On 17/12/2017 22:38, Phil Addison wrote:
My old fluorescent under-kitchen-cabinet tubes are failing at an ever faster rate, so I'm
thinking of replacing with LEDs, particularly flexible LED tapes.
A few things I'm not sure about...
The light output is quoted in lumens per metre, but how many do I need? I've seen outputs
from 290 to 780 lm/m for 12V systems and up to 1200 lm/m for 24V. The tapes will be 45cm
above a dark textured work surface. I suppose you can put 2 tapes side-by-side for a
higher output.
The kitchen layout is U-shaped with the sink in front of a window with cabinet runs either
side. At each side of the sink the runs are finished off with a little angled/corner shelf
unit at right angles to the main run. I'd like to run the last bit of tape around this
corner if possible. Is it possible to twist it through 45 degrees or will a I have to cut
it and use a wired connector?
Can I just stick the bare tape to the underside of the cabinets or does it need to be
mounted into a holder such as RS Stock No. 797-2432, a horrendously expensive product!
Then there's colour temperature. My fluorescents are 2700K but a lot of the white LEDs
seem to be 3000+. I don't suppose that's a big deal in this application.
What about drivers. I assume I'll just need a couple of basic 12V drivers, one each side
of the sink - though the hob interrupts the run on the right, so I'll either have to route
some cable round that of use a 3rd driver for the last cabinet which will only has a 55cm
LED run. I have easy access to the 240VAC that's feeding the 6 existing tubes. Something
like a couple of RS number 773-6949 drivers giving 1 amp each?
Any advice much appreciated, and any recommended suppliers/brands.
Phil
I'd look very carefully before buying, especially at the 'tape'
solutions and cheaper end of the market.
I've looked at various LED lighting for a slightly different application
and found the variation between supposed/claimed light levels and what I
consider similar to 'equal' output alternatives to be laughable.
In particular, things like 1W claimed to give the same light output as
10W is just misleading. Even the Lumen figures can't be relied on in my
view.
I'd recommend trying to visit somewhere you can see some lights in use
and compare different ones.
Another consideration is colour, or colour temperature. I like 'cold
white'- it gives a brighter like in my view, certainly to work/read by.
I'd be happy with it everywhere. My wife, while happy in areas where
reading/working etc, prefers 'warm white' elsewhere.
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