A well-designed landscape lighting system is the way to go if you want to illuminate your patio, backyard, lawn, or pathways.
Effective landscape lighting will not only add a new layer of beauty to your environment, or highlight your flowering plants and trees but also make your space productive. It creates an outdoor space to hang out with friends and families.
Before investing in a landscape lighting system, there are certain factors you should consider. Are you purchasing the landscape lighting for residential use? Do you want to install it yourself? If yes, your best bet is getting the best low-voltage landscape lighting.
Low voltage landscaping is the perfect choice for residential use because it enhances the beauty and security of your home without eating up your electricity.
Besides, Low voltage landscape lighting is energy efficient, easier to work with, and safer. However, the best low voltage landscape lighting requires the best low voltage transformer for landscape lighting to work.
The alternative is line voltage landscape lighting, which offers less beam control, is expensive, and can cause an electric shock but does not require a transformer.
Shop for the best low voltage landscape lighting and the best low voltage transformer for landscape lighting
Best Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
| Image | Product | Dimensions (inches) | Power (W) | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top | SUNVIE Low Voltage LED Landscape Lights | 8.7 x 6 x 5.5 | 12 | Buy Now | |
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Top | Sunriver Low Voltage Landscape Lights | 7.32 x 5 x 3.39 | 1 | Buy Now | |
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Top | Malibu Landscape Lighting Halogen | 6 x 3.5 x 5.9 | 50 | Buy Now |
Best Low Voltage Transformer for Landscape Lighting
| Image | Product | Dimensions (inches) | Power (W) | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top | DEWENWILS Low Voltage Landscape Transformer | 5.7 x 3.6 x 10 | 200 | Buy Now | |
 | Malibu Low Voltage Landscape Lighting | 4.8 x 10.6 x 11 | 600 | Buy Now | |
 | SUNVIE Low Voltage Transformer for Landscape Lighting | 6 x 4 x 8.7 | 300 | Buy Now | |
 | Sterno Low Voltage Smart A/C Transformer | 6.14 x 3.31 x 9.29 | 200 | Buy Now |
The Best Voltage for Your Landscape Lighting System
The best voltage landscape lighting system for your home is the best low voltage landscape lighting because it is easier to use, safer, and less expensive compared to the line voltage landscape lighting.
Seven Reasons Low Voltage Landscape Lighting is the Best for Your Home
- It is energy efficient; it does not eat up electricity yet provides high brightness.
- It provides wider coverage.
- It offers a wider selection of light fixtures and bulbs.
- It is safer; it does not cause an electric shock even under wet conditions.
- It is relatively not expensive.
- It is easier to operate; it does not require a conduit to prevent it from tearing up your yard.
- It also has low maintenance; it may include removing the debris, changing the bulbs, and maintaining the wiring of the landscape lighting if need be.
- The size of the light fixtures is relatively small, which makes it easy to relocate the lights.
What is low voltage landscape lighting?
Low voltage landscape lighting uses a low voltage of 12 volts to power the lighting fixtures.
Low voltage landscape lighting, however, requires a low outdoor voltage transformer for LED lights – to bring down the voltage of your power outlet to the amount the landscape lighting requires.
The voltage of power outlets in Canada and the USA is 120v, which is high for the low voltage landscape lighting. It could burn out the lights. Therefore, you need to use your outdoor landscape LED lights with a low outdoor voltage transformer for led lights to convert the 120v to 12v.
In addition, when shopping for the best low-voltage landscape lighting, you need to consider the durability of the lighting – if it can withstand harsh weather. Also, check if the lights are well-made and ETL certified.
Why do you need a low outdoor voltage transformer for led lights?
You need the low voltage transformer for landscape lighting to bring down the mains voltage (120v or 240v) to the voltage your lighting bulbs needs. It will help reduce the issues of burnout landscape lights or the outputs getting weaker further down the line of electrical wire connections all over the property landscapes.
However, ensure you get the best low voltage transformer for your landscape lighting (i.e., the appropriate low voltage landscape lighting transformer for your lights.) To determine the best low voltage transformer landscape lighting for you, consider the factors below:
- The number of lights you want to install.
