| Comparison Objective |
Do-it-yourself |
12 Volt |
120 Volt |
Comments |
| Ability to install the system without
licensed electricians and permits |
 |
|
|
For 120 volt systems, the wire must be buried 18 inches
and/or placed in a protective conduit; must always be installed by
a licensed electrical contractor; local permits usually required |
| Ability to modify system after installation |
|
|
|
Do-it-yourself and 12 volt systems are more shallow
installations and are more flexible for post installation modifications.
120 volt systems are difficult and more expensive to relocate |
| Moisture resistant - resistance to
weather impacts and moisture |
|
|
|
Do-it-yourself systems are inferior to others for moisture
and heat and cold effect; fixtures and wiring deteriorate within a
few years. 12 volt systems designed for wet locations.
All 120 volt fixtures and connectors must be completely waterproof;
shock hazard potential when wet |
| Less obtrusive and noticeable fixtures
and lamps |
|
|
|
Do-it-yourself and 12 volt lamps and bulbs are smaller
and less obtrusive. 120 volt lamps are much larger and
require larger fixtures to house them |
| Flexibility for a variety of beam widths,
intensity, and lighting options |
|
|
|
Do-it-yourself systems are limited to low wattage resulting
in low illumination. 12 volt lamps are available in low, medium and
high wattage with a variety of beam dispersion options for effect. 120
volt systems produce inappropriate high light levels overpowering
lighting technique |
| Lighting technique options - up-lighting,
down-lighting, moon-lighting, cross-lighting, grazing, path-lighting |
|
|
|
Do-it-yourself systems deliver low light intensities
limiting technique quality. 12 volt systems provide a range
of lighting intensities and fixture types to achieve lighting technique. 120
volt systems deliver high light intensities, limiting technique quality;
typically used for spotlighting |
| Low maintenance requirement |
|
|
|
Do-it-yourself systems require high maintenance for
bulb replacement, cleaning contacts, restoring electrical connection,
and cleaning fixtures. 12 volt and 120 volt systems more
stable due to the use of commercial grade equipment |
| Low glare potential |
|
|
|
Do-it yourself systems produce low light intensity
minimizing glare. 12 volt systems offer multiple lighting
intensities and fixtures to control light dispersion and glare. 120
volt systems produce higher light intensities with limited beam options
resulting in a high glare potential |
| Low monthly electrical usage costs |
|
|
|
Do-it-yourself and 12 volt systems demand low energy
usage. 120 volt system demand high energy usage |
| Commercial strength cabling and fixtures
provided |
|
|
|
Do-it-yourself systems include low-end cabling and
fixtures prone to failure. 12 volt systems provide durable
quality cabling and fixtures. 120 volt systems include quality cabling
and may include quality fixtures, if specified. Otherwise,
low end or out-of stock fixtures might be used |
| Voltage capacity |
|
|
|
12 volt systems offer multiple voltage capacities;
multiple transformers can also be installed at a single outlet. Do-it-yourself
systems are limited to a maximum number of fixtures. 120
volt systems have a limited number of fixtures and may require additional
breakers to be installed |
| On-going support services |
|
|
|
Do-it-yourself systems do not offer on-going service
support. Lighthouse Landscape Lighting 12 volt systems
offer annual service options. 120 volt systems typically
do not come with on-going support services |
| Warranty |
|
|
|
Do-it-yourself systems typically come with a limited
one year warranty. Lighthouse Landscape Lighting 12 volt
systems come with a lifetime warranty. 120 volt systems
may come with a one year warranty through the contractor |
