Outside Lights - 240v vs 12v?

[EViS]

I am building a gazebo and will be fitting some spotlights. I'm not sure whether to opt for 240 GU10 light fittings or 12v MR16 fittings. What are the pros and cons of each?

I can get the 12v version of the same lights for half the price incl. transformers, so that is swaying me at the moment.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

LV GU10 lamps are MR16s (or at least they are 99.99% of the time - you can get MR11 ones, but they are uncommon).

LV MR16 lamps will probably be available for longer than ELV ones.

Or maybe not.

http://www.luxmagazine.co.uk/2012/02/low-voltage-halogen-lamps-set-to-be-banned-from-next-year/ (be aware that they incorrectly use the term "low voltage" to refer to 12V lights). //www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:voltage-bands

But I really can't think of anything less suited to the ambience of a gazebo than spotlights - surely you'd want something gentler and more even?


Don't forget that whatever you fit it will be notifiable.