Whether you have a courtyard or an expansive backyard entertainment area, every outdoor area can benefit from garden lighting.

When choosing the best lights to transform your space, you might assume that 240v is the best power source for the brightest illumination. But household electrical power isn't always the best option. Low-voltage 24v garden lighting is safer, longer-lasting, and more efficient, all while offering the same level of performance.

Let's look at why homeowners should choose low voltage 24v lights for outdoor use, starting with the difference between the two power supplies.

24v Lighting Is Safer Around Homes and Families

Choosing an extra low voltage system dramatically reduces the chance of serious injuries and fires that 240v outdoor lights pose. If someone touches a live wire on a low-voltage cable, the risk of harm is extremely low compared to a high-voltage line.

Outdoor environments are exposed to rain, sprinklers and dew, and other moisture, all of which can turn a small fault into a more serious hazard. If you've got pets or curious children, low-voltage, outdoor-rated lighting provides greater peace of mind.

Easier and Cheaper to Install

240v outdoor lighting can only be installed by a licensed electrician with knowledge of the strict regulations surrounding high-voltage power. In contrast, you can install 24v garden lighting yourself because it's so much safer to work with.

Low-voltage cables also don't need to be buried as deep, if at all, unlike 240v lines which need to be buried to a specific depth.

This makes 24v systems easier, faster and more cost-effective to set up.

More Flexible Design Options

Low-voltage systems offer more flexibility in terms of styles, design and placement because cables can run where you need them to with ease, for example, along guttering, up drainpipes or around trees. This means you can achieve more creative landscape lighting solutions with a 24v system.

Visit the Fusion Lighting website to see how our customers have transformed their outdoor spaces with our high-quality 24v outdoor lights.

Increased Durability

The bulbs used in 24v lights are often made of shatterproof materials like polycarbonate or PVC, unlike glass bulbs found in 240v systems. This makes them perfect for outdoor use, especially for string lights hanging over a patio.

24v Is Energy-Efficient and Compatible with LEDs

While 24v outdoor lights aren't inherently more energy-efficient than 240v systems, Fusion Lighting's 24v garden lights are all powered by energy-efficient LEDs. This means they cost significantly less to run than 240v outdoor lights that use incandescent or halogen bulbs.

Understanding Voltage in Outdoor Lighting

Electrical outdoor lights fall into two main categories: mains-powered (240v, the same as your household supply) and extra low voltage lights, typically 12v or 24v.

240v lighting runs on high-voltage electrical current, which poses more safety risks. Low voltage 24v is considered much safer for outdoor use because the lower voltage significantly reduces the risk of electric shock.

When it comes to outdoor lighting, electrical systems have clear advantages over other options, such as solar. Solar lights often struggle in shady areas, offer only limited brightness and are often of poor quality.

How does 24v power work?

Low-voltage outdoor lighting still connects to mains power, but it uses a transformer to convert 240v down to a safer, lower voltage through electromagnetic induction between two coils.

The primary coil receives the 240v power supply, and the secondary coil outputs 24v, which travels to the light source.

Now that you understand the difference between the power supplies, let's delve into why 24v is the better choice for your outdoor lighting.

Performance Comparison: Does Lower Voltage Mean Dimmer Lights?

A high-voltage light isn't brighter than a low-voltage light. Brightness is determined by lumens, not voltage. A 24v light can be just as bright as a 240v one.

When low-voltage lights first became available, many homeowners complained of a voltage drop that caused lights to dim.

However, advances in LED technology have made 24v lights much more resilient to voltage drop, with better LED drivers and smarter voltage regulation. This means you can expect your 24v lights to provide just as much brightness as a mains-powered light.

At Fusion Lighting, all of our LED filament bulbs are also dimmable to help you create mood and ambience in your outdoor space.

When Might 240v Be Appropriate?

There are some cases where 240v systems may be more suitable, for example, in commercial or industrial settings, or for extremely long-distance runs. However, for almost all residential outdoor lighting needs, 24v is the safer, more flexible and more efficient choice.

Considerations When Installing Outdoor Lighting

If you're considering investing in outdoor lighting, 24v is the smartest option. Compared to 240v mains-powered lights, 24v garden lighting offers a greater level of safety and installation is a lot less complicated. For reliability, durability and energy efficiency, 24v outdoor lighting is the clear winner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best voltage for outdoor lighting?

Lights of 12v or 24v are recommended for use outdoors because they are much safer than 240v systems.

Why use low voltage outdoor lighting?

Low-voltage lights are safer, easier to install and more energy-efficient.

What is the advantage of 12v lighting?

The biggest advantage of 12v lighting is safety. It poses minimal risk of electric shock.

What voltage are garden lights?

Garden lighting can be either 240v (the same as the voltage that runs to your home) or low-voltage 12v or 24v. Low-voltage lighting is much safer and just as bright with the right setup.

Why 24v Wins for Most Outdoor Lighting Needs

Fusion Lighting specialises in high-quality, low-voltage outdoor lighting. Not only is it safer and more reliable, but it also looks fantastic and offers a greater amount of flexibility when it comes to designing a lighting layout that will enhance the appeal of your home.

Ready to elevate your outdoor space? Explore Fusion Lighting's premium range of 24v outdoor lighting solutions here.