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Which is more suitable for garden lighting, In series or Parallel circuits?
This question gets asked a lot and each option has its pros and cons. Here are my thoughts and findings from using the two type of systems over the last 20 years. The points below gives a good guide to which work’s best for each design or business.
So In series wiring is essentially a continuous ring circuit that uses 250, 350, 500, 700 and 1500
m/A drivers, where the same amount of current flows through all the components. While Parallel wiring in contrast uses 12v-24v DC led drivers and in some cases 12v-24v AC/DC toloroide transformers. The wiring is essentially separated positive and negative. Where the current flowing through each component combines to form the current flow through the source.
Pros for In-series wiring (constant current):
For long runs in series is very impressive and cannot be matched by parallel wiring. Another standout for in-series is its dimming capabilities, although I often suggest to clients against outdoor dimming. As experience indicates long term garden lighting reliability is better with no dimming components. Also, In series constant current lighting does have higher power to lumen output compared to Parallel’s constant voltage.
Pros for Parallel wiring (Constant voltage):
For robust systems and maintenance ease, I always find parallel systems easier to fix and update. Also, in terms of lighting choice, 12v constant voltage has a greater selection of spike spots, led tape, lanterns and larger powered up-lights on the market. Moreover, 12v constant voltage systems are very easy to adapt and alter. This is especially true if it’s a system that you have not initially installed and have been asked to add to or adapt.
Finally, With a parallel connection, when one light fails, the power circuit stays intact and all the other lights continue to work. However, with a series connection, when one light breaks down, the power can no longer circulate, so the other spots stop working too.
