Number of halogen lights?

[samtheman1k]

Hello all!

I'm getting out lounge/diner fitted out with recessed halogen spot lights. But the question is, how many do I need? I have googled, but can't seem to find a guide on how many you would need. It roughly 4x6 meter open plan, and was thinking 10 (in a group of 6 and then a group of 4), but that is purely based on the fact you can buy a box of 10 from screwfix

Is there a guide anywhere that will tell you the optimum number, based on size, wattage, angle, mood etc...?

Thanks!

 

[bernardgreen]

A quick guide

Count the number of spots that need to be lit. Double it and add 10%

Spot lights light spots, they do not light rooms.

 

[timtheenchanter]

you wont find an answer because there are so many variables
such as (and probably not limited to)

size of room
shape of room
Height of room (a big one)
wattage of lamps
beam angle of lamps
colours in the room
desired level of suntan, sorry , illumination.

unfortunatly, I am also of the opinion that they are not for lighting rooms, they are for lighting spots, eg, in a lounge diner, have them above the dining table to illuminate that, and find somthing better for illuminating the room.
I also beleive you should not need 1000W of lamp to illuminate ANY room in a house, the only place I use 1Kw lamps is a theatre, and thats for lighting a stage from over 20' away.

 

[Diyisfun]

I have spots & wall lights.
My room is 19' x 16'
I have 6 spots on 1 dimmer
I have another 2 on another dimmer
I have 2 direct switch
Spots are all 12v 50w
Wall lights 3 & 60w with dimmer

Whatever you do make it look symmetrical.
As long as it looks good, you cant have too much, but too few & you will have probs.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

My room is 19' x 16'

I have 500W of lights in the ceiling.

The reason I have this vast amount is that I am trying to light the room with lights which are specifically designed to not light rooms.

 

[Diyisfun]

My room is 19' x 16'

I have 500W of lights in the ceiling.

The reason I have this vast amount is that I am trying to light the room with lights which are specifically designed to not light rooms.

no change is there.
its about lights for moods...sometimes they arnt even on.
Good job I didnt say about the rest of my lighting.

I also have 4 spades/shovels in my shed, dont use them all at the same time.

 

[riveralt]

Rough guide is to fit one 35 or 50w spotlight every metre in each direction starting with 1 metre from the walls edge. So for your size room you will need 15 spotlights. (recalculated)

If the ceiling height is more than 2.5m then you will need them more closer together- around 20 spotlights.

If you go down the transformer route then it is better to buy a transformer for each light - this makes them more serviceable and easy to identify when a fault occurs - just make sure that you get the ones that can be used with a dimmer.

Also with a potential output of 750 to 1000w and a quite high burn out rate start putting some money aside each month toward the ongoing running costs.

Alternatively, fit a 60w pendant light in the middle of the room.

 

[bernardgreen]

I also have 4 spades/shovels in my shed, dont use them all at the same time.

You only need one spade to dig a hole to bury spotlights.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Good job I didnt say about the rest of my lighting.

It wouldn't surprise me to learn that the same complete lack of understanding of fitness for purpose manifests itself in other rooms.

 

[samtheman1k]

Has anyone tried the LED version of halogen lights? Seem to be only 1-3W each?

 

[bernardgreen]

Has anyone tried the LED version of halogen lights? Seem to be only 1-3W each?

One of my clients did in his office reburbishment last November.

During the Christmas holidays they were removed as the staff found them "unpleasant" to work under.

 

[riveralt]

Has anyone tried the LED version of halogen lights? Seem to be only 1-3W each?

Yes no problem, just triple the number of spots I identified earlier - each LED light will need its own inverter if not already included in the light itself.

In all honesty you would be better off going to a specialist lighting store and ask one of their experts to come out and plan your lighting scheme.