There are a number of garden lighting systems using either high or low-voltage electricity. The differences between high and low-voltage electricity are explained below, as is the importance of circuit breakers.
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Mains electricity: With a 240-volt rating, mains electricity can be used to power all your garden lighting, but there is always a risk that the cable might be severed. When choosing mains electricity, employ a qualified electrician who will use armored cable, which will give a high level of protection.
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Low-voltage electricity: For safety reasons, many gardeners prefer to take a low-voltage, 12-volt supply from the mains via a transformer. Although there may be some loss of energy, low voltage is far safer than high voltage. Position the transformer indoors close to the power supply or on an outside wall in a weatherproof box. Then connect it to a mains cable. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect the low-voltage cable to the transformer.
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Electrical safety: It is an essential practice when working with mains electricity in the garden to use a circuit breaker plug (often called a residual current device or RCD). If the light fittings or cable are damaged, this will automatically cut off the power, which eliminates the danger of electric shocks.
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Garden lighting systems can be powered using either high or low-voltage electricity.
