In message in2minds )
wrote:
Newsgwoups:uk.d-i-y


will be installing recessed lighting in the cellar soon and wondered
what the consensus is on whether to go for mains or low voltage units
?
there'll be a total of 21 light fittings in 3 rooms... 3, 3, and 15
cost is a major factor, i.e. as low as possible


CFLs of various types are by far the cheapest, and halogens by far the
most expensive lighting types. Both are available as recessed
downlighters. Note that run costs far outweigh purchase costs.

If youve already decided on high run cost halogens, LV have almost all
the advantages over mains halogen: longer life, cheaper bulbs, more
robust, more efficient, more reliable. But if cost matters, it has to
be CFL downlighters. The run cost of halogen lighting sometimes evokes
responses like 'f that.'

A CFL in a central pendant is of course cheaper still, but
unimpressive.

Note that uplighting with a white ceiling is much cheaper to run than
downlighting with a carpeted floor. It is always possible to install
downlights of lower power, and add uplights to bring the lighting upto
brightness.

A note about cfl types: they come in 2700K, which give light just like
traditional bulbs, and other colour temps, which look different, and
to most tastes not as nice.

NT

CFLs of various types are by far the cheapest,

forgive my ignorance but what are CFLs ?

LJ

in2minds wrote:

forgive my ignorance but what are CFLs ?

compact fluorescent lamps, i.e. the "energy saving" ones

Are there any statistics available for comparing energy usage or is it
as simple as comparing the wattage of the unit? I know that with CFL's
quote a usage wattage and an equivalent output wattage as well. When it
comes to LV is a direct comparison to mains possible or does one have
to take into account the step down in voltage and does this make the
fixture more or less efficient?
CM.

"in2minds" wrote in message
...
CFLs of various types are by far the cheapest,

forgive my ignorance but what are CFLs ?

Compact Flourescent Lights :-)


/Morten




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