Low Voltage Lighting and Downlights: the safe option for dangerous areas
Low voltage lighting is surprisingly flexible, and low voltage downlights can be used for ambient lighting in the lounge, as well as to illuminate areas of electrical danger such as kitchens and bathroom. What’s more, low voltage lighting is easier to install than you might think.
Home lighting is generally divided into three categories: ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting, and low voltage lighting schemes can be used for all three of these categories.
Ambient lighting is the general lighting in a room, illuminating the whole area. When using low voltage lighting to provide ambient light in a room, you should work on the basis of 50 watts of light for each 1.5 metres; if you are using wide beam downlighters, think more in terms of 20 watts of light per square metre.
Low voltage lighting runs from a 12 volt transformer, which is generally located in the floor or ceiling. There are a few simple rules you need to apply when placing your transformer: remember that transformers emit heat, so don’t cover them with insulation, ensure that the location is well ventilated, and don’t place the transformer near central heating pipes. The transformer should automatically cut out if it overheats and automatically reset when its cooled.
Low voltage downlights are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms those dangerous areas referred to in the article title. Lamps are available as halogen or LED, both of which provide good quality white light that is suitable for all three lighting categories. . Ensure that lamps designed for recessing into the ceiling carry the BS476 Kitemark, which means they have been tested for fire safety.
Low voltage lighting for the safety conscious and the style conscious; shouldn’t you be taking a look at our range?
Tags: Low Voltage Lighting
