Low voltage lighting costs

LittleJo

Hi,
Does anybody know how much money it costs to run a low voltage 50watt 12v light.
I know in theory it should be very cheap but wonder how much in reality.
I wonder how much the transformer loses etc..
Jo

feival

Don't bother. Get the mains halogen llighting. No transformers to worry about and the bulbs are cheap nowadays

YorkshireBoy

Assuming an average cost/unit of 8.5p/KWh, it'll cost 0.425p/hr to run.

Transformer efficiencies are >98% so negligible losses.

flang

Low voltage sucks balls.
The transformers stop working after a few years! much better to go with 240V

Mado

flang wrote:

Low voltage sucks balls.
The transformers stop working after a few years! much better to go with 240V

Couldn't have said better myself.
We are replacing them with main voltage everytime one fails.

weekendwarrior

Hi,

All the above posts regarding low voltage lighting being rubbish are correct. The transformers don't last long!

Ironically a 240 volt light rated at 50 watts uses the same electricity as a 12 volt light rated at 50 watts! There is no money being saved by lowering the voltage, the only way for cheaper electricity bills is to lower the wattage!

Halogen bulbs are also very expensive to buy and don't last long.

LittleJo

Hi,
Looks like i got conned into paying for expensive lights that are no cheaper to run and cost lots to replace the lamps.
Can I just romove transformers and fit new lampholders or is this covered by new regs?
Jo

Cagey

Low voltage lamps last longer than GU10 lamps & are cheaper. Some LV transformers can last for years but others can last for less than a year & sometimes it is the dearer ones that only last a year.

You can just remove the transformers & fit 240 volt fittings if you have enough knowledge or employ an electrician & I don`t think part p would be involved but don`t quote me.

George_Bray

I believe the problem is not with 'old fashioned' wired transformers, which can last many years, but with the electronic power supply units, which are more often supplied with the low voltage lighting, and far more prone to fail.

Regards
George

NOWSE

Yesterday I paid approx £10 for a set of 10 halogen downlighters in B&Q's 15% off day. Whilst this is a good price I'm still considering taking them back as 10 lights @ 50 watt = 500 watt, which I think is over the top to light one room.