wrote in message
ups.com...
I am planning to use 50W MR16s in my kitchen. I'm going to use 3"
housings, but I can't decide between line voltage and low voltage. MR16
comes in both 12V and 120V (GU10 based) bulbs. What is the difference?
Is GU10 MR16 hotter, less brighter, etc?
Even though the line voltage setup is much simpler (no transformer, no
more expensive low voltage magnetic dimmer), the low voltage fixtures
with MR16s seem to be much more popular than the line voltage versions.
Any reason? I was talking to a salesperson today, and he told me that
they hardly sell 3" line voltage housings.
Right now I have access to the ceiling, so I can use either new
construction housings or remodeling housings. However, once the drywall
is put up there, I won't have any more access. Even though I prefer the
new construction fixtures, should I go for the remodeling ones in case
I need to replace a transformer, etc. (assuming I end up getting the
low voltage housings)?

Just one opinion of the pros and cons of 120v vs 12v MR16 bulbs may be found
at http://www.besthomesystems.com/learn...ing_step7.html
One downside of the 120v may be it's newness, and not having been tested
over a long period of time in real lighting conditions.
Our kitchen uses only the 12v type installed on 120v tracks, and we are very
pleased with the effect, but finding the a large wattage electronic dimmer
was a pest, and presumably the 120v would have the advantage of easy/cheap
dimming, and dispenses with the transformer, so it *should* be a cheaper
fixture.