What is low voltage indoor lighting?

Low-voltage indoor lighting systems operate on 12 or 24 volts rather than the standard of 120 or 277 volts. Recessed lights (cans), track lights, bendable rail lighting systems, landscape lighting, suspended cable lighting, pendant lights and low-voltage display lights are typical low-voltage lighting fixtures used in homes.

A transformer is required to step down the voltage from the standard line voltage to 12 or 24 volts; otherwise the low-voltage lights burn out immediately under the higher voltage. Installing low-voltage lighting with built-in transformers can save a homeowner from retrofitting the entire house. Lower voltage lighting systems use less electricity and save money on electric bills.