The comparison between 12V Pool Light and 120V Pool Light

Swimming pool lights are incredibly popular in North America. In this article, we will explain the differences between 12V and 120V pool lights to help you choose the best lighting solution. LED lights are currently the dominant force in pool lighting, so we will be comparing 12V LED pool lights and 120V LED pool lights.

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120V Pool Light

12V Pool Light

Feature Comparison

The table below allows you to compare the major differences between the two products to gain a better understanding.

Feature12V Pool Light120V Pool Light
SafetyLow voltage, saferSafe, but requires correct installation and protection
Energy EfficiencySame wattage, same electricity consumption 
Purchasing CostAdditional transformer requiredMore expensive than 12V pool light, but no transformer needed
LifespanNo differenceTrending towards increasing popularity
Pressure Loss Affected?NoYes
Usage RestrictionsNoneYes

This is followed by a detailed description of these differences, including how they differ in terms of design and application.

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Differences Between 12V and 120V Pool Light

Energy Transfer Loss

The energy consumption of a 12V pool light is the same as that of a 120V light, but when considering the energy consumption of the entire lighting system, the 12V lighting system consumes more energy. What's the difference? The answer lies in more energy loss due to voltage drop in the wiring system.

In an electrified circuit, current is transferred from point A to point B, leading to a voltage drop. Voltage drop refers to the potential difference in the circuit. The voltage at point A is 12V, and the voltage at point B is 11.2V. This process has a voltage drop of 0.8V. The voltage drop in the circuit reduces its power and efficiency. In the case of pool lighting, this is manifested as a decrease in light brightness.

As the current increases, the voltage decreases, and if the circuit is too long, it will cause the voltage drop to become more influential. Under the same power, the current of a 12V pool light is 10 times higher than that of a 120V pool light, making it more affected by voltage drop.

Therefore, there is no doubt that the use of 120V pool lighting will significantly reduce transmission losses in a large project. However, it is more important to consider safety than to save this amount of electricity. Today, low-voltage lighting is the norm for both indoor and outdoor pool lighting.

Pool and water feature lighting often use not only the most common 12V voltage but also 24V voltage. The blog "Is 12V Voltage Suitable for All LED Underwater Lights?" proposes a detailed comparison of the characteristics and scope of application of 12V and 24V low-voltage pool lights.

Safety

This is the main reason why 12V pool lights are more popular than 120V pool lights. 12V is a safe voltage that reduces the effect of an electric shock on the human body in the event of a leak accident in the field.

The safe voltage threshold for human exposure is a complex issue strongly influenced by the environment and individual circumstances. It is now widely accepted that healthy adults should not be exposed to more than 50V (AC) for extended periods, as it can be life-threatening.

Properly wired 120V lighting systems equipped with GFCI circuit breakers and grounding wires are also very safe. However, a small number of electrical shocks can still occur, often due to wiring irregularities or accidents during installation or maintenance. 12V lighting systems can protect us from the risk of electrical shocks resulting from these accidents.

Some UL-listed 12V pool lights are built with fully plastic housing (including encapsulation) and are completely insulated. These pool lights do not require additional bonding or grounding to be sold in North America and are considered safe by UL.

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Initial Cost

If you only look at the cost of the light itself, 12V pool lights are often cheaper than 120V pool lights of the same size. However, 12V pool lights require an additional transformer in the lighting system, which adds to the initial cost. Taking everything into account, the total cost of purchasing a 12V pool light will be more expensive than a 120V pool light.

You may already have an old transformer that you would like to wire into your new pool lighting system. To prevent overloading, it is best to use a transformer rated for 130% of the total wattage of the lighting system. You can consult your pool lighting provider before doing so, and they will help determine if it is feasible.

Regulations

In some parts of the United States, local regulations require the use of 12V lamps, while other areas have no restrictions and can use 120V lamps. Please check your local regulations before making a purchase.

Design Differences

LEDs, as low-voltage lighting products, cannot be directly used in high-voltage environments like 120V. All 120V LED pool lights contain a small voltage converter inside the body, which allows them to directly connect to a 120V circuit.

12V LED pool lights require an additional transformer in the circuit to reduce the voltage before supplying it to the pool light.

How Do I Replace My 120V Pool Light with a 12V Pool Light?

Ideal installation and usage can be achieved at a minimal cost. This requires you to have a certain level of experience with electrical operations as well as an adequate transformer available. It is a good idea to find low-voltage LED replacements for the 120V pool light, which can help reduce costs. For a step-by-step guide on replacing your pool light, we recommend reading "How to Change a Pool Light?".

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Conclusion

We believe that you now have a detailed understanding of the difference between 120V pool lights and 12V pool lights. For residential users, we recommend considering 12V pool lights as they are safer. However, if you must choose 120V pool lights due to a large project or other reasons, you must follow safety regulations during installation.

WAKING Lighting is a professional manufacturer of low-voltage LED pool lights. We produce high-quality and affordable 12V/24V pool lights. If you need lighting products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

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