On Sun, 8 Feb 2009 12:21:13 -0000 someone who may be "Syke"
wrote this:-

Having some time ago fitted (5) 12v halogen downlights, I am now thinking it
may have been a mistake. Even after swapping the MR16 50W bulbs for 20W, I
feel they are a bit wasteful. I note that there are fluorescent replacement
bulbs available but are about £10 each, and I'm not sure how these would
compare in terms of light output.

I haven't noticed any for 12V fittings, but I may not have seen
them. I have seen LED lamps for 12V fittings though
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Lighting_Menu_Index/Lamps_and_Tubes_Index/MR16_Led/index.html.

Assuming 12V CFLs are available then I imagine that, like the
equivalent 230V ones, they will be fairly slow starting. Having
reached normal brightness some people will say they are fine, others
will not. Why not buy one or two and decide for yourself. There is
still the problem that it is entirely the wrong sort of lighting for
a kitchen.

Bearing in mind I don't want to replace
the wooden ceiling,(which I would probably need to do in order to mask the
resultant holes if I removed the halogens)

Either leave them where they are, with or without CFL/LED lamps, or
make a feature of them in some other way. Use other lighting for
normal lighting.







--
David Hansen, Edinburgh
I will *always* explain revoked encryption keys, unless RIP prevents me
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00023--e.htm#54