John Miller wrote:

"Andrew Gabriel" wrote in message
...
In article ,
(Winged Cat) writes:
Hi
I am going to fit four LV IP44 halogen spotlights in my bathroom
ceiling. The room is 190 * 175, and I am trying to decide on the best
positioning of the lights. I don't know whether to arrange the lights
equidistant from the centre of the ceiling, or equidistant from the
edges, IYSWIM.

The best position is in the wastebin.

Seriously, start with the assumption they won't be the main lighting
in the room -- they are useless for general lighting. They are also
horribly inefficient -- the lamps themselves aren't, but so little of
their light makes it to where you need it. If you really want some,
use them to accent features, in addition to the main room lighting.

--
Andrew Gabriel

Although I normally tend to agree with Andrew's pronouncements, this is not
my experience. When I did my bathroom, I replaced a 100w central tungsten
bulb with 6x35w 12v spots. The room (approx 2700x1750) is much brighter
than before and SWMBO loves it. I do agree, however, about positioning
aspect. I tried to place mine so that there were few shadows over the basin,
etc and ended up with an elongated U-shaped arrangement.

Since you now have almost twice the wattage of lights which are at
least twice as efficient you have something like four times as much
light so it's hardly surprising it seems brighter. One the other hand
100 watts of fluorescent ligting of some sort would probably make it
seem brighter still, have fewer shadows and use less electricity
(though I suppose bathroom lights aren't on for long periods so
efficiency isn't so important).

--
Chris Green