For years the lighting industry has been the same with very little change or innovation. Traditional line voltage (high voltage 120v/277) has been the infrastructure and wire used to power fixtures. However, the introduction and adoption of LED light sources are contributing to the rapid swift to low voltage infrastructures led by innovative companies like Colorbeam.
The driving force behind the shift to Low voltage lighting resides in the fact that LED requires so much less energy to power while illuminating much brighter luminaires. This is ultimately making line voltage lighting obsolete for many applications.
Many people, however, still do not understand exactly what low voltage lighting is or the benefit it brings. In this blog, Colorbeam will dive into what low voltage lighting is and how it differs to traditional line voltage lighting.
What is low voltage lighting?
In essence, Low voltage lighting incorporates technology such as power supplies and transformers that lower the incoming 120/277v current to 12/24/48v required to effectively and efficiently power and light an LED luminaire.
The devices are placed between the incoming line voltage to the electrical panel and the luminaires.
How does low voltage lighting differ from traditional lighting?
Classified as Class 2 low voltage technology, Colorbeam Lighting now delivers the ability for low voltage and Audio/Video technology integrators to fully deploy lighting solutions. In the case of Colorbeam, luminaires are now powered and controlled over a single CAT6 network type wire eliminating the need for heavier more costly “ Romex copper wire “ that is also delivering a benefit to the carbon footprint.
Health benefits
There’s another reason why the tunability of low voltage lighting is important - your health. Sleep patterns, mood and general health are all linked to the lighting that we are exposed to on a daily basis. While this hasn’t been scientifically proven, there is extensive research into how light has a huge impact on circadian rhythm. It’s believed that too much or too little exposure to certain types of light interrupts circadian rhythm and affects our sleep patterns, behaviour and personal wellbeing.
Low voltage lighting has unique tunability features that make it far easier for lighting fixtures to mimic the sun’s natural light. For example, here at Colorbeam our innovative DMX driver that powers our lighting fixtures is tuned to the latitude and longitude of your building, meaning your lighting fixtures can be programmed to the specific movements of the sun throughout the year.
It is believed that changing the temperature of light throughout the day is a human-centric lighting solution that improves productivity, wellbeing, comfort and our overall health.
Energy efficiency
Low voltage lighting systems use a transformer to reduce line voltage from 120 volts to 12 volts, delivering power through a single network cable. This smarter way to power light fixtures means low voltage lighting is a more energy efficient lighting solution that helps you save money and delivers a positive impact on your carbon footprint.
Want to learn more about low voltage lighting and how it can put you in complete control of your residential or commercial property’s environment? Contact Colorbeam today. Our team of low voltage lighting experts would love to answer any questions that you may have.