Bathroom Spotlights: 12V vs 230V & dimmable & soft s

[MHAD]

Hi all,

Please excuse me if this has already been answered in another topic, I'm hunting for some advice.

I'm chosing some spots for my bathroom, Screwfix is proably going to be the place I get my stuff from.

I'd like to:

Have soft start (which I think is where the lights build up to full intensity over a second or so, is this right?)
Have dimmable (option to have mood lighting tone in the bathroom is an aspiration)

and for both of these I think I need 12V spots, but I may be wrong?

These are the ones I'm looking at - Screwfix IP44 ones. http://www.screwfix.com/prods/81219...;jsessionid=JSONO1FNMNUMGCSTHZPCFFI?ts=61337#

I can't work out what I need for transformers. None of the transformers I've found on screwfix say soft start (although it may be that I can't see for looking) and I have a very naiive question ...

Do I need one transformer for the room, or one transformer per spotlight?

I'll have 6 spots in the room.

And finally, can anyone direct me to a guide on how to wire up the 6 spots? If it's covered by regs then I'll get an electrician in, but I'd still like to know how it's done so that I know what I'm asking for and what a proper job looks like.

I'm fine with doing general domestic electric work that is acceptable to do under the regs.

Many thanks!

 

[Taylortwocities]

The soft start feature can be from a suitable transformer (see examples at http://www.impactlighting.com/home/index.php?m=shop&catid=4) or some dimmers do the same.

As this is electrical work in a bathroom it is notifiable. your best bet is to get a registered spark (see www.competentperson.co.uk)

He/she/it can advise you on all of this, will look after the regs issues and the legalities.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

What's above the bathroom?

Loft space?

Another room in your house?

Somebody else's flat?

Fresh air?

 

[MHAD]

What's above the bathroom?

Loft space?

Another room in your house?

Somebody else's flat?

Fresh air?

Loft space, plenty of it.

 

[MHAD]

The soft start feature can be from a suitable transformer (see examples at http://www.impactlighting.com/home/index.php?m=shop&catid=4) or some dimmers do the same.

As this is electrical work in a bathroom it is notifiable. your best bet is to get a registered spark (see www.competentperson.co.uk)

He/she/it can advise you on all of this, will look after the regs issues and the legalities.

Thank you very much, I'll have a read up on the site you mention and yes, will get a registered electrician in.

Thanks

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Loft space, plenty of it.

You need a sealed enclosure over the lights big enough to provide enough clearance around them to prevent overheating.

The loft insulation must be carried over the tops of the enclosures to maintain its effectiveness, and you might need strips running at 90° to cover up gaps created by lifting up the main strips.

Firehoods are NOT what you want - the covers must be sealed to the top surface of the ceiling because you have to stop warm moist air from the bathroom getting into the loft space where it will cause condensation and rot the roof timbers.

See http://www.nhbc.co.uk/NHBCPublicati...ical/StandardsExtra/filedownload,16553,en.pdf

Pre-formed cap to seal downlights: http://www.aico.co.uk/firecap_loftcap.htm (It's NOT a firehood....)