![]() LED light bulbs in these situations do not need a driver, so you should choose the MR16 range instead of the GU10 LED light bulbs. Being mobile, they are not connected to the mains supply, and reply on 12V or 24V batteries. The other common low voltage application is in mobile homes, caravans and boats. When first changing to low voltage LED light bulbs, it’s important to change all the bulbs together and to change the transformer for a driver. Although the driver does a similar job to a transformer, they are different and not interchangeable. LED light bulbs, such as the MR16 range, use a driver instead of a transformer. The transformer ‘steps down’ the 230V mains voltage, and changes the current from AC to DC. They are not connected directly to the mains supply, having a transformer in between. Quite often the multiple fittings in bathrooms and kitchens are 12V. Low voltage bulbsĪlthough low voltage bulbs have always been used in cars, their use in the home is a more recent innovation. So although the physical fitting of both bulbs is the same, it’s important you choose the GU10 LED bulb for a mains voltage fitting. If you compare the GU10 LED bulb (230V) with the equivalent MR16 LED (12V), you will see the GU10 is quite a bit longer. This means each LED bulb designed to replace a mains voltage bulb, has a ‘driver’ which changes the mains electricity. LED light bulbs work on low voltage DC (Direct Current). This powers the majority of lights in the home, and in commercial and public places. The mains electricity supply in the UK and Europe is 230V AC (Alternating Current). You’ll find information on the voltage of each of the LED light bulbs in the detailed listings on the SimplyLED website. If you decide to purchase an underwater light, remember, AC voltage in the water is a tragedy waiting to happen.While there are many different light bulb fittings and bases, perhaps the most important difference is the voltage they operate at. Low voltage, high intensity LEDs produce more than 3X the lumen’s per watt than high voltage incandescent lights which means they are less expensive to operate and are Safe to Operate in the Water. While GFCI outlets do offer a limited amount of protection, GFCI outlets are prone to malfunction when used in outdoor environments.įortunately, with the advent of low voltage, High Intensity LEDs, Underwater Lights can now be just as bright without using AC voltage to power them. If the power-cord is cut or damaged or if the light malfunctions in any way, anyone in the water could be seriously hurt or killed. HID, Mercury Vapor and Metal Halide lights are very bright, but they use 120VAC in the water to power them which can be deadly to you and your loved one’s if there is a malfunction. There are a lot of Underwater Dock and Pier lights being sold today. The object of this article is to provide the basic differences in AC voltage vs DC voltage without getting too deep into differences between the two power sources. Typically, AC voltage can kill you whereas DC voltage is typically completely safe in and around water. ![]() ![]() DC (Direct Current) power is what is found in most cars and boats and is the current used to power most lighting and appliances using a battery. AC power is what is found in most houses and is the current used to power most lighting and appliances in your house. ![]() But, prior to the development of Low Voltage, High Intensity LED Lights the only way to make a light bright enough for underwater use was to use halogen, mercury vapor, metal halide or HID bulbs which are all powered by 120VAC (Alternating Current). We’ve all been told mixing electricity with water is something you just never do.
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