Low voltage downlights.

[stanwilcock]

What are the advantages or disadvantages of fitting downlights in the ceiling, either mains powered using a GU10 bulb or with a transformer using a low voltage bulb?
Thank you all in advance.

[The Builder]

Stan, the 12 volt low voltage lamps give a very bright white light that makes others look a bit yellow. Lately they've tended to fall out of favour though. There seems to be a high failure rate with the bulbs and the transformers. I guess there are plenty of people who've had no trouble at all. You just take your chances.
Mains powered halogen ones are being used a lot more........... no transformers, or having to use heavy cable to carry the current. I think the light is a bit "warmer" too.

[heathfield]

Go for the mains ones. Some of the transformers supplied with low voltage systems have to be used at their specified rating. If they are under- or over-run (wattagewise), this can damage them. Consequently, if you buy a set of low voltage lights with their transformer, and want to reduce or add to the number of lights you want to fit, then you're a bit stuck. With mains lights, this isn't a problem.

[stanwilcock]

What about energy savings etc.,?

[heathfield]

A 230v lamp rated at 20w will consume the same power as a 12v lamp rated at 20w, (not accounting for transformer losses). The currents will differ, but it's the wattage you are billed for, and they will be the same.

[hammerman]

I used GU10 LED lamps for mine. About 40 LED's per lamp, they rate at about 2w per lamp as opposed to 50w that i was using and they give off a superb crisp blue-white light.
Bought mine from ebay....about £15 for 5 lamps.