Are there any advantages to low voltage halogen downlighters versus 240V ones?

Question

I am going to be installing ceiling downlighters, and wondered whether to use a transformer and low voltage lights, or just 240V ones. In particular would I need to leave some way to access the transformer (presumably in the ceiling), in case it fails at some point in the future?

Great answers thanks: can anyone cast any more "light" on the ventilation issue if I go for transformers and low voltage lights?

Answer 1

Low voltage GU5.3, 50 watt lamps are about 2.5 times brighter than 50 watt GU10 lamps, and have 2-3 times longer life. Also available in more beam widths. Transformers will fit through cut out for light, but be aware of ventilation requirements and bathroom zones.

Answer 2

Depends on what the light is designed to luminate. Low voltage halogen lights are better to illiminate specific areas,i.e pictureson walls. Having said this,they can be used for normal room applications. Rooms require different lux levels of light. When using halogen low voltage halogen lights the lux level will depend on the distance the light is mounted from the floor.It is worth thinking of this beam to that of a car headlamp. The beam gets wider the further away from the source and is less intense.Typically you have 20 watt and 50 watt low voltage halogen lamps. To decide on the positions where the lights are to be mounted and the correct type, pop along to Wickes.They have good idea leaflets and the one on low voltage lighting shows an example of this. Remember with low voltage lights,they are low voltage and as a result the current is increased. This will mean heat, so make sure that you do not have the transformer too far away from the lights and that the area is clear of any loft insulation material. or similar. It is always wise to provide access to anything which you need to get to also.

Answer 3

Benefits Of Low Voltage Lighting

Answer 4

Its funny that you should ask this question, but I was buying fluorescent tubes in an electrical wholesaler's, and I noticed that they were selling conversion kits for 240v units to be turned into 12volt units. I asked the guy why, and he said they were more efficient and lasted longer.
In answer to the second part, I know that the transformers are the same weight as a bar of soap, so don't worry about weight.

Answer 5

low voltage is good in a bath or shower rm only no 240v in there,any where else ok and yes you need to have a space above or what i did was to put the transformers on a board under the stairs and mark each one for each light.

Answer 6

Low voltage halogen may be esthetically appealing, but in general is inefficient. Like conventional incandescent bulbs they give off light from a white hot or near white hot wire filament. (Lots of energy lost as heat.) If you want efficient lighting go with flourescents. They tend to give lots more light for the electricity burned. However, flourescents aren't for mood lighting.

Answer 7

low voltage are usually in a bath or shower room.yes there should be some space around the transformer for heat dissipation. the most important factor is a flame proof shroud for the lampholder.

Answer 8

definitely take it from me 240v bulbs are forever popping all the sparks i work with agree one had fitted 32 in his house and was sick off changing bulbs.you are better with 12v. transformers are about £4.00 you can run more than one fitting off these.you will find the bulbs much cheaper than 240v and last ages.