LEDs usually run on low voltage DC power (12-48V), but homes get higher voltage AC power (120-277V) from the grid. For LEDs to work with AC power, you need a transformer to change AC to DC voltage. Transformers have been traditionally built into light fixtures. This transformer causes heat buildup, which leads to a reduced lifespan of LED lights.
The new paradigm for true low voltage lighting removes the transformer (also called a driver) from the light fixture. This prevents the fixture from getting too hot when converting power from 120VAC to low voltage. By removing that heat source, LEDs last longer and the most common point of failure (the driver) is now moved to a remote location.
Environmental Lights created the REVI low voltage lighting system using this method. It includes high-quality light fixtures and remote drivers that work together as one system.
How do you want to control your lights? It could be as simple as turning them on and off, using dimmer switches, or even using smart systems for customized lighting. Knowing how much control you want is key to picking the right downlighting system.
How much light do you need in each room? Homes usually require softer, ambient lighting, while businesses may need brighter, focused lighting. Picking the right lumen output helps match your lighting to your needs.
Have you defined your budget? Low voltage downlights span a wide price spectrum, so knowing your budget helps narrow your choices. Finding a balance between quality and cost is essential to ensure you get the best lighting for your budget.
What are the specific needs for your application? Different downlighting systems are tailored for specific applications. Custom- built homes, emphasizing premium features and aesthetics. Production homes, focus on cost-effectiveness and simplicity. Commercial applications can have rigorous demands emphasizing durability and high-output performance.
Custom homes often prioritize aesthetics and flexibility, making low voltage lighting a desirable choice due to the high-quality light and smooth dimming capabilities.
Design Flexibility: Low voltage downlights come in various styles and finishes, making it easier to match them to the unique design and decor preferences of custom homes.
Dimming and Color Tuning Capabilities: Many low voltage systems, especially those at the high end, offer compatibility with dimmer switches and advanced smart control systems. This empowers integrators to offer customized lighting options through dimming while allowing users to fine-tune the color temperature of the lighting.
Architectural Highlights: Low voltage lighting can be strategically placed to highlight architectural features, artwork, or other design elements in custom homes, enhancing their overall appeal.
Low voltage lighting can be a practical choice for production homes, where cost-efficiency and standardization are often paramount.
Cost Savings and Ease of Installation: Production homes typically aim for cost-effective solutions. Utilizing low voltage 18 gauge wiring for lighting provides considerable material savings over more costly Romex wiring. The wire is easier to work with and simplifies the installation process resulting in reduced labor time and costs.
Standardized Design: In production homes, it's common to use standardized lighting designs and fixtures. Low voltage downlights can be integrated into these designs, offering a consistent and streamlined appearance throughout many homes.
Dimming and Color Tuning Capabilities: Many low voltage systems are compatible with dimmer switches, allowing builders to offer a variety of custom lighting options.
Commercial applications have specific lighting needs such as bright downlight for larger spaces. Low voltage lighting can provide high- lumen fixtures and energy savings for commercial applications.
High-brightness Fixtures: High ceilings require powerful lights to provide even coverage of large spaces. High-output low voltage fixtures can ensure full light coverage of spaces.
Energy Efficiency: Low voltage lighting can help commercial spaces reduce energy consumption and operating costs due to the reduced amount of electricity needed. This is particularly important for businesses aiming to be environmentally conscious and cost-efficient.
Dimming and Control: Commercial spaces often utilize lighting control systems that allow for scheduling, occupancy sensing, and remote control. Low voltage systems can be integrated into these control setups to optimize lighting efficiency while providing smooth dimming.
At Environmental Lights, we view ourselves as partners rather than simply vendors to our clients. We are available to assist our customers throughout every step of the process, starting with choosing the ideal lighting configuration for your project. We work with builders from the start of the design process to ensure lighting is integrated seamlessly into the space.
We also offer affordable Lighting Design Services, which help integrators win more projects and provide builders and homeowners with an accurate visual of how their space will look prior to construction. This package includes high quality renderings and heat maps of our lighting in your space.
Our Lighting Design Services utilize configuration options for the use of downlights and accent lighting to create custom lighting solutions that bring your project dreams to life.
GET STARTEDFalse Color Renderings are indispensable tools in lighting design. They provide a way to visualize lighting designs more accurately than traditional black-and-white renderings and simple diagrams. They show the placement of lights while also visually presenting the intensity and distribution of light in a space.
By using false colors to represent light intensity, designers can easily identify areas of high contrast or deep shadows in a design. This helps them fine-tune the placement and intensity of lights to achieve the desired lighting effect.
Clients can better understand how different lighting elements will interact and influence the overall look and feel of a space.
GET STARTEDFoot-candle renderings serve as valuable tools in lighting design because they help designers and integrators understand and quantify the amount of light reaching a specific area or surface. Foot-candles provide a standardized unit of measurement for illuminance, allowing designers to specify the exact amount of light required for different tasks or activities in a space. This eliminates guesswork and helps create lighting designs that meet the recommended lighting levels for comfort, safety, and functionality.
They enable designers to analyze, optimize, and communicate lighting solutions effectively, leading to well-designed environments that prioritize safety, comfort, and energy efficiency.
GET STARTEDEnvironmental 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.
Within the U.S. and Canada:
1-866-973-6720
Outside the U.S. and Canada:
1-858-521-0233
