LV Lighting - 1 trannie per light, or 1 big one?

[chrisbyrd]

Hi All

I'm about to put LV downlighters into just about every room in the house - mostly 4 or 6 per room

I'm anticipating using a 50w trannie for each light (http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/LTYT50.html)

Is this preferable to using couple of larger ones per room, or does it not make much difference?

 

[Big_Spark]

Chris, whilst I personally think these to be a waste of money (Halogen Dichroic Downlighters that is), if you have your heart set on them, then may I suggest the GU10 type. These are the same physical size as the GU5.3 lamps, but they run at 230V and so do not require a transformer..

The lamps also live that little bit longer in my experience too, and that must be a good thing..

 

[horace1]

Hi All

I'm about to put LV downlighters into just about every room in the house - mostly 4 or 6 per room

I'm anticipating using a 50w trannie for each light (http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/LTYT50.html)

Is this preferable to using couple of larger ones per room, or does it not make much difference?

only benefit is if something goes wrong with the large tranny u have to buy new comp - expensive, if you use single £2.50 on ebay?

 

[chrisbyrd]

ah right

so you're saying a better bet would be just to put these in everywhere and not worry about trannies? http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/GUDL50W.html

they look like they'd do the trick

is there any disadvantage with these over LV ones?

can they be used with dimmers?

 

[breezer]

you have to derate the dimmer

i dont like them i am going to change our main kitchen light to 12v ones, like the rest are

 

[Pensdown]

I agree with breezer, LV gives a crisper light. Also, have a search around and I think you'll find that standard LV lamps last for around 3000hrs and mains are 1000hrs.

I prefer 1 electronic trany per light because it keeps the LV cabling to a minimum which makes DIY installs easier.

 

[chrisbyrd]

thanks all

i'll go with the original plan I think - is that 50w tranny from TLC a sensible one to use?

 

[TheGaffersSon]

Take into account that it would be easier to maintain the lights if they all have their own smaller tranny. It can be stuffed into the celing next to the light, and if it blows you can access and replace it easy.

Also larger transformers can be quite loud.

 

[TheGaffersSon]

Take into account that it would be easier to maintain the lights if they all have their own smaller tranny. It can be stuffed into the celing next to the light, and if it blows you can access and replace it easy.

Also larger transformers can be quite loud.

Also, if you want to add a dimmer switch make sure the trannys are 'dimmable' and you get the correct rated switch. If you don't you may notice a flicker when lights are turned low (doesn't look great if you're trying to get your groove on to a companion ) and may buzz.

I recommend the prewired packs that come with downlighter, and dimmable transformer. You can buy these over any trade counter.

Good luck !

TGS.

 

[Steve]

I recommend the prewired packs that come with downlighter, and dimmable transformer. You can buy these over any trade counter.

Yeah, but dont go to B&Q, and make sure its an electronic ballast. We had 2 sets from B&Q whose tx's were wirewound and the case split open on both of them within 2 years, causing the unit to fail.