which downlighters are better - 12v or 240v?

latecomer

We are going to be replacing the ceiling in the bathroom either this weekend or next and I'm thinking about putting in downlighters but cant decide on whether 240v or 12v would be better. Obviously for 240v you dont need the transformers but apart from that is there any advantages to either one? Do you get better quality light from the 240v?

I know you have to be careful about leaving a clearance around the casing.

Also anyone got any recommendations for decent makes/models?

Of course we could always just put in a replacement standard light which I'm thinking would be a lot less work

11thcommandment

Hi Latecomer,

12v or 240v halogen lights look the same (e.g. same quality light output). Some think that 12v = low energy but they just draw more current to output the same wattage so energy used is actually ends up being bit more due to transformer losses.

The transformers for the 12v lights die at some point so access must be considered when fitting.

If you get 240v fittings you can check out the LED & fluorescent replacement lamps for them, the fluro ones are great and use 1/4 of the power. Latest LED are even better, less that 1/10th of the power but cost a packet.

missile

I would go for 240 every time. The transformers on 12v heat up = waste energy?

If you are looking for easy install, you could consider a multi halogen fitting rather than downlighters

latecomer

Do you mean like a rail with spots? Thats what I put up in the flat previously and it is an alternative. I just thought that the downlighters would give a better look overall and as we are spending a lot on the bathroom I want it to look as good as possible.

brig001

I would look at fitting something like this if you fit downlighters. Could save problems with moisture getting in to loft causing condensation. Should also be fitted to maintain the fire protection of the ceiling, I think, but again, check.
http://www.aico.co.uk/firecap_loftcap.htm

baldelectrician

I have 12v lamps in my kitchen and bathroom. I have had 2 sets of lamps in 8 years.

I am not keen on 240v in a bathroom and the 12v lamps are more efficient

a 50w GU10 (mains) lamp gives less light than a 50w 12v lamp

You will get better colour rendering, a longer life and a whiter light from 12v lamps

I must urge you to use quality lamps and quality transformers.
There are lots of cheap trannys (no pun intended ) but very few good ones

I prefer JCC light fittings (but not their trannys) and Osram/Philips/Sylvania lamps.

If you are dimming them go for 240v lamps, otherwise I would suggest 12V

I use SI-Lite trannys, Varilight are good as well (if you want to dim the lights use a Varilight dimmer and Varilight tranny)

TimBuckTeeth

I would fit 12V ones as the bulbs seem to blow more often with the 240V. Also from a safety point 12V are better in a bathroom.
Either type should be sealed (IP rated) to protect from moisture and steam and should be fire rated (then you don't need to get separate covers).
As mentioned above get good quality transformers as you don't want to have to change them in a year or two.

georgehere

I've had problems with downlighters in a steamy (upstairs) bathroom ... half the fitting sticks into a cold loft space so the condensation (with hot shower) was significant and eventually rusted the fitting.

missile

latecomer wrote: »

Do you mean like a rail with spots? Thats what I put up in the flat previously and it is an alternative. I just thought that the downlighters would give a better look overall and as we are spending a lot on the bathroom I want it to look as good as possible.

Yes a rail with spots is what I meant, you can get stylish ones very cheaply. Recessed spots do look nicer.

I have recessed spots in my own bathroom. The one above the shower cubicle is a 12 volt special sealed unit and I have replaced the transformer after only 12 months. The others are standard GU50 fittings and I have had no trouble, not even replaced a bulb.

latecomer

After discussing with OH I think we might just go with a convention style light or a bar of spots. Need to have a look and see what we like. Thanks for all the replies.

dwarvenassassin

If it is in a bathroom, regardless of what type of light it is (spot bar, downlight, etc.) make sure it has the required IP rating for its' position.