Low voltage downlights and mains voltage downlights
Recessed Halogen Downlights
What is the difference between a low voltage and a mains voltage downlight?
Low voltage (LV or 12v) downlights are wired to a transformer, which is then
wired to the mains supply. Mains voltage downlight bulbs are wired directly
to the mains without the need for a transformer. Although the transformer
wastes approximately 10% of the power stepping doing the voltage to 12v this
is more than compensated by the improved performance of low voltage downlights.
Due to a thicker filament, the halogen 12v bulbs (size MR16) are more efficient
than the halogen 240v (size GU10) equivalent. The thicker filament also
means that the bulbs are more robust. The mains voltage downlights are
generally cheaper, and can be simpler to install, as the there is no need
to install a transformer.
We sell a range of both types of downlights, with may available in a low
voltage option and a mains voltage option.
Downlight prices includes bulb and electronic transformer.
Our downlights are supplied with a halogen Osram bulb (either MR16 or GU10
size). The low voltage lights are sold with a Tridonic dimmable electronic
transformer that has overheat and surge protection built in. The lights
are available in white or satin nickel. The satin nickel finish looks and
feels
like stainless steel. Our recessed downlights are made from a cast aluminium
alloy unlike many of the cheap downlights on the market.
These cheap lights are made from pressed steel which is not as attractive and these cheaper lights are more difficult to install.
All our lights are in stock and available for next day delivery from our London warehouse. We charge £10 carriage for orders of less than £50.
Prices start from £7.95 including VAT, Osram bulb and a Tridonic transformer. For full
details and to order please follow the links on the right hand side.
T: 020 7183 0000 F: 020 7183 0100