12V

120V

• flexibility when installing or relocating; cable is only hidden

• designed for wet locations and operate safely when exposed to moisture

• lamps (light bulbs) are small and allow fixtures to be smaller and less obtrusive in the landscape

• lamps available in low watt type and many beam spreads; more precise lighting effects can be achieved with lower energy costs

• can be plugged into existing outdoor receptacles; no need for an electrical contractor in most cases

• transformer to convert current from 120v to 12v required; voltage drop (dim lights) can occur if improperly engineered and inadequately sized cable used

• wire must be buried 18 inches and/or placed in a protective conduit; difficult to move

• all fixtures and connectors must be absolutely waterproof; shock hazard potential when wet

• lamps much larger and require larger fixtures to house them

• higher watt lamps and one or two beam spreads produce inappropriately high light levels; lack of beam control creates glare problems; more expensive to operate

• must always be installed by a licensed electrical contractor; local permits may be required

• no transformer required; voltage drop not as critical