Transformers Assistance

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networkn

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#240810 27-Sep-2018 09:58

Man I am having a difficult run right now with electrics.

We have 2 sets of spots in our kitchen. They were originally 4 x 50w Halogens, but we had real trouble keeping them going as they would overheat and 2 bulbs at a time would stop working.

Originally, to resolve this, we put 35w in, and that was fine. Then LED's came along and I thought it better to use 8w LED vs 35w Halogens esp as they produced a similar amount of light, however this has caused other issues like buzzing and flickering which has been quite annoying.

The LED bulb supplier (MR16 8w producing around 500lm) suggested using their transformers but they are SLIGHTLY too thick to fit.

When we had a sparky out to do a quote for other lights, he suggesting just moving away from these fittings to other options, and suggested the philips LED spots. The problem is that they produce only 200lm per LED, which is less than half of what we want (I like a LOT of cold light in the kitchen when I cook).

The dimensions of the SET105F transformers are

121 x 40 x 18 mm (l x b x h)

http://www.licht-light.de/Self-SET-105F-2-SET105F2/en

and the replacements from the other manufacturer are

115 x 40 x 30 mm

I haven't got up and checked if the 30mm will fit, but I recall the last time I was up there, there wasn't a lot of spare space.

Does anyone have a suggestion for an alternative transformer or light fitting that will produce a similar amount of good quality light?

Aredwood

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#2097259 27-Sep-2018 10:08

Guessing that you have electronic type transformers. These have a min load needed for them to work properly. Ask the electrician if he can still get magnetic transformers. As they are perfectly happy with 0 or very low loads.

Do you have dimmers installed? As they can cause problems even when they are turned up to max brightness.

Although could be far better to just get purpose designed LED fittings. As you can get IC-F versions and drivers that are intended for LEDs. Instead of trying to reuse something that is not intended to run LEDs.

networkn

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#2097260 27-Sep-2018 10:12

Hi.

We don't really have a sparky as such, just a guy who came out to do a quote, and he wanted us to source anything that was "difficult" so I can't see us doing much with him going forward.

Are magnetic transformers something from the past? I ask because of your reference to him being able to "still" get them ?

I have had a look at fittings and can't see much esp not producing the amount of light we want. I found something, but it was $500 and I am not spending anywhere near that.

I guess I just give a few lighting places a call.

No dimming involved or required.

wazzageek

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#2097746 27-Sep-2018 20:42

In our kitchen on one switch, we have three of these: https://www.lightingdirect.co.nz/shop/LED+Lighting/LED+Downlights/LEDlux+INFINITY+MINI+1+DIM+CW+RD+WHITE/x_sku/16832.html - Cool white above the main work surfaces

Then, we have two warm white above the "breakfast bar" and the larger maxi (900lm/warm white) on a second switch.

I've been really happy with these units (we also have four of the warm white / 700lm in the lounge on a standard universal PDL dimmer).

My only complaint is that the units have been placed into the old holes, which are not in the correct position to provide the best coverage of light. (On the todo list is to cut new holes, fill the old and add one more light to the three cool daylight).

We've had them in a bit over a year now, no flickering, no annoying buzzing. They do have a separate transformer supplied with them, and the units themselves are ICF.

Might be worth a look see - we purchased during a sale as well ...

networkn

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#2097756 27-Sep-2018 20:59

wazzageek:

In our kitchen on one switch, we have three of these: https://www.lightingdirect.co.nz/shop/LED+Lighting/LED+Downlights/LEDlux+INFINITY+MINI+1+DIM+CW+RD+WHITE/x_sku/16832.html - Cool white above the main work surfaces

Then, we have two warm white above the "breakfast bar" and the larger maxi (900lm/warm white) on a second switch.

I've been really happy with these units (we also have four of the warm white / 700lm in the lounge on a standard universal PDL dimmer).

My only complaint is that the units have been placed into the old holes, which are not in the correct position to provide the best coverage of light. (On the todo list is to cut new holes, fill the old and add one more light to the three cool daylight).

We've had them in a bit over a year now, no flickering, no annoying buzzing. They do have a separate transformer supplied with them, and the units themselves are ICF.

Might be worth a look see - we purchased during a sale as well ...

Thanks, as we have spots now, there would need to be painting and plastering required to change to the type you are talking about and that seems more work than I would be keen to undertake.

https://www.lightingdirect.co.nz/shop/spot-lights/LED+Spotlights/LEDlux+ALSACE+DIMMABLE+4+LIGHT+SPOT+BRUSHED+CHROME/x_sku/13314.html

I think these might be an option. about 200lm less light, and warm white instead of the cold I want, but most people I have spoken to seem flabbergasted I would put cold white into a residential home.

richms

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#2097759 27-Sep-2018 21:02

Less work than trekking around the place looking at different transformers IMO.

Richard rich.ms

Aredwood

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#2097765 27-Sep-2018 21:10

Can you just remove some of the transformers. And have more lights per transformer. As a way of increasing the load above the min required for the transformers.

networkn

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#2097788 27-Sep-2018 21:57

Aredwood: Can you just remove some of the transformers. And have more lights per transformer. As a way of increasing the load above the min required for the transformers.

I guess I could, but I wouldn't have a clue how and by the time I pay someone to do it, I imagine it would be fairly close to a wash for cost.

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networkn

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#2097789 27-Sep-2018 21:58

Now I just need to find a decent and reasonable value electrician to help install these new spots and between 14 and 28 new LED's :)

wazzageek

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#2097822 27-Sep-2018 22:02

networkn:

Thanks, as we have spots now, there would need to be painting and plastering required to change to the type you are talking about and that seems more work than I would be keen to undertake.

https://www.lightingdirect.co.nz/shop/spot-lights/LED+Spotlights/LEDlux+ALSACE+DIMMABLE+4+LIGHT+SPOT+BRUSHED+CHROME/x_sku/13314.html

I think these might be an option. about 200lm less light, and warm white instead of the cold I want, but most people I have spoken to seem flabbergasted I would put cold white into a residential home.

D'oh - don't know why I thought you meant downlights!

I've had good experience with the lighting direct GU10 bulbs - you might have some luck with their MR16 LED replacements (480lm).

In the bath room we have two MR16's that I replaced with 4000K Philips LED bulbs - 410lm. I find 4000K much better for putting in contacts / shaving to. They work well, but are only 410lm.