Question about halogen recessed ceiling downlights

catt_2

It's been a few years since I modernised my last home and there seem to be some changes in lighting products.

A was at B & Q at the weekend to buy some halogen dowlights but I came away confused. There used to be only one type and that was linked to a transformer, sometimes dimable, often with an audible hum though.

Now I see packs labelled "low energy", others "mains operated" and yet others "firesafe".

So what are the differences? Can some now be wired into mains (lighting circuit) without a transformer?. I also saw a fire safety product, a sort of metal box to house the lamp and sit between the rafters in the loft and keep away the loft lagging...quite expensive at £12 for 2 lamps...

Also, in terms of the metal casing of these lights, what is the difference between "pressed" and die-cast"? Is it quality, cost, lifespan?

Anyone who can enlighten;) me?!

Catt

iamcornholio

Low energy refers to the 12v type operated off a transformer.

The 240v type connect straight to the lighting circuit without a transformer

Plasterboard ceilings are intergral to the fire safety performance of the floor or ceiling and prevent fire spread.
Cut a hole in this ceiling, and in the event of fire, the fire and smoke can get into the floor or roof space and spread. It is also an excellent reason for your insurers to not pay out. So proper intumescent hoods should be fitted to all downlighters - not so expensive when you consider the possible consequences.

Some 'firesafe' rated fittings may incorporate intumescent seals, so no need for a hood

Die-cast and pressed are quality items. When you remove the fitting to replace bulbs, pressed units are easier to deform.

A good tip is to always have the transformer accessable for replacement when needed. Better still, don't use a single transformer for all the lights, but have a smaller individual transformer for each fitting

ianeverton

My understanding is that low energy is not as the other poster stated 12v, otherwise this would be called low voltage (2 different things).

You now have mains voltage downlights either Gz10 or Gu10 which is the difference in the reflective backing of the lamp.

Low voltage lamps which still require transformers, they now come as specified dimmable or ordinary but in my experience they will still hum.

The fire safe hoods are only required in a shared residence, multiple occupancy, in my understanding.

Please confirm these details for your own reassurance.

suniil

i've just bought downlights for my living room & kitchen after a bit of research.

Fire rated ones are ideal as other posters suggested [check www.tlcdirect.co.uk, they are cheaper and quality stuff]

Low voltage ones still has the same (or more) energy consumption

You can use LED based GU10 lamps on mains one (save some power/money!)

Low energy downlights use special low energy bulbs [package costs £15ish]

HTH

gladtobegrey

Suniil, the link in your post (www.tlcdirect.co.uk) actually goes to something called "uktowns.biz" ??

It should be http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk

System

It should be [SIZE=-1]www.tlc-direct.co.uk[/SIZE]