Non VW. Domestic 12v lighting

[maxstu]

Spot lights in the kitchen are 12v. Hot and costly to run.
My questions are...
Are they connected to a transformer?
Is a transformer needed to run alternative LED type bulbs instead? Or can they be wired directly to 240v?
Regards
Stuart

[davidoft1]

Spot lights in the kitchen are 12v. Hot and costly to run.
My questions are...
Are they connected to a transformer?
Is a transformer needed to run alternative LED type bulbs instead? Or can they be wired directly to 240v?
Regards
Stuart

Some are 240v, some have transformers in the light some in the bulb some have a transformer for the entire circuit, if they are all 12 run off a transformer I expect the fittings won’t be suitable for 240, you need to take a look, the fittings should have rating and voltage on them

[maxstu]

Spot lights in the kitchen are 12v. Hot and costly to run.
My questions are...
Are they connected to a transformer?
Is a transformer needed to run alternative LED type bulbs instead? Or can they be wired directly to 240v?
Regards
Stuart

Some are 240v, some have transformers in the light some in the bulb some have a transformer for the entire circuit, if they are all 12 run off a transformer I expect the fittings won’t be suitable for 240, you need to take a look, the fittings should have rating and voltage on them

Okay and thanks. A bit confused though. So some bulbs have tranformers inside? And basically check LED voltage rating.
Thanks

[maxstu]

So was told that the transformer is overheating or faulty. Buy a new transformer.
Took old one to Wickes and was advised to use this item





Fitted it up and got the dimmest of lighting one could image. Barely illuminating two bulbs with this rating



Is this new problem because the new transformer is only capable 20-60W?

Regards
Stuart

[maxstu]

Okay...just adding some more details.

Old transformer has a range of 20-70W. So cannot see that is issue. Swapped another transformer from different cabinet in kitchen. And that works fine.

This is the old transformer. It switches off two down lighters' after about five minutes. Once cooled it will work next time the switch is operated.

[davidoft1]

So was told that the transformer is overheating or faulty. Buy a new transformer.
Took old one to Wickes and was advised to use this item





Fitted it up and got the dimmest of lighting one could image. Barely illuminating two bulbs with this rating



Is this new problem because the new transformer is only capable 20-60W?

Regards
Stuart

How many 60w bulbs are you running ?

[maxstu]

See update please...

[maxstu]

I mean E D I T to my second post..

[Cobra88]

that bulb looks like
Dichroic Halogen not LED

which explains the high leccy useage

or did i dream it ?

[maxstu]

Yes. Halogen and not LED. ALL the bulbs in kitchen are 12v halogen with a 240 to 12v transformer.

[Cobra88]

sorry Stu 

[Cecil]

Sounds like you are overloading the transformer . 2 ,50w  lamps ( 100 watt) connected to 1 ( max 70 watt )transformer ? Perhaps the fittings were originally fitted with 35w lamps.
I think 12 v  LED  lamps ( same style pins  as your halogen lamps ) are likely to be compatible with your electronic transformers and will be much lower wattage.

[Cecil]

Changing to 240 volt LEDs would mean changing the light fittings and removing the transformers.

[maxstu]

sorry Stu 

No problem, Rick. Always good to hear from you.

Prayers to you and family.
Regards
Maxine and Stu

[maxstu]

Changing to 240 volt LEDs would mean changing the light fittings and removing the transformers.

Cheers Cecil, and good to hear from you too.
Problem is, a similar spec transformer works okay with halogen bulbs across other side of kitchen. Will have a look tomorrow when back at flat.
Cheers
Stuart