- Total wattage of the landscape lights
- The size of the wire gauge
How the number and total wattage of lights determine the best low voltage transformer for landscape lighting
The total wattage of the landscape lights will determine the correct low-voltage transformer for your low-voltage landscape lighting. Getting an unsuitable transformer for your landscape lighting can cause problems for you down the road, such as lights failing.
To calculate the total wattage of your landscape lights, multiply the number of lights with the voltage rating of the lights. Let’s assume the number of light sources is 20, and the power is 4W; the total wattage of the lights would be 20 x 4 =80W.
It is better to keep the load 80% of the maximum wattage rating of the transformer. Overloading the transformer can damage it. In that light, a 150-watts low voltage transformer will be the best for 80W landscape lighting.
For a 7W, 20 landscape lights, the total wattage will be 7x 20= 140W, so the best low voltage transformer for landscape lighting of 140W is
300-watt transformer, a 150-watt transformer is too low for 140W landscape lighting.
How the wire gauge plays an important role in choosing the best low voltage transformer for landscape lighting
When considering the wire gauge for your landscape lights, be aware of the advantage and disadvantages of the different available wire gauge sizes. For instance, small wire gauges are more economical than larger wire gauges.
However, the larger wire gauges are more durable than smaller ones. Besides, the smaller ones can overheat, and they have lower current capacity.
To determine the correct low-voltage transformer for your landscape lights using the wire gauge, use this rule of thumb- a 300-watt transformer is compatible with 100 feet run, 150, and 200 feet run using 12-gauge, 14-gauge, and 16-gauge, respectively.
Also, discuss with your landscape lighting manufacturer the other conditions to determine the right transformer or wire gauge for your landscape lighting system.
Best low voltage transformers for landscape lighting reviews
Looking for the best low voltage transformer for landscape lighting, below are reviews of some of the best low outdoor voltage transformers for led lights. Read the reviews, and choose the one that meets your need.
DEWENWILS 200W Low Voltage Landscape Transformer
This is a wall mount outdoor voltage transformer for landscape led lights. This low voltage transformer can power up to 30 4W light fixtures. It comes with a detachable photocell sensor, which makes the landscape lighting turn on automatically in the dusk and turn off in the dawn.
It comes with a manual on/off function, which you can use to keep the lights on always, as well as turn the lights off if the light automatically turns on when you don’t need it.
This magnetic transformer allows you to control the lights individually with the three individually controlled terminal output zones. With this mechanism, you can control your front porch lights, backyard lights, and landscape lights separately with the press of a button.
It is easy to install with the hanging holes, and the power cable is long enough to plug the device indoors and use it outdoor.
The high-quality metal construction makes it one of the best low-voltage transformers for landscape lighting. The transformer can withstand rain, snow, dust, and abrasion; thus, you can enjoy your investment in the transformer for a long time.
The low-voltage outdoor transformer for LED lights is compatible with all 12v/24v low voltage landscape LEDs. It is also suitable for the best low-voltage landscape lighting halogen. The transformer is ETL listed.
Features
- 200W low voltage magnetic transformer
- Photocell sensor
- Countdown timer
- Memory function
- Waterproof
- Metal construction
- Control lights individually
- Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 3.6 x 10 inches
- Weighs 9.55 pounds
- Cable 6ft long
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable construction | N/A |
| Long power cable | |
| Waterproof | |
| Easy installation |
Malibu 600 Watt Power Pack Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
This 600-watt low-voltage transformer from Malibu can power up to 70, 7W light fixtures.
You can turn on the low outdoor voltage transformer for led lights both manually and automatically. You can as well control the time you want it to turn on/off using the timer settings. You can set the device to turn off automatically after 4/6/8 or 10 hours or turn off at any time.
The integrated Optical Sensor Technology sensors the amount of light in the environment to turn on the landscape lights at dusk and turn them off at dawn automatically.
When it comes to finding the best low-voltage transformer for landscape lighting for the best low-voltage landscape lighting, durability is very important.
