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Low voltage halogen lighting? What benefit if any?

I am looking at buying new lighting for my kitchen - the halogen one I like is listed as a "low voltage system", what is the purpose of "low-voltage" systems? What the reason for why I might want this, are they more economical or is there an electrical benefit to them - please help.

Public Comments

  1. save electricity and money
  2. save you money, lower amps... lower voltage... you should do this as the Gas and Electricity companies are ripping us off!
  3. Safety, always a consideration where there is water. Low heat, where heat is already a problem...in the kitchen. Finally, low voltage lighting allows surface wiring to be run under many building codes which makes retro-fitting easy. If it were not low-voltage, wires in many municipalities would have to be in conduit and wired with ground fault (GFCI) outlets, so, inexpensive compared to conventional wiring. I'm not an electrician, just my opinion.
  4. You asked this question twice. No need.
  5. The advantage with low voltage is lower power consumption for the same light levels. Therefore lower power bills and less greenhouse gases produced to run your lights. The side issues are that they tend to make architecture look good as they can be directed to specific areas, but they are not flattering to people as the light is directed straight down. (Top light) This can be overcome by using diffusers but this limits their light output. As with everything- pros and cons.
  6. You can run the wiring through and under cabinets withouit risk of electrocution or fire. 110 volt wiring needs a permit and an electrician.
  7. They are more economical - but be careful - I had halogen spots put in my kitchen this year but my ceiling is too low and they chuck out loads of heat!! They are unbearable on low ceilings - getting them taken out next month!!
  8. Low voltage halogen may be esthetically appealing, but in general is inefficient. Like conventional incandescent bulbs they give off light from a white hot or near white hot wire filament. (Lots of energy lost as heat.) If you want efficient lighting go with flourescents. They tend to give lots more light for the electricity burned. However, flourescents aren't for mood lighting.