240v to 12v Downlights

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Renaldob

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Hi Guys,

I need advice,

I want to switch over from the 240v Downlights to the 12v Downlights with the built in transformers, reasons being is that I want to use energy saving downlights. I don't have transformers linked to my current configuration, its connected straight to the mains.

I am no guru and that's why I'm asking the question.
When installing the 12v Downlights fittings, the fittings only have one cable inlet, what color of the copper wire from the mains needs to be fitted inside the inlet? Black, Red, Grey? ? I'm guessing the red only
The downlight fittings I bought at cashbuild, brand Eurolux.

First want to try it myself before I get a sparky
 
Dude , switching from 220v to 12v ain't going to do squat . Is the wattage of the globes you need to change .

Just go buy 6w GU10 LED spotlights and you good to go.
 
Can you give us the model number of the downlighter or a photo of the fitting side? All electrical fittings need two wires whether they are 12v or 240v.
 
Take them back and get a refund.

You'll have a much harder time finding energy efficient 12v's these days and as has already been said the voltage is irrelevant.

In fact you might be suffering a very very small paper value loss because of the transformers.
 
Only use 12V where there's some safety issue. The transformers potentially give you headaches to outweigh any benefits

The 220V downlights using LED are the way to go. Test one or two to ensure you are happy with the colour. Warm white is usually better in homes
 
Nope does not work, tried that already, the globe blows.
It need a globe that accepts 240v which then has a wattage of 50 and up. I'm yet to find a globe that accepts 240v and has an output of the 5w.

Guys from what I can tell, to use energy saving globes it has to be linked up to a transformer, either the globe has to have it built in or the downlight fitting has to be linked up to one.

All energy saving downlight globes accepts 12v.

With my current Downlights fittings,there is no transformer, that's why I need to install the fittings that cater for the globes with the transformer built in. Also keep in mind that the current globes I can use is the ones with the thin pins only.

The downlight fitting that I bought now uses the globes with the thicker pin, I need help installing this

Will take a pic asap of the wiring
 
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Change to LED 240V. 12V are a PITA to find and cost more.
 
Game makro china mall all have LED 220V globes .
Do you really want to make a big thing out of nothing because you bought the wrong globes .
School fees .
If you do not want to change the fittings you can use a 12V PSU about R75 at china mall .
 
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Thanks guys,

I think ill rather get in a professional, so much for trying to save electricity on here.
 
Renaldob said:
Nope does not work, tried that already, the globe blows.
It need a globe that accepts 240v which then has a wattage of 50 and up. I'm yet to find a globe that accepts 240v and has an output of the 5w.

Guys from what I can tell, to use energy saving globes it has to be linked up to a transformer, either the globe has to have it built in or the downlight fitting has to be linked up to one.

All energy saving downlight globes accepts 12v.

With my current Downlights fittings,there is no transformer, that's why I need to install the fittings that cater for the globes with the transformer built in. Also keep in mind that the current globes I can use is the ones with the thin pins only.

The downlight fitting that I bought now uses the globes with the thicker pin, I need help installing this

Will take a pic asap of the wiring
Click to expand...

Dude please educate yourself , who ever told you that has not idea.

You have already received the best advice in the first two replies . Stick with 220V GU 10'downlighters with 3W or 5W LEDs


From what I can understand you had 12V down lights (tin pins ?)


GU 10 is the thicker one you twist in.

As for blowing globes a surge arrestor should help installed in your DB
 
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I must concur with the other replies - 12V (MR16) is not more efficient, it's actually less efficient as you have the additional overhead of the transformer.
There are some low wattage globes in MR16 (12V) that you don't get in GU10 (240V), but these are typically not energy efficient, they are just low power (dimmer). You can get the Osram 35W Halogens for both that are equivalent to standard 50W globes and the MR16's are cheaper, but the additional cost of the transformers negate any saving you'll get from the globes.
The MR16s do generate a bit less heat and they are safer if there is the possibility of water, etc, but the LEDs are more expensive and less widely available.
I am busy swapping over all my MR16s to GU10s at the moment for the LEDs.
 
Renaldob said:
Nope does not work, tried that already, the globe blows.
It need a globe that accepts 240v which then has a wattage of 50 and up. I'm yet to find a globe that accepts 240v and has an output of the 5w.
Click to expand...

Dude I don't know where you are shopping.

I run 220v OSRAM LED's at < 6W in my entire house.

http://www.osram.com/osram_com/prod...-led-reflector-lamps/led-star-par16/index.jsp

But you obviously can't go using 220v globes in a 12v fitting.


