What does voltage matter?
 

Ok, so I am about to purchase my first lighting "kit." One kit accepts up to 250v per fixture, and the other kit accepts up to 110v per fixture. So watts is the measure of power (volts x amps). My question is does it matter which kit I purchase? What differences can I expect? The 110v kit is significantly cheaper than the other.

JS

If you live in the US, you'll have very little use for the 250v system. It would be hard to find something to plug into.

hmm...I didn't even think about that. So does this mean that anything over 110v would not show me any difference (as far as brightness etc...)?

JS

If you are buying lights like this:

CL-LED600 600 LED Panel - Cool Lights USA

...that use a power supply that converts either 110v or 220v to what is needed then it does not matter. Since you are talking about kits that are either/or then you should get lights that are designed to work in the country where you will be shooting. If you use the wrong voltage things tend to make smoke.

Anything over 110v would likely damage your fixture and/or bulb so its extremely important to get this right. It has nothing to do with output or brightness but rather just correct operation in your country.

Tungsten fixtures connect directly to the line and the bulb is rated for the predominant voltage in your country--in this case 110v. In other types, as Marcus noted, there is a ballast or power supply in between the bulb and power line and its important to know what that power supply is rated for. Some fixtures are 110v only, some are 220v only and even others are anything from 110v to 220v or what we call universal voltage input.

Ok now I understand perfectly. Thanks for clearing that up Richard. And thanks for the resource Marcus. Thanks Andy.

On to purchase my lights!
JS