Can garden lights be 240V?
There are many benefits to spending time outdoors, even when it's dark. With the right outdoor lighting, you can enjoy your yard even after the sun goes down.
Garden lights can come in a variety of voltages so which one is right for you?
In this quick guide, we will look into the different voltage options for your home and whether you can use 240v lighting fixtures.
So, let's get straight to it!
Can garden lights be 240V?
Your garden lights can be 240V, however, this voltage is considered high and there is a risk of your garden lights overheating and possibly catching fire. High-voltage garden lights aren't common because your safety is entirely reliant on a high standard of installation and proper maintenance.
Read on to find out more about the pros and cons of using 240V outdoor lighting.
The different types of voltage for garden lights
There are many different types of voltage for garden lights. Some common voltages are 12V, 120V, and 240V.
12V is the standard voltage for outdoor lights due to their safety while 120V is the most common type of voltage for household appliances and indoor lighting. 240V is the standard voltage for industrial and commercial applications.
Garden lights typically come in two different types: low voltage (12V) and standard voltage (240V). Low voltage lights are much safer to work with since they carry less electricity and are less likely to cause an accident. Standard voltage lights, on the other hand, carry a higher risk of electrocution if not handled properly.
Though you can use high-voltage garden lights, such as 120V and 240V, it is recommended that you use low-voltage lighting because it is safer and it is also less likely to be affected by dampness, dust, and water.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 240V Garden Lights
Although 240V garden lights are more expensive than 12V garden lights, they have several advantages. For one, 240V garden lights are much brighter than 12V lights, making them ideal for lighting up a large area.
Additionally, 240V garden lights last longer than 12V lights – up to 10 times longer, in fact. Finally, 240V garden lights are less likely to overheat than 12V lights, making them safer to use.
There are some disadvantages to 240V garden lights as well. One is that they require a professional installation and regular maintenance in order to work properly and safely.
In addition, because they are so bright, they can be a bit overwhelming if used in small spaces. Finally, while they are less likely to overheat than 12V lights, if they do overheat they can cause fires.
Advantages of 240V Outdoor Lights
- High brightness output
- Long-lasting and durable
- Less likely to overheat
- They don't require a transformer
- Dimming is easier
- Some light fittings are only available in 240V
Disadvantages of 240V Outdoor Lights
- More expensive than standard 12V lights
- Brightness can be overwhelming if used in a small area
- They're more likely to cause problems
- They require high maintenance
- Cabling and connections are more expensive
- Regulations limit how many 240V cables you can use outside
12V vs 240V Garden Lights
In our article about why most garden lights are 12V, we dive into the importance of safety and maintenance in outdoor lighting. But, what are the differences between 12V and 240V lights?
There are a few key differences between 12V lights and 240V lights. For one, 12V lights are much less powerful than 240V lights. This means that they’re not as bright and won’t light up an area as well as a 240V light would.
Additionally, 12V light fixtures are typically smaller and more delicate than 240V lights. This makes them more difficult to install and more likely to break if they’re not handled carefully. On the other hand, 12V lights typically use less energy than 240V lights, making them a more environmentally-friendly option.
The Safety Issue
The main difference between 12V and 240V lights is their safety as consumer goods. Lighting specialists have learned from experience that 240V lights are more likely to cause problems that result in safety hazards.
Mains-powered 240V lights are safe when properly installed and maintained. But it does rely on a high standard of installation and proper, regular maintenance.
On the contrary, low voltage lights are more reliant and less likely to trip the RCD (residual-current device), and often easier to fix if you do get a problem.
So, what voltage is best for garden lights?
Though most electricians recommend low voltage (12V) for outdoor lights due to their safety and numerous benefits, the best voltage for your outdoor space will depend on your yard size, lighting requirements, and budget.
If you're looking for a cheaper, safer and more reliable solution, you should use 12V lights. These lights can run safely across flower beds, along fences and wrapped around trees. Plus, they're generally low maintenance.
If you require high brightness levels and if you want dimming, then 240V can be a great choice too. Moreover, these lights are great if you have nowhere to hide a transformer.
All in all, you can combine 240V lighting with 12V lights for the best results. A mixture of both light types will allow you to make the most of your outdoor lighting systems.
Related articles:
