12v or 240v lights

[BigHammo]

I have a kitchen that is 6M x 6M in dimensions. I plan to put 12 to 16 downlighters in.

Does anyone know of any web site that can help me decide/calculate what light wattage for each light would best suite?

Also, 12v halogen or 240v? Whichever is best, price wise/ quality/ etc?

For 12v how many transformers will I need?

and do i need downlight covers (the ceiling will have insulation in it).

(I will also be having under cabinet lights in as well).

 

[Adam_151]

Also, 12v halogen or 240v? Whichever is best, price wise/ quality/ etc?

A much debated issue, 12v gives a crisper light and IIRC more lumens per watt, but they have the issue of needing a transformer, which adds expense and can sometimes fail (much more of a problem with same makes than others)

For 12v how many transformers will I need?

Same number as the number of lights you have

and do i need downlight covers (the ceiling will have insulation in it).

You don't need them unless the ceiling is providing a fire barrier (as it might be if you live in a flat), with regards to the insulation issue, you could find out the clearance requirements, and construct a plasterboard box which will enable you to take the insulation over the light, but keepting it well out the way of it

 

[The Wholesaler]

i highly recomend using 12v low voltage, much more reliable than 240v, longer lamp life, better light output, expect to pay around £10 per fitting complete with transformer per light and lamp.

 

[Steve]

i highly recomend using 12v low voltage, much more reliable than 240v.

oh? how so?

 

[RF Lighting]

240V - Lamp may fail

12V - Lamp or transformer or both may fail.

I do prefer 12V myself. Also the diecast fittings are better quality and look nicer than the pressed steel ones (mains or LV)

 

[BigHammo]

I have a kitchen that is 6M x 6M in dimensions. I plan to put 12 to 16 downlighters in.

Does anyone know of any web site that can help me decide/calculate what light wattage for each light would best suite?

Thanks for all yhe help but does anyone know a website (or something) that can help me to calculate how many I need?

 

[John Ret.]

sorry to drag up an old topic but I have a question I wanted to ask and did a search first....

.... I have the same initial question but the decider is:

Do 12v use less electricity than 240v?

Cheers!

 

[John Ret.]

And also, what brands of transformers would you recommend as being reliable and cost-effective (cheap)

 

[breezer]

watts is watts, no matter what the voltage.

and you pay your money you take your chance.

(depends who you speak to, everyone has their own opinion)

 

[sotal]

I thought 12v used more power. I thought the bulb uses the same but there is also some lost in the transformer?

 

[breezer]

50w 12 v 50w 240v only difference is voltage, same power

 

[Diyisfun]

50w 12 v 50w 240v only difference is voltage, same power

Is there not a loss due to transformer?

 

[sotal]

There definatley is a loss at the transformer, the bulb is rated at 50w 12V, or 50w 240v, so the bulbs use exactly the same amount of power but the transformer will use more.

 

[Ratter]

Might also be worth considering CFL CU10s which have lower consumption (significant if you plan to have a lot) and a better spread of light.

See also this thread:-

//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=92136

 

[BigHammo]

In the end I went with 16 240v 50 w downighters, on the grounds that a mate said that there wasn't much difference in the quaility of todays GU10 and there halogen equivalent. I must say I agree with him.

I am pleased with the result I brought 50W and split them using a 4 way light switch. Personal choice.

Many thanks for all your comments.