Downlights - What size to go for 20w 120v or 50w 240v

busymumof3

I would be really grateful if someone with electrical expertise could advise whether it is best to go for 20w 12v downlights with a transformer or 50w 240v downlights.

I have bought several packs of 20w 5 piece mini downlighters but then noticed that the halogen light fitting which I am also due to replace because it is not bright enough for a largish bedroom is also 4 x 20w 12v.

Am obviously concerned that the 20w will not be bright enough. Would be using 5 for a hallway and largish room and 3 or 4 for a bathroom. Also in terms of bulbs usage and cost is any type better than another?

Would be grateful for advice. As you may have gathered we have no electrical knowledge ourselves and would hate to make an expensive mistake as we will have to use a tradesman.

Doonhamer

It is rurprising how many downlights you atually need for primary lighting. If you use 20W ones you will need more of them, but it may give a more even light. Also look at the beam angle of the lights. The manufacturer may have data sheets with recommended spacing.

I doubt that 3-4 20W ones would cover a bathroom, morel likely 6-10. And with 3-4 50W's you might see distinct light and dark areas.

Malestrom

We have 5x 35watt spots in our smallish kitchen (about 8x10 i'd say) and its adequate rather than bright. Originally we had 5x 20watt and it was terrible. We have 6x 50watt in our bathroom (about the same size) and its just about right. I'd go with mains rather than low voltage (LV is 12volt, not 120volt!!) as the transformers can be unreliable.

mercurystar999

Are the downlighters in packs? As the ones with that come in packs usually come with just one transformer. Ideally you want each light to have its own transformer as these are the things that usually go wrong, as do the lamps. You could of course just get the 230v ones but you couldn't use them in a bathroom.

This kind of light is very directional as the post above says, so you really do need to look for lamps that spread the light as much as possible.

Hope this helps

Malestrom

As mercurystar999 says, the beam is quite focused so you might want to consider 38 degree bulbs rather than 18 degree ones.

Doonhamer

You can get enclosed ones for bathrooms from Screwfix I think. I got some at Hombase a while back and they were very good, they were 230V 50W.

Be careful what is above them, they can get very hot. Clear any loft insulation well away from them.

mercurystar999

You can actually get some tents to go over them. I think it is a building regulation that they are used now.

busymumof3

Many thanks. It seems I will have to rethink the number of downlights. I had bought 3 x 5 packs and 3 x 3 packs of 20w 12v downlights. Would prefer an even distribution of light. Only one of the sets tilt. Sounds like I need to use more than one pack per room or may have to rethink numbers and have a return trip to B&Q!