Advice about low voltage downlights

TimBuckTeeth

FunkyMunkey wrote: »

But surely if understand correctly, a 35w low voltage downlight will give out more light than the equilavent mains voltage light. Basically, I need far more light in the kitchen than in my little bathroom..

It is the wattage of the bulb that determines the brightness, so 35W mains and 12V will be the same brightness. There might be small differences due to efficiency, beam angle etc.
If you want a lot of light in the kitchen then consider fitting a fluorescent lamp (in a circular fitting if you don't want a strip light) as the main light source (will also light up the ceiling, unlike spots) and use spot lights for additional light at the sink or work top. Under-cupboard lights are a better solution than ceiling mounted spots as the light doesn't get blocked by a person standing at the worktop.

24_Hour_Electrician

sorry but from what ive read my simple advise would be to concur with baldelectrician, this falls under the scope of part p building regs, either without being rude
1stget a sparky in and bite bullet,
2nd tell building controll and they will charge about £120+VAT to sign off work as safe and registered,
3rd or if you really want diy but it technicilly woudnt be legit , but wont cost you.

totalsolutions

In my kitchen I have 5 3ft (15w) under cupboard fluorescent fittings. Also 4 200W large in celing units and hob extractor with 2 60W lamps. Your 4 35w downlights won't cut it gloom.

madjay

If you use one transformer each down lighter will need a cable running directly to the Transformer. Make sure each cable length is the same size or you will get a change in light out put in each down lighter.

"That transformer says that the output leads should be 2m max" this means each downlighter can not be more than 2mtrs away from the transformer.

madjay

sunshine54 wrote: »

from you drawing, the cable (where it points to 12v) will be carrying nearly 9 amps and will get too hot if standard lighting cable is used

it is suppling 105 watts at 12v (105 divided by 12 = amps)

Wrong...each down lighter runs back to the transformer therefore its 35watts at 12volts.

sunshine54

Wrong...each down lighter runs back to the transformer therefore its 35watts at 12volts.

wrong!!! i was refering to the original drawing with 3 lamps in series (3x35= 105)

madjay

sunshine54 wrote: »

wrong!!! i was refering to the original drawing with 3 lamps in series (3x35= 105)

Wrong...The Three downlighters are show in parallel not in series!!!

You DO NOT CONNECT LV downlights as shown in the drawing in Post 1!!!!

sunshine54

Wrong...The Three downlighters are show in parallel not in series!!!

You DO NOT CONNECT LV downlights as shown in the drawing in Post 1!!!!

madjay.

the drawing in post one is a single line representation of a two core cable, and the load is 105w on the transformer and the first cable, however you choose to phrase the connection.

i never suggested to the OP this was the correct method, i merely calculated the load on the cable, and warned of an overload in that configuration.