Low Voltage Halogen

[ledzep100]

Hi all,

I'm about to install LV halogen's in my flat. It's an open plan lounge / dinner type. I've bought a 2 way 2 gang IR dimmer from tlc-direct http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VLIQ1402.html . I'm thinking about fitting 10 LV halogen's in the main section (where the PJ / AV is) and 5 in the kitchen.

Has anyone tried these kits http://www.diy.com/bq/product/produc...xtLocation=top ? they come with 5 (20 W) units 1 tranny (100w / 105 vA) and a loom.

Had a look at the kit. Components appears to be well made and the loom seems real easy to install. But as its so cheap I'm worried about hum.

Should there be a measurement on the transformer to indicate the level of hum?.


Any help would be appretiated.

[ledzep100]

anyone?

[pwafer]

Hi LEDZEP,

When dimming LV lights, you need to make sure the transformer is suitable for dimming. In general most of them are and usually say so on the cover.

There are 2 types of dimmer available, LEADING EDGE (Triac) and TRAILING EDGE (Transistor).

Leading Edge are most widely used in the UK, from £5 B&Q rotary dimmers to £100+ commercial scene setting dimmers. They will dim all wire-wound transformers and electronic transformers suitable for leading edge dimmers.

Trailing Edge are suitable for only electronic transformers, but will dim almost all types.

So, if you have a wire wound transformer (they are heavy and get hot) you’ll need a leading edge dimmer and if you have an electronic (small and light) you’ll need to check with the dimmer manufacturer.

Hope this helps

Paul

[ledzep100]

Thanks Paul,

The transformer is electronic and the dimmer is trailing edge. It's the level of hum that concerns me. The transormers will be in the loft so they should be OK.

I'm going to try the B&Q kits and if the tranny's hum I'll take them back.

I'll update the thread after I put them in.

Ledzep100

[Zor]

ledzep100

BE WARNED!

I haved used B&Q Ring low voltage halogen light kits before, including ones with electronic transformers. Not all electronic transformers it would appear are dimable. Check the box & if it doesn't say dimable it probably isn't. I had to replace my transformers.

[ledzep100]

Cheers Zor,

It does say that they're dimmable transformers. Which kit was it you used?

Ledzep

[Zor]

I used a couple of different ones around the house. The ones I had trouble with were the 3 x 50 watt with electronic xformers.

I haven't used that specific kit, but do have the B&Q 10-starlight kit installed in my kitchen. Had to extend the loom as it was too short, but otherwise no problems. The transformers do state that they are dimmable.

[ledzep100]

Hi Mike,

How do the starlights compare to standard halogens? I had a look at them but couldn't really imagine how they'd light a room.

Ledzep