Low Voltage Lighting Difficulty
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SquiddlyDiddly
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Low Voltage Lighting Difficulty

Post by SquiddlyDiddly » Thu Jun 10, 2010 2:55 pm

I have just put low voltage plinths in around our new kichen.

I am using low voltage MR11 halogen receesed lights.

I have a problem with one fitting as I have drilled the hole in the plinth right opposite the leg of the cupboard unit. The MR11 hits the leg and so I cannot get the bulb to stay in.

I want to use a G4 type bulb but is it possible to buy a recessed fitting with just a piece of plain glass at the front? I could then tape the G4 bulb behind the glass and no-one would be the wiser.

Thanmks for your help

Andy

kbrownie
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Post by kbrownie » Fri Jun 11, 2010 1:53 pm

Can you move the unit's leg sidewards?

SquiddlyDiddly
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Post by SquiddlyDiddly » Fri Jun 11, 2010 5:38 pm

No afriad not they are heavy units. My only chnafe is to find a bulb which isn't as long as a halogen bulb

ericmark
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Post by ericmark » Sat Jun 12, 2010 4:13 am

I would consider the LED type. I note these normally need 39mm behind them for the out door type. I assume you are using extra low voltage not low voltage?
Low voltage = 50vac - 1000vac
Reduced Low voltage = 55 - 0 - 55 or 64 - 0 - 64 if three phase
Extra low voltage = Under 50 volt ac
DC voltages are different.
Most 12vac lights are classed as SELV or separated extra low voltage.
If you are sticking in your own LED as standard the white ones are around 3.5 volt and have a max reverse volts of around 5 volt so you will also need diodes and resistors to limit current and stop reverse voltage.
So for example a 30ma 3.2v led will need a diode and a 270 ohm resistor if supplied from 12vac. At 5mm you should be able to use 10 which would cost around £20 including resistors and diodes at Maplins prices. Nice little project.

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