Question on Voltage of Light Fixtures
Help! I am confused about what is the correct voltage to use for a light fixture.
I like the Access Lighting Cobra Contemporary Ceiling Light; this would replace an existing semi-flush mount ceiling light fixture. But do I need a transformer? Can I just replace this as is? When do I need to be concerned with the low-voltage issue and transformer? Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Answer: For the Access Lighting Cobra series ceiling lights, you will not need a transformer because the Halogen GU10 bulbs are Line-Voltage (120V). The Halogen GU10 lamps are widely available in your local hardware stores for about $6. If you like, this contemporary ceiling light can also work with a regular incandescent dimmer, same one used for chandeliers or other types of ceiling lights. You will only need a transformer if the lamping of the light fixture is low-voltage (12V). Typically, low-voltage light fixtures come with their own transformers. You don’t need to worry about getting transformers separately. The time you need to purchase transformers separately would be when you are getting a special lighting system, like the LBL Lighting Monorail System, where the system is low-voltage and highly configurable; the type of transformer varies based on the number of monorail light fixtures desired.