12V vs. 120V Lighting
Safety
When wired and serviced in accordance with the NEC (National Electric Code), 120V lights have been, and will continue to be safe. However, some 12V systems with transformers are inherently safer than others. Because of Universal ColorLogic's all-plastic, permanently sealed construction, UL has recognized it as an intrinsically safe solution. Along with the NEC, UL has recognized that the lights in UL-listed all-plastic niches no longer require bonding or grounding, such as with Universal ColorLogic. These factors eliminate the risks associated with 120V lighting including a lens being sealed incorrectly, or a light being wired wrong. Many local codes around the country have endorsed low-voltage lights for decades, and others are now following suit.
Cost
A common misconception is that because a 12V light needs a transformer, it must be more expensive than a 120V lighting system. However, this is mostly incorrect. Based on changes to the National Electric Code (NEC), our UL-listed 12V ColorLogic lighting system may represent installation savings of up to $150 per light by no longer needing to bond and ground the light, or include a GFCI breaker. The 12V ColorLogic family also save up to 86% on energy costs and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, saving you money over time.
Brightness
Many believe that more voltage and wattage equal more brightness, however this is not the case. Firstly, wattage refers to energy consumption, not brightness level, making wattage irrelevant in terms of brightness. Secondly, advancements in LED technology have revolutionized pool and spa lighting with 12V lights now as bright, or brighter, than their 120V counterparts.