Light emitting diode (LED) lights are made of small electric components that produce light when electric current passes through them. Highly efficient, LEDs produce the same amount of illumination as traditional lighting technology (e.g., incandescent bulbs), but use less energy. Because of their small size and efficiency capacity, LEDs support a variety of unique, polished design functionality.
Low voltage lighting refers to a type of electrical lighting system that operates at a lower voltage than the standard household voltage. Standard household voltage in the United States is typically 120 volts. Low voltage lighting typically operates at voltages between 6 and 48 volts.
Most homes get electricity at a higher voltage in a form called alternating current (AC), which is not the voltage that LEDs require to function. LEDs typically use lower-voltage direct current (DC) power. To make the higher-voltage AC power suitable for LEDs, a device called an LED driver is used to convert the high-voltage AC (120V) into the low voltage DC (6-48V) that LEDs require to perform at their best.
Low voltage lighting is rapidly transforming the A/V and residential market by providing integrators with new revenue opportunities. Adding low voltage lighting to projects enables integrators to expand their wallet-share of projects by offering high-quality lighting solutions that include linear accent lighting and true low voltage downlighting. This brings several benefits, such as: energy efficiency, ease of installation, less heat emission, adaptability, and dimming capabilities.
REVI (Remote-Voltage Illumination System) is an architectural-grade low voltage downlighting system. It was designed in partnership with integrators to expand their offerings and leverage the full power of low voltage lighting throughout their custom home projects. This ultimately empowers homeowners to effortlessly take control of their lighting and get more use out of their living spaces.
REVI (Remote-Voltage Illumination System) can also be used to provide high lumen output and leverage the full power of low voltage lighting in commercial projects. High output fixtures provide excellent light coverage and dependability.
Standard LED bulbs are marketed as robust and long lasting. Despite the promise, standard LED bulbs often fail due to the heat generated by their built-in driver/transformer. This becomes a significant issue, particularly in spaces with elevated ceilings where it is challenging to access and replace bulbs. True low voltage provides a solution to these challenges:
Traditional LED bulbs have a built-in driver, which is a heat source that fuels rapid burnout. Standard 120V fixtures (including standard LED fixtures) are powered by 120 VAC, and then use a driver/transformer to convert that power to low voltage within the fixture itself for safe-use in homes. This is force-feeding more power than needed, creating extra heat when that power is converted to low voltage.
Low voltage LED lighting such as REVI eliminates the driver from the fixture, removing the primary heat source and enabling a smaller, more dependable fixture. The light fixture receives its power from a remotely located driver, via a *Class 2 18-gauge wire, which does not require an electrician for installation.
| FEATURE | STANDARD LED LIGHTING | LOW VOLTAGE LED LIGHTING |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | High | Low |
| Transformer | Required, integrated into the fixture | Required, remotely located |
| Overheating Risk | Higher | Lower |
| Ease of Installation | More Difficult | Easier |
Within the U.S. and Canada:
1-888-880-1880
Outside the U.S. and Canada:
1-858-521-0233
STANDARD: Traditional LED bulbs have a built-in driver, which is a heat source that fuels rapid burnout. Standard 120V fixtures (including standard LED fixtures) are powered by 120 VAC, and then use a driver/transformer to convert that power to low voltage within the fixture itself for safe-use in homes. This is force-feeding more power than needed, creating extra heat when that power is converted to low voltage.
LOW VOLTAGE: Low voltage LED lighting such as REVI eliminates the driver from the fixture, removing the primary heat source and enabling a smaller, more dependable fixture. The light fixture receives its power from a remotely located driver, via a "Class 2 18-gauge wire, which does not require an electrician for installation.
Yes, but every project is different and may require special logistics to ensure your lighting functions at its peak performance. For more information, reach out to a sales engineer at contactus@environmentallights.com.
The best type of LED lighting for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. For more information, reach out to a sales engineer at contactus@environmentallights.com.
