Fire rated shower downlights 35w or 50w?

aliasojo

andrew-b wrote: »

Low voltage is equally as bright..but on the moneysaving side you've got to buy transformers too.

Mains voltage will draw 20 times less current than the same 50W power of a low voltage light which might be a consideration in the cabling.
Andy

If lv draws more current than mains voltage......aren't they hotter so would be worse for the ceiling panels?


Sorry everyone, I just seem to have a complete mental block over this subject.

andrew-b

I think i'd be tempted if i were you just to get a big flush ceiling light in the middle and be done with it. I followed a similar route to you investigating downlights but decided it was too much hassle (mainly because i couldn't mount them where i wanted and it worked out expensive).

I have recently fitted this one in our bathroom:
http://www.lights4living.com/products/osaka-low-energy-bathroom-ceiling-light-ip44/744/

..takes low -energy 28W 2D bulb so cheap to run and you won't have the heat problems you'd have with mains voltage downlights nor the seperate transformers of LV downlights.

I'd say it's brighter than the 100W bulb i replaced it for (wasn't the safest of bathroom lights having a pendant hanging down near to the shower cubicle but was just a stop-gap). Can't say i've noticed any buzzing and my hearing is pretty sensitive to that sort of noise. It's also double insulated so doesn't require an earth. It's not a slow start either.. comes on straight away at pretty near full brightness. I'd recommend that retailer as i found them very helpful and a pleasure to deal with. I bought all our lounge lighting there. Broke a glass panel fitting one light and they went out their way to order me a replacement. One of my 2D-bulbs was missing so they sent one on and even ordered in the colour temperature of my choice (very warm white for the lounge).

You must like me for giving you more options all the time!! :rolleyes: ..guess i'm not helping your indecisions lol!

Andy

aliasojo

andrew-b wrote: »

I think i'd be tempted if i were you just to get a big flush ceiling light in the middle and be done with it.

Andy, if I were left to my own devices, I'd have made my life easier a long time ago and chosen exactly as you suggested. :rolleyes: OH is digging his heels in for downlights but tbh, he's a bit big on wants and a bit lacking in the 'sort it out' process.

I've seen a few central lights with modern looking spotlights which I'm hoping he might be swayed by otherwise we're in for one Mother of all rows shortly methinks.:rotfl: The plastic ceiling panels were his idea too.:rolleyes:

Everyone (from electricians to manufacturers to sellers) all seem to have differing advice for me, one central light seems sooooo much simpler.