Line & Low Voltage

Line Voltage & Low Voltage: What's the Difference? Line voltage track lighting versus low voltage track lighting is another of the many decisions you'll be faced with when shopping for track lights. Line voltage track lights work at 120V, the standard voltage of electrical junction boxes and outlets. Low voltage track lights require an integral or remote transformer that steps line voltage down to 12V. Here's what that means in practical terms. Line voltage vs. low voltage For purposes of general lighting, many people will prefer line voltage track lighting to low voltage: line voltage fixtures are less expensive line voltage track lighting doesn't require a transformer line voltage track lights don't require a special dimmer line voltage light is more diffuse, casting softer, less pronounced shadows That said, there are probably twice as many reasons why people prefer low voltage track lighting to line voltage for accent, ambient, and task lighting:

• the transformer's voltage reduction makes low voltage track lighting 30% cheaper to operate than line voltage track lights
• low voltage track lights produce 250% more light than line voltage lamps
• the smaller filaments of low voltage track lights give a smaller light point, yielding extremely crisp and ambient lighting
• low voltage track lighting is more dramatic, accommodating fixtures with more precise control and a greater variety of beam spreads
• low voltage light is whiter and brighter, giving better color rendition and more dramatic shadows
• because they use 1/10 the voltage of line voltage systems, low voltage track lights are less of a shock hazard
• low voltage track lighting is easier to install, and in many localities, code requirements are more lax
• low voltage track lights radiate less heat

Always consider your specific needs when choosing between line voltage and low voltage track lights. You can even use both in different areas of your home. The light you live by should suit your surroundings.