*****

May I suggest you find someone who actually knows what they are talking about to do the work for you, before you hurt yourself.

Thin pins = 12V. You don't get 220V in that format.

Everything on this page is 220v except for the four thin pin options.

http://www.osram.com/osram_com/products/led-technology/lamps/consumer-led-reflector-lamps/index.jsp
 
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SauRoNZA said:
Dude I don't know where you are shopping.

I run 220v OSRAM LED's at < 6W in my entire house.

http://www.osram.com/osram_com/prod...-led-reflector-lamps/led-star-par16/index.jsp

But you obviously can't go using 220v globes in a 12v fitting.


*****

May I suggest you find someone who actually knows what they are talking about to do the work for you, before you hurt yourself.

Thin pins = 12V. You don't get 220V in that format.

Everything on this page is 220v except for the four thin pin options.

http://www.osram.com/osram_com/products/led-technology/lamps/consumer-led-reflector-lamps/index.jsp
Click to expand...

^ This. You are going to hurt yourself or burn down your house, rather get some professional help.
 
Gets perfect advice from forum, blames forum for not being energy conscious...

Hardkoppig is what I would call it ;)

12v is for idiots :p
 
Quite right spot on advice here guys. They should make this sticky!

The bad advice from sales people never stops, but at least we can try to put it right here.
 
Don't change your 240v downlights to 12v.

I have 12v downlights all over my house and have tested many different low wattage (LED) bulbs. I have not found any that I can really use. the 12v downlights come in 2 variations:
1) really expensive (over R100 each) that work
2) cheap (R75 down to around R40) that do not work.

The cheap bulbs either do not work out the box and it costs you to get them exchanged(time effort etc.) Or they will work for a period and then start flickering. I have bought at least 10 different types from various sources and had long chats to people supplying them and am totally convinced 12V LED downlights are a waste of time.
Before everyone says the problem is with the transformers I have in the roof. Yes, this does contribute. I have replaced one transformer and the only difference is how long it takes after switching the light on before it starts flickering.

So Listen to all the advice here, save yourself a load of money and frustration and just get 240V LED downlights.

My question: Where can I get reliable 240V LED downlight bulbs at a reasonable price? What fitting should I replace my crappy 12v stuff with? GU10?
 
douglasl said:
Don't change your 240v downlights to 12v.

I have 12v downlights all over my house and have tested many different low wattage (LED) bulbs. I have not found any that I can really use. the 12v downlights come in 2 variations:
1) really expensive (over R100 each) that work
2) cheap (R75 down to around R40) that do not work.

The cheap bulbs either do not work out the box and it costs you to get them exchanged(time effort etc.) Or they will work for a period and then start flickering. I have bought at least 10 different types from various sources and had long chats to people supplying them and am totally convinced 12V LED downlights are a waste of time.
Before everyone says the problem is with the transformers I have in the roof. Yes, this does contribute. I have replaced one transformer and the only difference is how long it takes after switching the light on before it starts flickering.

So Listen to all the advice here, save yourself a load of money and frustration and just get 240V LED downlights.

My question: Where can I get reliable 240V LED downlight bulbs at a reasonable price? What fitting should I replace my crappy 12v stuff with? GU10?
Click to expand...



Look at karebostore.co.za . They supply Phillips 220V downlights at around R100 each and are subsidized by guavament for it.

Yeah stay GU10. It's by far the most popular fitting.
 
I currently have 12v downlights in our house that we have just moved into and was thinking of going 240v LED lights, what would I need to change?
 
WesleyR said:
I currently have 12v downlights in our house that we have just moved into and was thinking of going 240v LED lights, what would I need to change?
Click to expand...

Depends, do you have a single large transformer and 12v wiring or does every light have its own transformer.

Former: Can be a big job that requires new wiring.
Latter: Remove the transformer and 12v part and connect the 240v part that was connected to the transformer to a GU10 connector. May require the fitting in the roof to be replaced also depending on size, etc.

If the wire is too short, extend it using twin & earth and make sure to tape up the connectors

Most of these are sold at Builders Warehouse etc. (cable sold in meters which is much cheaper)
 
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Gnome said:
Depends, do you have a single large transformer and 12v wiring or does every light have its own transformer.

Former: Can be a big job that requires new wiring
Latter: Remove the transformer and 12v part and connect the 240v part that was connected to the transformer to a GU10 connector. May require the fitting in the roof to be replaced also depending on size, etc.
Click to expand...

Not 100% sure, only moved in a few days ago, haven't climbed in the roof yet.. :-) Will check on the weekend when I get a chance.
Thanks.
 
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