Energy Saving MR16 Halogen Globes
Energy Efficient Lighting, Halogen April 30th, 2009Today 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!!
May 11th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Hello Daniel
I was wondering if there is an even more efficient substitute for my Halogen 12V, 50W MR16 globes than the IRC’s. I have read about some of the newer LED’s (eg.EcoLite 3x3W LED lamp) but am unsure if I can simply exchange the globes or if I need to replace entire fitting (not keen on that option). If LEDs aren’t recommended, what IRC do you recommend to put over the breakfast bench where lots of paper reading takes place! I read that you have used the 20W IRC’s (which beam width?)in your house but are they for general room lighting only or good enough for reading/bathroom. mirrors etc.
Thanks, Danielle
May 11th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Hi Danielle
There a trade off unfortunately with the LED lights. That is energy efficiency vs light output. The LEDs are extremely efficient but they dont come close to the light output of the halogen. When you look into the MR16 LED the light is blinding but when you put them in the ceiling and stick a light meter under then it is a completely different story.
If you still want to stick with the LED option you can do either. These LED MR16 replacements will operate on a standard wire wound transformer and will fit into most fittings. These ones have their own specially designed transformer which will extend the life of the LED light as they have been designed to run on special control gear.
I fitted the 20 watt IRC with the 36 degree beam. They are great and more than ample for a breakfast bench, bathroom etc providing that the fittings are no more than say 1.5 metres apart. If they are go with the 40 watt 60 degree beam width cheaper Crompton alternative
Hope this helps
Anything else please let me know
Kind regards
Daniel