26-11-2015, 05:43 PM
(This post was last modified: 26-11-2015, 05:57 PM by ppppenguin.)
The 4.5W GU10 LEDs are fine but probably equivalent to only about 25W of 12V halogen. There is some merit in putting a larger number of lower rated downlighters in a ceiling, especially if the ceiling is quite low. This will give more even light distribution.
There's no doubt that LED lighting is getting better and better. I haven't used one yet but you can now get LED lamps that are sensible drop in replacements for traditional 100W GLS. In other words about 1300lm, warm white with decent distribution of light. Some are even dimmable though you really need leading edge dimmers for this. Leading edge dimmers are nicer anyway when they are suitable as they don't buzz.
The one place in the house where I'm still using incandescent lamps for a good reason is in my lounge where I've fairly recently put up some 1930s glass bowl fittings. Really want 150W bulbs on dimmers here so am using 105W halogens. These are the size and shape traditional 100W GLS and give a very nice controllable light, not far short of a 150W GLS. Can't easily do it with LEDs yet. Maybe a pair of 12W dimmable LEDs on a 2 way BC adaptor at some point in the future.
Next LED lighting project is the illuminated bench magnifier I mentioned elsewhere. I'll get 8x G4 LED capsules and arrange them where the old ring fluorescent used to be. 12V PSU in the box where the florrie control gear is. Seeing as something is duff, either the tube, choke or both it's worth doing the conversion. Flicker free, brighter than the florrie and instant start.
PS: These seem to be rather good value, seeing as you can pay this much for a single G4 capsule LED. The cob type seem right for the reflector assembly where the light from all sides will make a contribution. All the way from China.
http://www.lightinthebox.com/g4-3w-240-2...rrency=GBP&litb_from=paid_adwords_shopping
There's no doubt that LED lighting is getting better and better. I haven't used one yet but you can now get LED lamps that are sensible drop in replacements for traditional 100W GLS. In other words about 1300lm, warm white with decent distribution of light. Some are even dimmable though you really need leading edge dimmers for this. Leading edge dimmers are nicer anyway when they are suitable as they don't buzz.
The one place in the house where I'm still using incandescent lamps for a good reason is in my lounge where I've fairly recently put up some 1930s glass bowl fittings. Really want 150W bulbs on dimmers here so am using 105W halogens. These are the size and shape traditional 100W GLS and give a very nice controllable light, not far short of a 150W GLS. Can't easily do it with LEDs yet. Maybe a pair of 12W dimmable LEDs on a 2 way BC adaptor at some point in the future.
Next LED lighting project is the illuminated bench magnifier I mentioned elsewhere. I'll get 8x G4 LED capsules and arrange them where the old ring fluorescent used to be. 12V PSU in the box where the florrie control gear is. Seeing as something is duff, either the tube, choke or both it's worth doing the conversion. Flicker free, brighter than the florrie and instant start.
PS: These seem to be rather good value, seeing as you can pay this much for a single G4 capsule LED. The cob type seem right for the reflector assembly where the light from all sides will make a contribution. All the way from China.
http://www.lightinthebox.com/g4-3w-240-2...rrency=GBP&litb_from=paid_adwords_shopping
www.borinsky.co.uk Jeffrey Borinsky www.becg.tv
