Halogen help! Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[soil]

Hi. I am having halogen spots fitted in my kitchen next week but I don't know how many to get and what type is best. I am also confused about needing a transformer or not and whether you can use a dimmer switch with them. My kichen measures 16.5' x 9' and is 10.5' high. Help please.

[BLAKEY1963]

[quote="soil"]Hi. I am having halogen spots fitted in my kitchen next week but I don't know how many to get and what type is best. I am also confused about needing a transformer or not and whether you can use a dimmer switch with them. My kichen measures 16.5' x 9' and is 10.5' high. Help please.[/quote]

soil
have u read doc , s part p in project section ?
from jan 2005 work in a kitchen is known as a speacial location.
an area of increased shock risk.
if u did the work yourslef u would pay a fee of £ 150 . 00 +
to LOCAL AUTHORITY BUILDING CONTROL

the work is notifiable and must be registered with local authority
building control.
they would come and check that the installation conformed to building regs and part p regs and wiring regs.
but u would have get IN an electrician to do a periodic inspection
then to issue a certificate to validate the registered WORK complys to the
regs.
it would be cheaper to employ a part p leckie to do the work 4 u.
u could ask him about low voltage transformers , and mains lights
and find out about dimmers. thus answering all your questions.

BLAKEY1963

[soil]

I didn't know that, so thanks. I am having the work done as part of a bigger job on the kitchen but I was asked to get the lights ready for when they start - hence the questions! I went to Wickes today and was confused by the selection of lights on offer - which are best in your opinion, with transformer or without?

[BLAKEY1963]

[quote="soil"]I didn't know that, so thanks. I am having the work done as part of a bigger job on the kitchen but I was asked to get the lights ready for when they start - hence the questions! I went to Wickes today and was confused by the selection of lights on offer - which are best in your opinion, with transformer or without?[/quote]

soil
no difference really in performance.
low voltage , going through a transformer , has more maintainance
when failing , with mains voltage , jus t the lamp to go out .
low voltage give a safty rating reduceing voltage to 12 v selv
for areas of increased shock risk , I.E , above kitchen sink.
so selv is 12 v transformer , and mains input of 240 v ,
and there is 240 v lamps only .
again as previously mentioned i am sure your part p sparky can
give u further advice on selection and your final choice of lights.

BLAKEY1963