What's low voltage and AC power for Hue garden lighting?
What's Philips Hue outdoor lighting?
With Philips Hue outdoor lighting, you can make the lighting in your garden smart. Choose mood lighting with the right shades of white or a color that suits the moment. You can also choose from different fixtures. For example, choose a wall lamp, a lantern, or a spike light. You can purchase outdoor lighting separately or in a starter pack. In a starter pack, you'll find everything you need to get started right away and provide your lights with the right voltage.
What's AC power and low voltage?
The power that comes into your house is always AC power, which is 220/230V. Most appliances and lights work properly with this. This makes sense, because that's what's coming from the socket. Some products work on low voltage, which is 12/24V. Think about a 12V recessed spot light. If you want to convert AC power to low voltage, you'll need a transformer. This will convert 230V to low voltage. A good example of this is your mobile phone charger, This converts AC power to the right voltage for your device, which means it's actually a transformer.
Which products work on which voltage?
Products that have been made for low voltage can't be used on AC power and vice versa. At Coolblue, you'll see 'power grid' and 'low voltage'. With power grid, we mean AC power. Philips Hue Lily Spike Lights are a good example of lights that work on low voltage. This also applies to Outdoor Light Strips and many pedestal lamps. Many wall lamps work on AC power though. For example, the Hue Resonate and Hue Welcome Wall Washer. Averagely spoken, lights on AC power have a higher light output.
Do you choose AC power or low voltage?
The lights with AC power or low voltage don't differ much from each other. Lights on 12V last a little longer on average, because they voltage is lower. Lights with 230V have a higher light output on average. Keep your garden in mind. Is everything open at the moment? Choose 230V. These cables have to be placed quite far under the ground for safety. You can install extra sockets right away too, for your leaf blower, for example. Does your garden look nice already? Choose garden lighting on low voltage and install a transformer between the power grid and the low voltage light. This isn't as invasive if you just quickly want to add a couple of garden lights.
