I am looking at buying new lighting for my kitchen - the halogen one I like is listed as a "low voltage system", what is the purpose of "low-voltage" systems? What the reason for why I might want this, are they more economical or is there an electrical benefit to them - please help.
2006-12-29 11:15:33 · 9 answers · asked by Contrary Mary 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
The advantage with low voltage is lower power consumption for the same light levels. Therefore lower power bills and less greenhouse gases produced to run your lights.
The side issues are that they tend to make architecture look good as they can be directed to specific areas, but they are not flattering to people as the light is directed straight down. (Top light) This can be overcome by using diffusers but this limits their light output. As with everything- pros and cons.
2006-12-29 11:27:05 · answer #1 · answered by miketwemlow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well thanks for the feedback so far all. I have low voltage fittings which use MR16 bulbs and I purchased transformers which are dimmable. However I may have got some of the light switch's wrong. I thought all you do is add up the total Watt for the number of lights you have and then get a dimmer switch which has a Watt rating above that. e.g. For 4 x 50 Watt I have used 250 Watt dimmer modules. And for 6 x 50 Watt I have use a 400 Watt dimmer module. They do hum I have noticed however someone said to me that when you dim the lights the difference in power is simply used up by the dimmer module hence why it gets hot! I will look at Toolstation ( who I have used loads during this project) but I didn't realise that this was so complecated at all. I thought dimming the lights would save electricity plain and simple. But things never appear to be as simple as you may expect :) Thanks so far all!
2016-03-29 00:14:44 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Safety, always a consideration where there is water. Low heat, where heat is already a problem...in the kitchen. Finally, low voltage lighting allows surface wiring to be run under many building codes which makes retro-fitting easy. If it were not low-voltage, wires in many municipalities would have to be in conduit and wired with ground fault (GFCI) outlets, so, inexpensive compared to conventional wiring. I'm not an electrician, just my opinion.
2006-12-29 11:22:13 · answer #3 · answered by Jim N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-12-29 16:18:54 · answer #4 · answered by answerING 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are more economical - but be careful - I had halogen spots put in my kitchen this year but my ceiling is too low and they chuck out loads of heat!! They are unbearable on low ceilings - getting them taken out next month!!
2006-12-29 14:53:39 · answer #5 · answered by libbyft 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can run the wiring through and under cabinets withouit risk of electrocution or fire. 110 volt wiring needs a permit and an electrician.
2006-12-29 13:06:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
save you money, lower amps... lower voltage... you should do this as the Gas and Electricity companies are ripping us off!
2006-12-29 11:18:51 · answer #7 · answered by fluxpattern® 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You asked this question twice. No need.
2006-12-29 11:23:12 · answer #8 · answered by Vesper 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
save electricity and money
2006-12-29 11:18:49 · answer #9 · answered by LQVE 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