The Malibu low-voltage transformer has durable construction; it can withstand corrosion and weather conditions. It is also dustproof to ensure you use the product for a very long time.
In addition, the transformer comes with overload protect, to protect the equipment in the case of an overload. You can take advantage of the one-year after-sales the company offers to get the support you need.
Features
- 600 watts low-voltage transformer
- Metal housing
- Memory function and overload protection
- Optical sensor technology
- Protective door panel
- Product dimensions: 4.8 x 10.6 x 11 inches
- Weighs 33.5 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is Durable | N/A |
| Waterproof | |
| Memory function | |
| Easy to install |
SUNVIE 300W Low Voltage Transformer for Landscape Lighting
This 300W outdoor low-voltage transformer for led lights can power up to 60 4W led bulbs. It can be used for different landscape lightings, including path lights, in-ground lights, outdoor spotlights, and other outdoor lightings.
It has a built-in photocell sensor, which enables it to switch on automatically at dusk and turn off at dawn or use the timer control device to set the transformer to turn off after some hours.
Thanks for the ease of operation; this device can be your best low voltage transformer for landscape lighting. It only takes a push of a button to operate this transformer.
The two hanging holes on the back make it easy to mount the device directly on the wall. After mounting, plug the 3.3 FT 18AWG power cord and switch it on.
The transformer is durable and has an IP65 waterproof rating, which protects the device from harsh weather, and the metal enclosure is corrosion-resistant and can withstand years of use. It is likewise ETL certified.
You can’t go wrong with the SUNVIE 300W outdoor low-voltage transformer for LED lights with its 12-month warranty, as well as free customer service.
Features
- 300W low-voltage transformer
- 3.3 FT 18AWG power cord
- IP65 waterproof rating
- ETL certification
- Aluminum enclosure
- 12-month Warranty
- Product dimensions: 6 x 4 x 8.7 inches
- Weighs 11.16 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is durable and waterproof | N/A |
| Easy to operate | |
| Easy to install |
Paradise by Sterno Home Low Voltage Smart A/C Transformer, WiFi
Are you looking for the best smart outdoor low-voltage transformer for LED lights to convert your 120V power outlet to12v? Consider the Sterno home low outdoor voltage transformer for led lights.
As a smart low voltage transformer landscape lighting, you can control the landscape lights with an app from the comfort of your home. You can download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store depending on the type of your mobile device.
It works with most low landscape lighting systems and comes with a ground shield that allows you to use it with submersible lights safely.
It is equipped with an astronomical timer, which tracks the sun’s direction according to your geographical location, and then turns on and off the lights automatically based on the information.
You can likewise switch the transformer on and off manually or switch on and off automatically by itself using timer settings.
It comes with an intuitive LCD screen to control the unit. With the 200-watt rating, you can install up to 30 4W landscape lights on the transformer.
The transformer comes with three channels, which allows you to reach the front and backyard of your environment without voltage drops. It is durable and weatherproof to withstand harsh weather conditions.
The downside about this smart low-voltage transformer is that the timer does not connect to your Wi-Fi but instead connects to its Wi-Fi transmitter. However, connecting to the built-in Wi-Fi with your phone is not difficult.
Features
- 300-watt smart low-voltage transformer
- App-controlled
- Five modes- ON, OFF, Timer, Dusk-to-dawn, Astronomical timer
- ETL certified
- Aluminum construction
- Product dimensions: 6.14 x 3.31 x 9.29 inches
- Weighs 8.88 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is sturdy | Wi-Fi does not connect to Home network |
| It is weatherproof | |
| App easy to use | |
| The transformer is easy to use |
Best Low Voltage Landscape Lightings Reviews
If you don’t have voltage landscape lighting just yet, check our reviews on some of the best low-voltage landscape lightings. Once you pick your best low-voltage landscape lighting, select the best low-voltage transformer for it.
SUNVIE 12W Low Voltage LED Landscape Lights
A 200W outdoor low-voltage transformer for LED lights is enough to power these warm white LED landscape lights and illuminate your patio, garden, pathway, and fences.
