What is the difference between low-voltage lighting and the lighting I am now using in my home?
The most commonly used, traditional light sources are powered by 120-volt alternating current (AC). This is known as line voltage and is the standard for residential buildings. When you plug something into an outlet, you are accessing this 120-volt current. Low-voltage lighting operates on a 12-volt direct current (DC). This is similar to the amount of electricity used by a car battery. 12-volt is much safer and more energy efficient. Low voltage systems use a transformer that plug into a 120-volt receptacle and reduce the voltage down to 12-volt.
