Low Voltage vs Mains Downlighters

[westec]

I am about to install numerous downlighters in my refurb, was intending LV but my electrician tells me that energy efficient mains are more economic. Is that true or is it just talk.

[Steve]

that depends. standard mains voltage GU10 lamps are no more efficient than LV halogen lamps.

However, mains voltage GU10's are now available in an energy saving format - little 9 watt capsules. These give better light at a wider angle than standard GU10s - they dont create horrible pools of light - therefore much better at lighting the space. However, GU10 lamps retail at about £1.50-£2 each, whereas the energy saving ones retail at £7-10 each. your call. (and they aren't dimmable)

[RF Lighting]

The CFLs will (should) last longer than standard GU10s, so the initial outlay is not quite as bad as it seems

__________________
I downlights

[ban-all-sheds]

westec wrote:

I am about to install numerous downlighters in my refurb, was intending LV but my electrician tells me that energy efficient mains are more economic. Is that true or is it just talk.

Don't go for either ELV (i.e. 12V) or LV (i.e. mains) incandescents.

CFL ones are good - apart from the dimming issue.

Look also at commercial recessed fittings - these are available with HF control gear which makes them more efficient, and dimmable, and you need fewer of them (e.g. 2 x 26W lamps vs a 9W GU10)

__________________
I mustn't warn people that the "experts" on the plumbing forum can't be trusted to tell the truth.

[Steve]

ban-all-sheds wrote:

Look also at commercial recessed fittings - these are available with HF control gear which makes them more efficient, and dimmable, and you need fewer of them (e.g. 2 x 26W lamps vs a 9W GU10)

Didn't know these are dimmable. And looking at them, one would think they would only be suitable for places with high ceilings, as the lamps are recessed quite deep.

They are more intrusive - I wouldn't have them in my lounge, but maybe in a high hallway they are the answer. The reason downlights became so popular was because they are small and discreet, obviously not for their light distribution properties.

[ban-all-sheds]

Well - luminaires with high frequency control gear can be dimmable - my statement was generic.

Many will fit in the normal ceiling/floor void.

And with a cover, they are not really obtrusive - nobody who would think a pendant with lampshade was OK would find then such. Without a cover they look dreadful, but with one, e.g. a 200mm circle of frosted glass apparently suspended just below the ceiling they are OK.

Yes - of course they are bigger than ELV or GU10 downlighters, but they are smaller than these, for example.

__________________
I mustn't warn people that the "experts" on the plumbing forum can't be trusted to tell the truth.

[Steve]

ban-all-sheds wrote:

these

YUK! Just put me off my dinner!

Points accepted, ban! I do like the suspended glass look, that is funky.

And when I said they are intrusive, i was talking in relation to standard GU10 lights - these are much bigger, and some may not like them for this.