The number of light sources is 10, and the light-thick aluminum body can withstand any harsh weather and makes it last longer.
The head is adjustable to highlight the walls, garden, and patio better. It is easy to install – simply insert the spike stand into the ground and use the fast lock connectors to connect the landscape lighting fixtures.
Features
- 10-pack, 12W warm white landscape lights
- IP65 waterproof
- Aluminum casing
- Lifespan: More than 50,000 hours
- Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 5.5 inches
- Weighs 4.66 pounds
Sunriver Low Voltage Landscape Lights Landscape Well Lights
These low-voltage landscapes in-ground lights are the way to go to illuminate your fences, flag, walkway, pathway, flowerbeds, etc. It is easy to install and energy-efficient.
Of course, it requires the best low voltage transformer for landscape lights to power it – a 100W outdoor voltage transformer for LED lights is enough to power it.
It is IP67 waterproof, which makes it perfect for outdoor use. The landscape lighting is backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee, 24-month replacement warranty, and lifetime after-sale support – you can’t go wrong with these outdoor LED lights.
Features
- 100-lumen output, 1W led lights
- Wall mount
- IP67 waterproof
- Lifetime up to 30,000 hours
- Product dimensions: 7.32 x 5 x 3.39 inches
- Weighs 2.42 pounds
Malibu Landscape Lighting Halogen 50W Outdoor Spot
You can use the powerful 50W Malibu halogen landscape lighting to highlight beautiful features on your landscape, such as gardens, ornamental trees, or illuminate your space for entertainment.
You can also use the light to enhance your home security by placing the lights at your doorway, garage, or alley. Its high-quality aluminum construction and waterproof seals make it the best low-voltage landscape lighting for long-term investment.
In addition, the lights are easy to install. Just get a 600-watt outdoor voltage transformer for LED lights alongside this 8-pack Malibu halogen landscape lighting, and you are good to go.
Features
- 8-pack 50W halogen
- Aluminum construction
- Product dimensions: 6 x 3.5 x 5.9 inches
- Weighs 9.5 pounds
Frequently asked questions on Landscape lighting voltage.
Why is it necessary to use a low outdoor voltage transformer with a low-voltage landscape lighting system?
It is necessary to use the best low voltage transformer for landscape lighting with landscape lights to prevent the lights from failing. Using your landscape lighting directly with the power outlet can cause damage to the lights.
That’s because the power outlet voltage is too high for the 12v landscape lighting. The transformer will help turn the voltage down a notch to 12v that the low-voltage LED lights need.
How do you determine the right transformer for your landscape lights?
The total wattage of the landscape lights will determine the best low voltage transformer for landscape lighting for your outdoor lights. Let’s assume the power of one landscape light is 4W, and the total number of lights is 10, so multiply 4W by the total number of lights, you have 40W.
A 100-watt transformer will be compatible with the 40W landscape lights since the total power of the landscape lighting is below 80% of the maximum watts of the transformer.
When purchasing a transformer for LED lights, make sure the maximum power of the landscape lights is below or 80% of the maximum power of the transformer.
Using a transformer with equal maximum power as the landscape lighting is as bad as not using a transformer with your landscape lighting.
Are all landscape lights 12v?
All landscape lighters are not 12v, but 12v landscape lights. In other words, low-voltage landscape lights are the most popular lighting option for residential use. That’s because it is energy efficient, safer, and relatively not expensive.
However, they require a transformer for power. The alternative is line voltage landscape lighting, which does not require a transformer because the voltage rating is 120v, just as your 120v power outlet, but they can be expensive.
Conclusion
Getting the best low-voltage landscape lighting to improve the beauty and security of your home is not enough; you need the best low-voltage transformer for landscape lighting with the landscape lighting system. This will help prevent the lights from failing due to high voltage.
However, make sure you purchase the right transformer for your landscape lights; otherwise, you run a risk of damaging the transformer. Get the best outdoor low-voltage transformer for LED lights with your landscape lighting, and enhance the beauty of your home.