Most outdoor lighting runs on 12V low voltage. But there are situations where line voltage — 120V, wired directly to your home's electrical supply — is the right choice. You may have existing 120V infrastructure on your property. The installation may be handled by an electrician as part of a larger project. Or you may simply prefer the directness of a line-voltage connection without a transformer in the circuit.
in-lite has been designing premium outdoor lighting for over 25 years. Our line voltage range brings the same Dutch design precision and all-weather build quality that defines our 12V fixtures to a 120V format, connecting directly to your home's electrical supply without a transformer. Every fixture carries the same 5-year warranty and uses the same finishes that make in-lite recognizable across any outdoor lighting project.
Line voltage lighting operates at your home's standard mains voltage 120V in Canada. Unlike low-voltage systems, which use a transformer to step the supply down to 12V, line voltage fixtures connect directly to the existing electrical circuit. There is no transformer in the system, no additional component between the fixture and the supply.
This distinction matters practically in several ways. Line voltage lighting requires a licensed electrician for installation under Canadian electrical codes. Cables must be buried at greater depth than 12V cables—typically 450-600 mm (18-24 in) below grade depending on your province—or run through conduit where surface mounting is used. These requirements are consistent with the treatment of any 120V outdoor circuit in Canada.
How in-lite line voltage works
in-lite line voltage fixtures use the same exterior design language as the 12V range. ACE DOWN 100-230V shares its form with ACE DOWN 12V wall light. HALO UP-DOWN 100-230V mirrors HALO UP-DOWN 12V. EVO DOWN 100-230V brings the same anodized aluminum housing and diamond-cut lens of the EVO range to a 120V format.
What changes is the connection method. Line voltage fixtures wire directly to the circuit at the back of the fixture, via the electrical supply run by your electrician. There is no EASY-LOCK connector, no cable network, and no transformer. Each fixture is an independent connection to the 120V supply.
This also means line voltage fixtures cannot connect to the in-lite SMART HUB and are not controllable via the in-lite app. If smart control and scheduling are important to your project, in-lite's 12V outdoor lighting system with SMART HUB transformer is the better choice. If your priority is direct mains integration with a consistent design finish, line voltage is designed for exactly that purpose.
Our line voltage product range
in-lite's line voltage range covers wall-mounted fixtures in two main light directions, available in a consistent set of finishes that coordinate with the broader in-lite portfolio.
Downlights
ACE DOWN 100-230V connects directly to 120V and produces a focused, directional downward beam from a compact 100 mm (4 in) housing. The light source sits deep inside the fixture to eliminate glare—the same optical approach as 12V ACE DOWN. Available in five finishes: Dark Grey, White, Rose Silver, Corten, and Flat Grey. For larger facades and entrance canopies where a more substantial fixture suits the scale of the wall, EVO DOWN 100-230V at 300 mm (11.81 in) produces a wide, diffuse downward glow in dark grey anodized aluminum with EVO range's characteristic diamond-cut lens.
Up-down wall lights
ACE UP-DOWN 100-230V and HALO UP-DOWN 100-230V both project light upward and downward from a single fixture, creating a strong visual statement on any vertical surface. ACE UP-DOWN at 100 mm (3.94 in) is a surface-mounted up-down light for facades, gate posts, and fence lines; the beam width can be adjusted using the separately available SHUTTER 2 accessory. HALO UP-DOWN 100-230V at 100 mm (3.94 in) recesses flush into the wall surface, leaving only the lens visible, for the cleanest possible architectural finish. Both suit feature entrances and structural walls where the wall face itself is part of the design.
Smart lighting and line voltage: what to
know
Line voltage fixtures from in-lite connect directly to your 120V supply and are not compatible with the in-lite SMART HUB transformer or the in-lite app. This is an important distinction from the 12V range, where app control, zone scheduling, and smart home integration via Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, GIRA/KNX and Control4. are all built into the system.
