
A lighting design provides the roadmap to achieving your aesthetic goals while also providing a final bill of materials to bring it all to life. Environmental Lights offers affordable lighting design services to aid you in this process.
Accent Lighting
Linear accent lighting applications can range from toe-kick lighting all the way to cove lighting, and also provide a wide range of backlighting opportunities. Multiple color options are available including tunable white for biophilia applications.
Ceiling Cove Lighting
Provides soft illumination by directing light to the ceiling plane from a cove on one or more sides of a room.
Cove lighting accentuates ceiling design and fills the room with indirect, diffused lighting
Under-Cabinet Lighting
Positioned underneath cabinets to brighten countertops and other spaces directly below.
Under-cabinet lighting is an effective way to significantly increase visibility. It is highly functional and provides a luxurious appearance.
Backlighting
Illuminates objects, such as artwork, mirrors or televisions from behind, casting a glowing silhouette.
Backlighting is increasing in popularity for its sleek and modern appearance that adds to the aesthetics of a room.
Working with Environmental Lights for Your Residential Lighting Needs
Environmental Lights has created a turn-key process for
integration partners to advance their lighting expertise
and provide effective lighting solutions for their
projects.
We will be your partner in lighting development and offer
support throughout all stages of your installation, from
inception to completion. Give us a
call or email to discuss low voltage lighting
for your residential application.
Low-voltage lighting (usually 12-24 volts) uses transformers to safely power lights from standard home voltage (120V). True low voltage systems convert power remotely, extending fixture lifespan.
Can low-voltage lighting be used for outdoor applications?
Low voltage lighting can be used outdoors but require special planning to ensure longevity. Our sales engineers will work with you to select the correct products for indoor vs. outdoor use.
What size transformer do I need?
Traditionally, transformers that are built into light fixtures convert voltage from AC to DC to enable LEDs to work with AC power. Transformers cause heat buildup, which shortens the lifespan of LED lights. The new paradigm includes driverless light fixtures, which removes the transformer from the light fixture, which removes the heat source.
What are the advantages of low voltage home lighting?
While the benefits are numerous, a few of the most recognized include energy efficiency (lower electricity usage), safety (reduced shock risk), versatility (flexible placement options) and cool operation (minimal heat emission).
What types of bulbs are compatible with low voltage downlighting?
LED bulbs are most common due to their efficiency and long lifespan.
Can I dim low voltage lighting?
Low voltage lighting is dimmable with compatible dimmers specifically designed for low-voltage systems.
