277 Volts is the input power of choice for most industrial and commercial applications. High voltage lighting is better from an efficiency standpoint. Higher voltage means less current, which means less power loss from resistance as stated in Ohm’s and Joule’s laws.
Ohm’s law: Voltage = Current*Resistance
Joule’s law: Power = Voltage*Current
High voltage lighting means you can put more lighting fixtures on a given circuit because voltage drop is less of a concern. This means these lights are ideal for areas with a lot of lighting fixtures close together: think warehouses, offices, restaurants, hotels, schools, and even hospitals.
Most industrial facilities get their power in a 480/277 volt 3 phase 4 wire system, because 277 is the phase-to-neutral voltage for 480’s phase-to-phase. The 480 volt wiring is generally used to power large industrial equipment, and the 277 volt wiring powers industrial scale lighting. These two voltages tend to go together because you do not need a transformer to use the 277 voltage, which cuts down on energy and construction costs.
Bulbs.com offers a variety of compact fluorescent (CFL) and LED lamps for use with 277 voltage input.
277 volt compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL) have incredible energy efficiency: these CFLs use 75% less energy than their incandescent equivalents while still producing the same brightness.
With a 10,000 hour average rated life CFLs can last up to 10 times longer than an incandescent lamp.
However, CFLs are not recommended for use in enclosed fixtures or for use with control devices such as sensors or dimmers, which may shorten the lamp’s life.
Philips 120-277 volt Instantfit Linear T8 LEDs are compatible with instant start ballasts, so there’s no need for an electrician to rewire. Simply insert the lamp into the fixture and you’re done! Philips T8 LEDs are ideal for existing fluorescent fixtures. They are suitable for damp locations, and anywhere the ambient temperature is between -4°F and 113°F.
They don’t contain glass or mercury, so they are completely safe, even in the event of breakage.
277 volt PAR38 LEDs are perfect for use in recessed cans and other applications where flood lamps may be used.
Plus, LEDs have a very long life: rated to put out 70% as much light after 25,000 hours of operation as they do when they’re brand new.
LED PAR lamps are not recommended for use in fully enclosed fixtures because the heat buildup may shorten their life. Do not “hot swap” LEDs—turn off the fixture before replacing existing bulbs.
277 volt A-19 omnidirectional LEDs provide quality light while only using 9 watts of energy- the same brightness as a 60 watt incandescent bulb.
These ENERGY STAR qualified LEDs are rated to still produce 70% of their original light even after their rated life of 25,000 hours of operation.
LEDs are not recommended for use in fully enclosed fixtures because the heat buildup may shorten their life. Also, do not “hot swap” LED lamps —turn off the fixture before replacing existing bulbs.
If you have any questions about the products mentioned here or would like to know more about the Benefits of LED lighting or 277 volt applications, please contact one of our certified Lighting Specialists at 888-455-2800.
FAQs
The use of 277 volts for lighting allows for fewer currents to achieve the same amount of power as lower voltage systems, which can reduce the size and cost of wiring. Three Phase Power: The 480 volt component is a higher voltage option that is part of the same electrical system.
Why is 277V used for lighting? ›
Using 277Vac instead of 120Vac reduces the current drawn by lighting fixtures by over 50%, enabling smaller gauge (lighter) and lower cost wiring. Alternately more lighting fixtures can be connected to a 277Vac feed than with a 120Vac feed.
Why do you get 277 volts from 480? ›
So if you're wondering how we get numbers like 208, 277 you use 1.732 (because they're three-phase voltages). For example 480 / 1.732 = 277 volts, and 120 x 1.732 = 208 volts.
Will a 120V light work on a 277V? ›
In this case and pretty much every case, the answer is yes. The 120v-277v driver will work even if it is in a canopy light, a wall pack, or an area light.
What is the difference between 120V and 277V? ›
In a 277V system, the voltage between each hot wire and ground is typically 120V. However, the voltage between the two hot wires is 277V, which is why it is often referred to as a 277V system.
Why is the voltage of light bulbs important? ›
The higher the voltage v the higher the current. If the brightness is caused by a flow of electrons through the filament, a higher voltage will--all things being equal-- drive more electrons to flow through the filament. So the brightness is a function of both current and voltage, and can be said to depend on both.
Can you step down 277 to 120V? ›
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Nora's step down transformer is an accessory offered to take 277V supply voltage and reduce it to 120V. The transformer is installed by a qualified electrician on a supply junction box before the 120V load. ELECTRICaL NA-277 Steps 277 volts line voltage down to 120 volts.
Is 277V single or three-phase? ›
One phase at a 277 volt connection since 277 is the voltage to ground or neutral. It is a single phase from a 480 volt 3-phase transformer, 480 being the phase to phase voltage from connecting any 2 phases. So if you have a 480 volt connection you will have 2 or 3 phases.
What is the difference between 277 and 480 wiring? ›
On the 277 single phase the transformer is 277 VAC to 24 VAC and you will note that its primary winding is connected to the top and middle poles on the contactor. On the 277/480 three phase unit the transformer is 480VAC to 24VAC and the primary winding is connected to the top and bottom poles on the contactor.
How many wires for 277 volt? ›
In a 3 phase 277 there are 4 wires. Three feed lines and 1 neutral. Generally used for lighting.
Does voltage matter for light bulbs? Choosing the correct voltage is crucial for the bulb operation. There is a voltage ratio you are able to go up or down from the voltage you need but it is always recommended to use the correct voltage or higher within the allowed ratio.
How do we get 277 volts? ›
277V is a standard single phase voltage derived from 480V three phase voltage system available in commercial applications. It can be achieved by three transformers connected in Wye (Star – connection) having a neutral point.
What happens if you use 220v bulb in 110v? ›
If there is no regulation circuity inside, you can try it on a 110v circuit and the worst that will happen is that it will light dimly or not at all.
Is 277 volts a lot? ›
A 120 volt shock can produce 12 milliamperes (mA) of current flow. With a 277 volt shock, 27.7 mA of current can flow. While both are dangerous, the ability to let go is decreased at about 15 mA. Essentially, you just hang on to the wires until you fall off the ladder or the fusing/circuit breaker kicks off.
How many watts is 277 volts? ›
First, multiply 277V by 16A. That gives you the maximum watts, which is 4,432W.
Can you put 120 and 277 in the same switch box? ›
While it may not be a great idea, as it tends to confuse the next guy, there is nothing in the code that prohibits this, in general. Following the high voltage/low voltage color code is helpful and so is careful labeling, but as long as the insulation of all wires is at least 300 volts,(THHN is 600 volt) its OK.
What voltage is needed for lighting? ›
Light bulbs are typically rated based on their brightness, energy use, and the voltage required to operate them. Lightbulb voltage generally is around 110 Volts, designed to match the voltage produced by a common electrical outlet. Lightbulb wattage (the amount of energy produced) is usually around 60 Watts.
How many wires does a 277 light have? ›
In a 3 phase 277 there are 4 wires. Three feed lines and 1 neutral. Generally used for lighting.
Can you use 277v lights on 240v? ›
It doesn't matter, since it's single phase. Voltage is voltage, no matter how it's derived. 240 is pretty close to 277, so that's why it works. Do this with a cheap Chinese ballast, and you might not have quite as good of results.
What is the 277 volt 60hz system used for? ›
In larger facilities the voltage is 277/480 volt and used to power single phase 277 volt lighting and larger HVAC loads.
