Kitchen lighting query

[Peter Charman]

Good morning all, I have six of those triangular worktop lights fitted under my kitchen units. They use G4 halogen lamps which over the last year have all blown repeatedly despite being carefully replaced (no fingers!) each time.

I think the time has come to replace the units which is where I need you advice. The light fixtures are arranged in a 2-3-1 pattern under each set of wall units. The mains wiring comes out of the wall above each unit and into a chocbox. From there a single cable goes to an Elektra ET6011 transformer which in turn has a smaller distribution 'board' from which thinner cables go to each lighting fixture down the back of the wall unit. So far so good.

I would like to replace the units with LED equivalents. I don't want to make any changes to the layout or the mains wiring, just change like for like.

Can you advise on which transformers I would need to power a maximum of three LED lights with the equivalent of the 20w halogen G4's that were in there? Many thanks in advance

 

[riveralt]

You should find something to meet your needs here:
http://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-lighting/kitchen-cabinet-lighting/cat5230041

There are several all inclusive packs of three - even triangular ones.

Just be mindful that some of these are mains voltage and some have LED drivers.
You cannot mix mains voltage with LED driver ones but you can have separated LED driver one and main voltage ones.

Hope this helps.

 

[Peter Charman]

Thanks for that but the last paragraph did my head in . I thought the transformer managed the change from 240v to 12v so that LED fixtures could be fitted. I know I'm being thick and I do apologise but could you clarify what the difference is between mains voltage and LED drivers? Thanks

 

[Taylortwocities]

Simply, some LED fittings have the driver electronics built into the lamp, or the fitting. Some need an external driver.

 

[Peter Charman]

Ah! So I need to make sure I either buy fittings with the drivers built in and plain transformers OR transformers with drivers built in and plain fittings? I think I got it. Thanks a lot

 

[riveralt]

The key issue is that for domestic situations like yours all lamps will require connecting to 230v at the start of the process.
As TTC says for some lamps, not just LED by the way, require a separate driver (sometimes supplied with the kit) like these:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-led-downlight-chrome-pack-of-3/82407
The 230v cable is connected into the driver and the 12v driver cable to the lamp - which is what you have now.

And others like these:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/robus-r3011-triangular-led-cabinet-downlight-brushed-chrome/65404
http://www.free-instruction-manuals.com/pdf/pa_1015475.pdf
Do not.
The 230v is connected direct to the lamp unit.
There is a steady very subjective argument over which offers the best light 12v or 230v - but we won't go there.

 

[Taylortwocities]

If you buy fittings with the drivers built in then they run off 230v and you do not need anything else. Like these . They will usually be marked 230v!

Other fittings that need an external driver will usually be 12v or 24v. You can have several of these running from a single driver.