mains or 12v downlights?

[ipjodan]

Hi all,

Im having an extension built at home. Currently i have in most rooms 12v downlighters. But i was thinking of using this opertunity to convert. I was wondering what the advantage's was in main's or 12v. Also the building inspector wants insulation in the ceiling void between the ground and first floor. (it seems there insulation mad these days) how can i work around this when using downlights?

 

[Steve]

Apparently ELV (12v) lights give a nicer light.

But mains are much more reliable and easier to wire. mains are also easier to dim.

And if you have a moment of inspiration and energy-saving madness, you can even buy GU10 fluorescent capsules for mains downlighters now. These give a very wide beam and are the best for even lighting and reducing glare that halogens create. Costly though.

 

[BigHammo]

I had the same dialemma. After advice 240V GU10s give off a better light than they used to, so I went for them. I have 16 in a 6M square room and they are fine.