S
series530
We're part way through a solar installation and saving power has kind of got to me.
We have 7 50W halogen recessed down lights in our kitchen and, with winter approaching, solar power wont save me anything with these things running in the evening. Consequently, I would like to replace them with LED.
My wife feels that the lighting that these halogens offers is only adequate and that the worktop task lighting (small fl tubes) is fine for this purpose. Thus, whatever we put in the ceiling doesn't have to be better than what is already there - hence my consideration of LED's.
Each of the units is being fed by an Osram HTM-70 transformer. This, I understand has a chopped AC output that isn't ideal for LED's. The outputs drive the 12V halogens using MR16 connections. I believe (and please confirm) that I would need to substitute the HTM's with LED drivers if I want to maintain a decent lifetime for the bulbs. This being the case, I would need to buy bulbs and drivers - making each replacement fairly expensive up front.
Alternatively, I am wondering if I could replace the whole thing with mains wired GU10's. That way, if I bought the GU10 tails and the lamps they should fit in the existing recesses with a little bit of work.
Firstly, is this a sensible approach?
Are there any downsides of GU10's running on mains as opposed to MR-16's with LED drivers running at 12V?
Can you recommend decent quality bulbs (and sources) for the approach that you advocate.
Many thanks.
We have 7 50W halogen recessed down lights in our kitchen and, with winter approaching, solar power wont save me anything with these things running in the evening. Consequently, I would like to replace them with LED.
My wife feels that the lighting that these halogens offers is only adequate and that the worktop task lighting (small fl tubes) is fine for this purpose. Thus, whatever we put in the ceiling doesn't have to be better than what is already there - hence my consideration of LED's.
Each of the units is being fed by an Osram HTM-70 transformer. This, I understand has a chopped AC output that isn't ideal for LED's. The outputs drive the 12V halogens using MR16 connections. I believe (and please confirm) that I would need to substitute the HTM's with LED drivers if I want to maintain a decent lifetime for the bulbs. This being the case, I would need to buy bulbs and drivers - making each replacement fairly expensive up front.
Alternatively, I am wondering if I could replace the whole thing with mains wired GU10's. That way, if I bought the GU10 tails and the lamps they should fit in the existing recesses with a little bit of work.
Firstly, is this a sensible approach?
Are there any downsides of GU10's running on mains as opposed to MR-16's with LED drivers running at 12V?
Can you recommend decent quality bulbs (and sources) for the approach that you advocate.
Many thanks.
