voltages - the differences between mains & low voltage products
Some lighting products are made to work on 12V (low voltage) instead of 240V (mains voltage).
In order to connect a 12V light, it must first be connected to a transformer, which turns the 240V mains voltage to the required 12V. Transformers come in various sizes depending on how many low voltage lights you want to operate. Some low voltage bulbs can be dimmed like main voltage bulbs, but the transformer must be capable of dimming. Check before purchasing that is can do this or you could damage the transformer.
Just because the bulb is low-voltage doesn’t mean it doesn’t get hot. As with mains voltage, the larger the wattage the hotter the bulb gets.
Another pitfall of 12V lighting is the distances the cables can be run. Over long distances the voltage can drop and your lights will not be as bright. It is possible to use thicker cable to reduce voltage drop. Check with a qualified electrician about this when you know where you want to position your lights.
In order to connect a 12V light, it must first be connected to a transformer, which turns the 240V mains voltage to the required 12V. Transformers come in various sizes depending on how many low voltage lights you want to operate. Some low voltage bulbs can be dimmed like main voltage bulbs, but the transformer must be capable of dimming. Check before purchasing that is can do this or you could damage the transformer.
Just because the bulb is low-voltage doesn’t mean it doesn’t get hot. As with mains voltage, the larger the wattage the hotter the bulb gets.
Another pitfall of 12V lighting is the distances the cables can be run. Over long distances the voltage can drop and your lights will not be as bright. It is possible to use thicker cable to reduce voltage drop. Check with a qualified electrician about this when you know where you want to position your lights.
lighting products
lighting tools
Information about the different types of light and the many ways in which it can be manipulated.
| central lights | - an explanation of central and hanging light fittings |
| decorative lights | - an explanation of decorative lights |
| downlighters | - an explanation of down light fittings |
| floor lamps | - an explanation of floor lamps |
| reading lights | - an explanation of desk or reading lights |
| spotlights | - an explanation of spotlight fittings |
| switches and controls | - an explanation of the range of options |
| table lamps | - an explanation of table lamp fittings |
| track lighting | - an explanation of the different types of track lighting |
| types of light | - information about the 3 main types of light |
| uplighters | - an explanation of uplighter fittings |
| voltages | - the differences between mains & low voltage products |
| wall lights | - an explanation of wall light fittings |
lighting regulations
Information about the legal requirements regarding lighting within your home.
| bathroom zones | - diagram and explanation of bathroom lighting zones. |
| building regulations | - information on regulation for wiring your home and Part P |
| childrens lights | - information about the regulations affecting children's lights |
| IP numbers table | - details on what the different IP numbers mean. |
lighting rooms
Guidance notes on what to consider when buying lights for a particular room in your home.
| lighting a bathroom | - information about how to light a bathroom. |
| light for bedrooms | - information on how to light a bedroom. |
| children's rooms | - information about lighting a child's bedroom |
| dining room lighting | - how to light a dining room |
| hallways and stairs | - information about lighting your hallway & stairs |
| home offices | - information about what to look for in home office lighting |
| kitchen lighting | - information about lighting for your kitchen |
| living room lighting | - information about what to consider when choosing lights for your living room |
| outdoor lighting | - information about what to consider when selecting lights for outside |
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