Thread: Lighting question

Originally Posted by DrAndy

or am I thinking incorrectly?

about what ?

Do yourself a favour and run the 12V lights from a battery charged from the mains.
When you get a power cut the lights will still work. Be wary of Voltage drop though.
A Watt is a Watt is a Watt.

Originally Posted by Nawty

Originally Posted by DrAndy

or am I thinking incorrectly?

about what ?

yes, about watt

so, is the 12v systen cheaper to run? or the same, using 50W lamps

12 V lighting should be used where they might be exposed to moisture. 240v can be used provided they are in a sealed enclosure and have a suitable IP rating.

12V also produce a much nicer light btw.

The difference in running cost is minimal between the two.

unless they are solar powered.

Originally Posted by Jesus Jones

12 V lighting should be used where they might be exposed to moisture. 240v can be used provided they are in a sealed enclosure and have a suitable IP rating.

12V also produce a much nicer light btw.

so no difference in running costs, even though the 12v seem to run cooler

I suppose you get the advantage of different 12v wattage bulbs, although that can be compensated for with a dimmer in 240V

Originally Posted by DrAndy

although that can be compensated for with a dimmer in 240V

This is what I have in my place. Need to keep in mind wattage drawn by all lights on one dimmer. Dimmers have different max wattage capability.

Originally Posted by DrAndy

I want to fit those small downlights in several locations in my new concrete box

Guess you're referring to recessed lights? Would suggest halogens. One transformer/dimmer for multiple lights.

I know nothing about conversion rates for electrical power Doc but I use frequency inverter blocks on each light fitting which controls the amount of power reaching the globe increasing it's lifespan.

These smallish converters (price approx. 270 Baht each) is positioned at a point between the switch and the outlet and has worked wonders for me and with regard to replacement of expensive bulbs.

^
Tell me more about these converters LT, I am sick and tired of shelling out for energy efficient 10 year guarantee bulbs only for them to blow within a year!

If you are using recessed halogen 12v lighting with remote transformers they will have a nice warm color. They are used a lot in retail. They do give off a lot of heat though and replacement cost for the MR15 lamp is higher than a normal lamp.

Originally Posted by Norton

240v, 50w consumes 49.99 watts of power (kw hour is power company unit of charge)

12v, 50w consumes 50.00 watts of power (kw hour is power company unit of charge)

12v will run cooler.

If power consumption is your priority use 220v and save the cost of transformer.

Been a long time since I used ohms law so if wrong, go easy on me.

yep, norton is correct, and so is ohm's law.
watts is watts and that's watt you will pay for, whether it is 12 volt or 220.

Originally Posted by tsicar

Originally Posted by Norton

240v, 50w consumes 49.99 watts of power (kw hour is power company unit of charge)

12v, 50w consumes 50.00 watts of power (kw hour is power company unit of charge)

12v will run cooler.

If power consumption is your priority use 220v and save the cost of transformer.

Been a long time since I used ohms law so if wrong, go easy on me.

yep, norton is correct, and so is ohm's law.
watts is watts and that's watt you will pay for, whether it is 12 volt or 220.

Very true.

I decided to use 12v down lights in my gaff and fitted a heap of them around the house. It wasn't long before I regretted my decision as I found that the bulbs would blow at frequent intervals and they where bloody expensive to replace.

In my next house I fitted 240v down lights on dimmers and found these to be much better as you can regulate the amount of light you want at any different time and replacement globes are piss cheap.

Go the 240v down lights on dimmers matey.

the bulbs are only B35 each so not too expensive! the only time I had to replace them was when my dear daughter went round to check the place was Ok and left the lights on for about two months!!

but having dimmers is nice although in the kitchen and bathroom in London I never actually use them, just in the living areas

The power consumption is a bit worrying though as I want three above each worksurface in the kitchen, making 450 watts burning away when the lights get left on (as they do)

What about 12v LEDs? Do they make them?

I was thinking about using stored solar energy to power them.

Originally Posted by DrAndy

but having dimmers is nice although in the kitchen and bathroom in London I never actually use them, just in the living areas

Nor do I so just have switches. Dimmers only in living room, dining room and bedrooms (for the romantic).

The power consumption difference is insignificant and the cost of bulb replacement cheaper so as Terry says go with the 220v incandescent bulbs. I always use the frosted bulbs as they give a better light dispersion and lighting quality.

basically, if you want to save power.....both for the environment and your cash at the end of the month.....the most technical point to remember is to turn the lights off.

12V have a nice warm light

but I was able to find 220V Halogen with the same warm light, except they run extremely hot, so hot that case might melt with time

I have 100W and 150W halogen on 220V and I use dimmer, someone here mentioned that using the dimmer with halogen might actually consume as much power as using no dimmer. Is that true ?

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

What about 12v LEDs? Do they make them?

I was thinking about using stored solar energy to power them.

Yes, Delta light make some excellent LEDs 12v but very expensive to buy, last years though. I used to install them in the UK with Lutron and Polaron system and they give fantastic ambiance, the transformers are completely silent too.

I believe there is a Delta dealer near Londoner on the main road.

as far as I have seen, LEDs do not give enough light for room use; they are mainly recommended for highlighting areas etc.

I am sure they will develop brighter ones over the next couple of years though