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  • Home Electrics question…what transformer do I need for my kitchen spotlights?
  • deadlydarcy
    Free Member

    They’re just old fashioned 12v spotlights. Over the last year, the transformer has gone from cutting itself out (presumably from overheating) to cutting out after the lights have been on for 10ish seconds to tripping the RCD when switched on.

    I have unwired and removed the transformer but there is nothing on there to tell me what it is. It’s completely devoid of any writing at all. Possibly, it had a label that was removed when they were installed (2 owners ago).

    It’s wired to a 240V lighting circuit, and then steps down to power three spotlights, all wired (again presumably) in parallel.

    Can anyone tell me which one of these 12-240V transformers on at screwfix I need to get?

    TIA.

    Stoner
    Free Member

    are you using 12v halogen bulbs? watt Wattage? (see watt I did there?)

    deadlydarcy
    Free Member

    Just taken one out – 12V – 20W Halogens.

    They’re the only lights in the house I can take out without being on a ladder. 😆

    sharkbait
    Free Member

    Possibly, it had a label that was removed when they were installed (2 owners ago) burnt off by the overheating transformer.

    Having seen the number of transformers with either melted cases or burnt cables that I took out of our house I would never have a 12v halogen in the house again – I’m amazed we didn’t have a fire!
    Is it possible for you to change to 240v LEDs and ditch the transformer completely?

    trail_rat
    Free Member

    They’re the only lights in the house I can take out without being on a ladder

    you have uplighters in your kitchen DD ?

    Murray
    Full Member

    Replace with 220v LEDs. GU10 fly leads are widely available. If you’re comfortable with changing the transformer changing over to GU10 fly leads will be a doddle. If not, pay an electrician.

    Murray
    Full Member

    Picture of the light? Not sure where they’re fitted.

    NZCol
    Full Member

    Replace with mains 220v LEDs would be my advice after lots of pain

    Stoner
    Free Member

    I would take the opportunity to replace the MR16 halogens with 240v GU10 LED as Murray says.

    I like these Aurora ones
    http://gb.auroralighting.com/Lighting-Products/Indoor-Luminaires/Downlighting/Standard-GU10-Downlights/Aurora-GU10-Adjustable-Lock-Ring-Aluminium-Lock-Ring-Downlight-1.aspx

    with these LAP GU10s
    http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-gu10-led-lamps-281lm-4-2w-pack-of-6/9674d

    Failing that if you really want to stick with earth-raping halogens (you will lose your Brizzle hippy credentials for doing so…) then this one http://www.screwfix.com/p/halolite-electronic-transformer-35-105va/39220 will cover the 60W total draw of your 3x bulbs.

    According to reviews, it also has 3x outputs for simplicity too.

    deadlydarcy
    Free Member

    I did think of replacing with LEDs. Just thought it would be too much of a faffola.

    From the screwfix site, can anyone tell me what I’d need for 3 led downlighters then?

    deadlydarcy
    Free Member

    Pic of one of the lights (yeah, I know, stylish)

    jambalaya
    Free Member

    We changed one recently, just went to the DIY shop and asked (in Paris, they had quite a selection FWIW)

    deadlydarcy
    Free Member

    And how the **** do I get these things out or will the LEDs fit in the same hole (held in on visible side with circlip type thing). Bear in mind, this whole structure may well be coming down next year so don’t want to spend too much.

    Murray
    Full Member

    Same size. You’re lucky to have easy access like that!

    Stoner
    Free Member

    EDIT: these would work. 3x with LAP LEDs for £18

    http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-fixed-led-downlight-kit-320lm-white-4-5w-240v-pack-of-3/98073

    just needs a 64mm cut out.

    Scratch that, dont like the look of the driver set up

    Stoner
    Free Member

    here we go, cheap and cheerful, throw the bulb away, and fit those LAP GU10 LEDs I linked to earlier

    http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-fixed-round-mains-voltage-downlight-polished-chrome-240v/39914

    56mm cut out.

    deadlydarcy
    Free Member

    Oh FFS, I’ve already ordered the bollocking thing. 😡

    So the one you’ve linked means just running mains to each spotlight?

    Stoner
    Free Member

    christ you’re keen!

    Well those ones that you ordered will be fine.

    Yes, just run L&N to each unit.

Viewing 18 posts - 1 through 18 (of 18 total)

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