ᐅ Garden Lighting 12V or 24V – Which Voltage to Choose and Which Manufacturer?

Hello,

I am having trouble with the topic of garden lighting and would appreciate your expertise and experiences.

Here are my questions:

In the garden, I will be installing a conduit for electricity (sockets, low-voltage wiring)/LAN (IP camera), and I would like to use 12V or 24V lighting.

1. Which is better to use, 12V or 24V, and why?
2. Do you have any recommendations for a manufacturer or system (expandable)?
3. To me, the cables/connections don’t look fully outdoor-rated. What are your experiences with extreme rain, snow, martens... and can everything stay outside year-round?
4. I often see cables simply laid under the lawn or above ground. How durable is that overall?

Thank you very much!

I don’t recommend that. Lay a 230 V underground cable, which ends in a camping-style power pedestal—you can find these by searching online. There are good options available for around 600 (with RCCB protection). These pedestals have CE-approved sockets that are truly weatherproof, keeping everything dry even during heavy thunderstorms or snowstorms. This pedestal will be your central point for garden lights; you simply plug them into it. Inside, you make the pedestal switchable via a light switch—at our place, it’s right next to the patio door, a logical spot. The outdoor wall light is also connected to this switch. With a setup like this, you’ll never have problems. karsten

Hello,

I have a similar socket on the exterior wall of the house, or I can install one at the end of the empty conduit... but I am reluctant to use 230V (230V AC) lighting because of children, pets, difficulty securing it properly, and limited expandability, etc.
Or am I possibly mistaken here?!

If it is protected by an RCD, it is completely safe. LEDs use low wattage and consume little power. There is also a proven market for truly waterproof connectors. I am less concerned about that.

Do you perhaps have a recommended system or experience with this? How expandable is it in the 230V range? I only know the 24V plug systems from Paulmann, for example.

As mentioned, the CE connection is weatherproof for use in soil. Even more robust and completely waterproof, it can also be used in soil or underwater. Philippi Series 692. Proven on ships. They are also available for 12-volt systems and direct current. Take a look at these products. They are truly sealed. Durable. K.