Hi Daniel,

After much contemplation, I had already come to the conclusion to install Halogen downlights in the new house when I came across your informative article in Lightingpro. One day when the choice has improved and the price is much better, I might look at LED’s.

In the meantime, would you make lamp/fitting recommendations please?

Looks like 12V lamp type with Redback transformers where I want real light (living/kitchen), (some gimble fittings);

Thinking of non-dimmable CFL’s for places where I just want some effect lights – outside under the eaves to light the wall; it’s a broad beam so gimble is not important;

Was thinking of a limited number of LEDS for “night” lights in halls and the like where they can be left on for extended periods.

Best Regards
Roy Flynn

Dear Daniel,

I enjoy reading the FAQ and value all the replies you have made.

What I knew about Halogen lights are they release more heat than light and are very energy inefficient, however, I hear ‘energy efficient halogen lights’ and I’m confused how Halogens could be energy efficient. Are they better than CFL?

I was also wondering if there is anyway that you can distinguish all sorts of different light globes, just by looking or turning them on?

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you soon

Tomomi

Hi,

We have just moved into a house with what seems like hundreds or MR16 lights (all put in around eight years ago), I will remove half of them (pitty the poor soul who’ll be patching the plaster on the ceiling) as these two rooms already have incandecent lighting, this should save power and heat.

The other half of the MR16 lighting is under a flat tine roof which was assembled TIN/SilverInsulation/Insulation Bats/MR16 Down lights, at points the Bats were touching the MR16 lights, I have replaced all MR16 globes with 20w ones I purchased from you and tried at best to remove the Bats from around the MR16 lights but being at flat tine roof at this point it is quite hard.

My question is this, how hot do the 20w globes get as I understand the 50w are in excess of 260c so I estimate the heat to be around 104c reducing the fire hazard considerably (I hope). Also, what is the power consumption of the transformers and do they represent a fire risk?

Regards,

Chrisb

Hi Daniel,

we are looking for a track lighting solution for our retail stores. currently we are using Metail Hailide washers, installed in the suspended ceilinging tiles.

We are looking for a more flexible solution where we can add more lights or take some lights off when not needed. Please advise if 50 W track lights are sufficient enough for a retail store. trading hr 8-9 hr a day, 7 days a week. we want to use the lights to highlight our products displayed on the walls.

regards
Dirk

Re Par 30 50 watt Light bulb

Hi There

I bought a lamp that can be used as a desk light or a bed side light from a lighting shop (not yours)

The sales people assured me it was regular readily available light globe but now that they have both blown I cant find them anywhere

The markings are PAR30 50W C Lighting Ltd

Do you know where I can find replacements

Many thanks

Michael

Hi

Just wondering if it’s possible to obtain Double Ended Linear Halogen J Type Lamps rated at 5000 Kelvin (5000K)?

Thanks.

Derek

Hi Daniel

Please could you let me know the difference between the Fire Guard Fixed Low Voltage Downlight Kit and the Safety Heat Hood Fixed Low Voltage Downlight Kit.

Which provides better overall fire protection?

Kind regards

Stuart

Today I got quite a shock.

Crompton have just launched a new Energy Saving Halogen Globes that will give the other manufacturers a run for their money.

The range is small but they offer something for almost all lighting installations

Something that really impressed me was the MR16 12 Volt Energy Saving Halogen replacement. Two things absolutely blew me away. One was the amazing light output and second was the low cost.

They have released two 12V MR16 replacement versions, a VWFL (Very Wide Flood Light) 60 degree and also a WFL (Wide Flood Light) 36 degree

They use only 40 watts of power instead of the standard 50 watts so you get a 20% energy saving. This also means 20% less heat. The good think though is the technology inside the halogen capsule. Even though there is a 20% energy saving this doesnt mean you have less light. Quite to the contrary.

The new VWFL energy saver halogen puts out 1000 candelas and the WFL puts out 1800 candelas. This doesnt mean much unless you know what a standard bulb puts out. The standard halogens put out 720 candelas and 1450 candelas respectively. This means you actually getting a lot more light for less power consumption.

The Osram IRC equivalents offer a slightly better energy saving but sell for $13.75 each ($27.50 for a twin pack) whilst the Crompton MR16 Energy Saver is only $6.60 each ($65 for a 10 pack) which make it not much more than a quality standard globe.

This product gets my thumbs up!!

The New Downlight Wiring Rules and What They mean to You

The new Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000 stipulate a minimum clearance for halogen recessed downlights of 200mm between the downlight and structural members, thermal insulation and any other substance, unless the luminaire has a suitable fire resistant enclosure.

The electronic low voltage (ELV) transformer must be fixed in a well ventilated location, not directly above the downlight and free from direct contact with any insulating material. The minimum distance of the secondary wires is 250mm.

So this really gives you 3 options when considering your downlights

1> Fit after-market halogen down light guards These are quite expensive and hard to fit in low access ceilings
2> Buy fire rated halogen downlight hood kits which have the covers built in
3> Consider fittings that don’t use halogens and there run cooler and reduce the risk of fire

Always consult the safety warnings and installation instructions when fitting all fittings including the fire rated downlights as there are still guidelines for their safe installation.

Eg on the fire rated down light hood kits a minimum distance of 25mm must still be kept (see image below). This is due to the aluminium heat hood and fire guard cylinder is acting as a heat sink and providing fire resistance.

The isolite halogen downlight fire guards can be fitted directly adjacent to the insulation without worry

Hi,

I am looking to reduce the heat generated in my current Down Light Fittings and cant decide between the Osram Infra Red Coated (IRC) Lamp type such as the Decostar 51 Energy Saver or the Osram Decostar 51 ALU.

I am leaning towards the Osram Decostar 51 ALU as I understand that it releases almost no heat to the rear of the lamp assembly.

Can you tell me which way I should go, also, do you sell these globes as I want around 25 of them.

many thanks

Jim