For line voltage installations, lighting control happens at the circuit level: standard wall switches, timer switches, or dimmable switches where the fixture is specified as dimmable. Some 100-230V in-lite fixtures support external dimming — check the individual product page for compatibility with dimmer controls.
If automated scheduling, motion triggering, zone control, and smart home integration are priorities for your project, in-lite's 12V smart lighting system provides all of these through the SMART HUB and in-lite app, and is installable without a licensed electrician. The two systems can coexist on the same property — a common approach is to use line voltage for fixed facade and entrance lighting on permanent 120V circuits, and 12V for the landscape, pathway, and feature lighting that benefits from flexible control.
Benefits of line voltage vs. low voltage
outdoor lighting
The question of whether to use line voltage or low voltage is not about which system is better — it's about which is right for the specific installation. Here's how the two approaches compare on the criteria that matter most.
No transformer needed. Line voltage fixtures connect directly to the supply. There is no transformer to size, mount, or maintain. For properties where an outdoor electrical circuit is already in place and a licensed electrician is on the project, this is the simpler connection.
Consistent voltage over long cable runs. Low-voltage systems experience voltage drop over longer cable distances, which can reduce light output at fixtures far from the transformer. Line voltage maintains consistent voltage regardless of cable length, making it the practical choice for lighting large properties or long perimeter runs where cable length would require multiple 12V transformers.
Integration with existing electrical infrastructure. Many Canadian homes have existing weatherproof 120V outlets, conduit runs, or junction boxes installed by a previous electrician. Line voltage fixtures use this infrastructure directly, without adding a 12V system alongside it.
Stronger output options. Line voltage supports higher-wattage applications where 12V LED output is insufficient—commercial entrance lighting, large facade washes, or institutional installations where lumen output is the primary specification.
Same in-lite design quality. Line voltage fixtures carry the same 5-year product warranty, use the same premium finishes and housings, and maintain design consistency with the broader in-lite portfolio.
The case for 12V is equally clear: no electrician required, flexible installation, EASY-LOCK connectivity, smart home control, and the ability to expand or reposition fixtures at any time. For a full comparison of the two systems, visit our outdoor lighting overview.
FAQ
Can I combine line voltage and low voltage in one outdoor lighting plan?
Yes, and this is a common approach on Canadian properties. A typical combined installation uses line voltage fixtures for permanent facade, entrance, and perimeter lighting that benefits from direct mains integration — particularly where outdoor 120V circuits are already in place — and in-lite's 12V landscape lighting for pathways, trees, decks, and water features where flexible placement, smart control, and DIY installation are priorities. The two systems are electrically independent and can coexist on the same property without any interaction between them.
Do I need a professional electrician to install line voltage lighting?
Yes. Under Canadian electrical codes, all 120V outdoor lighting installations must be carried out by a licensed electrician. This applies regardless of the specific fixture or installation method. The requirement covers both the wiring of the circuit and the connection of each fixture. Permit and inspection requirements vary by province — your electrician will advise on the specific process for your location and project scope.
Are in-lite line voltage fixtures weather resistant?
Yes. All in-lite line voltage fixtures are rated for permanent outdoor use and sealed against moisture ingress. They are built from the same materials as the 12V range — anodized aluminum, high-grade polymer components, and corrosion-resistant hardware — and carry the same 5-year product warranty. They perform reliably across Canadian conditions including sustained frost, freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, and the wide seasonal temperature swings common across Canadian provinces.
Can line voltage outdoor lights be dimmed?
Some in-lite line voltage fixtures support external dimming. Compatibility depends on the specific fixture — check the product page for the fixture you are specifying. Where dimming is supported, the fixture must be connected to a compatible dimmer switch as part of the 120V circuit. Line voltage fixtures cannot be dimmed or controlled via the in-lite SMART HUB or in-lite app.
Find your line voltage fixtures
in-lite line voltage outdoor lighting is available exclusively through a certified dealer and landscaping professional network across Canada. Your local in-lite dealer can advise on fixture selection and work alongside your licensed electrician to deliver a complete outdoor lighting installation.
