Your first question might be, just what exactly are a modern transformers? The first thing that probably comes to mind, if you’re a parent of young children, is the fictional species of highly-intelligent, alien robots from the planet Cybertron. If you’re not a parent or your children have long been adults, then the first thing that probably comes to mind is an image of another type of monstrous units, ones that were built to interconnect between power grids, providing high-voltage transmission of electricity, and able to power nearby cities and towns.
And so, you’re probably wondering why Interior Deluxe offers a variety of contemporary transformers. Well, these devices can range from the humongous, down to thumbnail-sized coupling that can be tucked inside a small microphone.
When it comes to home lighting needs, low-voltage modern transformers are highly recommended. Low voltage lighting systems can provide powerful, intense sources of illumination for mere pennies on the dollar compared to their high voltage counterparts. At Interior-Deluxe, we sell a wide variety of low voltage indoor and outdoor contemporary transformers.
You’re probably asking: what is a low voltage lighting system? Today’s wall outlets typically produce currents of 120 volts. A low voltage lighting system uses either an electronic or a magnetic transformer plugged into a wall outlet. Modern transformers are designed to step down the current from the potentially dangerous 120-volt current to much safer 12 volts. The current is reduced, then flows through a low voltage cable to a series of attached light fixtures that can be used to illuminate walkways, landscaping, underneath kitchen cabinets, etc.
There are three types of low-voltage lighting sources: fluorescent, incandescent, and HID (High-Intensity Discharge). Fluorescent lamps are by far the most popular and are commonly used in commercial facilities. These types of light bulbs are more expensive than incandescent ones upfront, but are cheaper to operate over the long haul as fluorescent lamps last considerably longer than incandescent ones.
HID lighting systems burn brighter than the other two and, as such, are primarily used for horticulture purposes. HID fixtures involve modern transformers and large capacitors. The capacitor acts like a storage battery and boosts the light bulb's brightness.
In recent years, however, soaring energy costs have pushed residential builders and homeowners into rethinking the benefits of fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent bulbs convert electrical power into lighting much more efficiently than their incandescent counterparts. The lower energy costs offset the expenses associated with the initial startup costs of a fluorescent system. To further conserve energy, use the magnetic type of modern transformers connected to an automated timer set to turn the system on at sunset and off at sunrise.
Incandescent systems, on the other hand, are the most popular type of lighting used in residential homes. This type of lighting is definitely much easier and less expensive for the average homeowner to install as a do-it-yourself project. The popularity of incandescent lighting has grown over the years mainly because of the warm color glow given off by the lamps. This glow is especially appealing in home décor because it can mimic the look and feel of flickering candlelight or the luminescence given off by a kerosene lamp.
Most importantly, installing a low voltage system will help reduce the monthly amount of energy that your household consumes, as well as allowing you to control the amount of light used by any and all modern transformers that are connected to automated and/or light-sensitive timers. The timing devices can be set to automatically turn the low-voltage system on or off based on the timer settings.
At Interior-Deluxe, we sell interior and exterior low-voltage lighting systems. The indoor version can integrate well with your existing interior décor. Low voltage lighting can be classified as linear, recessed, or surface-mounted. Linear strips, designed to highlight unique collectibles and exquisite artwork, are quickly becoming popular in kitchens and bathrooms, mounted underneath upper cabinets or tucked into the toe-kick areas of lower cabinetry. Low voltage recessed lamps are usually installed in ceilings and adjusted so as to spotlight framed collections of art and photography. Desktop and floor lamps fall into the surface-mounted category, adding color and soft splashes of light to reading and work areas. Modern transformers that control direction and brightness of the light sources can be mounted in a remote location – out of sight, out of mind.
Outdoor low voltage lighting systems are all about landscaping, adding beauty, safety, and security to the exterior of your home. Most outdoor low voltage systems available today are solar powered. Landscape lighting can be easily installed by the homeowner; it is actually easier and safer to work with than the interior low voltage version!
Start by selecting any of the modern transformers that allow for the connection of several lamps. Mount the unit on an exterior wall or even on an unobtrusive stake so that it sets about a foot above ground surface. Make sure to locate your contemporary transformers roughly a foot away from a ground-fault circuit-interrupter outlet. Add some type of weatherproof covering over the outlet for additional protection
Your next step can be fun for the entire family: planning the design of your outdoor low voltage lighting system! What areas of your landscaping do you want to highlight? Walkways, niches, seating areas of your patio, the fountain in the middle of your pond? Go wild! We also sell outdoor lighting kits to match your modern transformers for hassle-free installation.
