Advice needed on down-lights for open plan layout

[HandsomeBWonderful]

I am looking for advice on the most suitable type of recessed down-lights for this kind of open plan environment. While I’d love to go for one of those Lutron gismos I’m afraid it’s gotta be cheap and cheerful so I’m planning on getting white trim halogens from somewhere like B&Q for the t.v. & dining “zone” and chrome trim for the kitchen. Beyond that I really haven’t a clue about wattage, bulbs, dimmers, etc to use.

The 3 main “zones” need to use dimmers but these dimmers MUST NOT buzz so is it a case of the more expensive dimmer you buy the less buzz you’ll get (sorry I really haven’t a clue about electrics)? Are there too many lights in the layout or is it a case of the more the merrier? I don’t think the wife would like the ceiling looking like a run-way

As always any help/advice appreciated.
HBW

[HandsomeBWonderful]

After a bit of research I've finalised the layout and decided on bulb/dimmer wattage needed, etc. Hell, during the many hours spent wading through the bewildering amount of lights available, I've even managed to learn what the difference is between a dimmer and a slave and what a gang is.

I've decided to go for 3 zones each comprising of 6 low-voltage 50W halogen downlights using 400W dimmers. I would really appreciate some advice re. lights, bulbs and dimmers especially in relation to reliability and buzz. I'd be curious to hear opinions on these:

Dimmers:
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VLIQ1402.html
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VLIQS001.html

Lights and bulbs:
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/FRCL02CBR.html


Anyway, I've updated the plan to include dimmer/slave locations:

[baldybonce]

Everything looks ok HBW, fire rated downlights are always better as will give you a bit more time God forbid you had a fire in the kitchen etc. It may be an idea to get tilting downlights then if you need to angle the light slightly you have that option.

Unfortunatly all dimmers hum, some louder than others, try and buy the best you can afford. Remember though if you go for dimmers other than what you have linked to above you can only have one per switching circuit.

[grombo]

Try the JCC range of downlights, fire rated and also cover acoustic regulations to stop excess noise travelling through all those holes that are now going to be in your ceiling. I'd rather chew off my own foot than use B & Q stuff!
http://www.jcc-lighting.co.uk/product_JC94002

[HandsomeBWonderful]

Thanks for that grombo - those lights look to be well up to the job but at 20 quid (27 euro) a pop I'm afraid they're out of my price range. I've more or less decided to avoid B&Q and get the lights/dimmers linked above at tlc. Any thoughts on these would be appreciated.

[HandsomeBWonderful]

Anyone any experience with these dimmable energy saving lamps or used them with a Varilight Touch dimmer?

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MGGU11D.html

I'm now thinking of using these instead of the regular 50 W halogens as they don't require transformers and like er save the planet or something.

[neilball]

Originally Posted by HandsomeBWonderful

Anyone any experience with these dimmable energy saving lamps or used them with a Varilight Touch dimmer?

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MGGU11D.html

I'm now thinking of using these instead of the regular 50 W halogens as they don't require transformers and like er save the planet or something.

Not tried the dimmable Megaman GU10s but did see some "standard" CFL GU10s installed recently. I have to admit I *really* did not like the colour of the light, it was very obvious that the source was florescent, seemed a very "sickly" type of light. They do use a lot less energy and emit very little heat in comparison to GU10s which may help balance out the difference in light quality. It is worth bearing in mind that the fire-rated downlighters throw all of their heat and light forward into the room which can lead to heat build up in warmer weather if the lights are on for any length of time.

[HandsomeBWonderful]

Thanks for that Neilball. I've checked out some reviews for the Megaman (megamen?) lamps and the light output is indeed meant to be quite blue and "sickly".

This is getting very stressful