Lv or Elv lamps

[sparkyspike]

Here's a test for you all. Which uses more current? 50W mains GU10 downlights, or 50W 12v downlights with transformers?

 

[CookyMan9999]

12v low voltage use more current

alot more

 

[breezer]

Here's a test for you all. Which uses more current? 50W mains GU10 downlights, or 50W 12v downlights with transformers?

The 12v one, BECAUSE in your test the gu10 blew first so it is no longer working, which means the 12v one is still on so it draws more current by default since it is still working.

and you are going to say the real answer is the they both draw the same, to which i would ahve to say you are wrong, because you clearly said

Which uses more current?

you should have said (for a "trick question" "which uses more power"?)
power being measured in watts they both each use 50watts

 

[DESL]

power being measured in watts they both each use 50watts

Not necessarily as there will be losses in the transformer for ELV

 

[breezer]

but the difference is negligable, the op is trying to ask a trick question, which they have got wrong

 

[sparkyspike]

Actually it's not a 'trick' question, but a question customers are always asking. And an answer electricians often give is that ELV is more efficient. Obviously the power is the same. (But DESL is right as he is using VA rather than W.) A 50W ELV uses (approx) 4A at 12v, so what is the current on the LV side?

 

[securespark]

From memory, one tranny I looked at on Friday said 0.26A on the primary side.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Academic as the comparison is what is the power drawn on the 230v side. Per the above there's very little difference. Small losses in the transformer (no big copper or iron stuff in those these days)!

TTC