Archive for the ‘Energy Efficiency’ Category

LED downlights are often as easy to install as any standard incandescent light bulb. Most applications entail plugging them into a plug that streams off your mains Alternating Current (AC 110-230V) because high-quality LED lights have their own integrated transformers, it’s a plug and play, DIY conditions that can be easily and speedily achieved without the need of transformers on any downlight, which is often the irritating case when running halogens. Nevertheless, it is really important to note that there are a few occasions that require a lot more tinkering in order that your LED Downlights performs at an optimum level and don’t get destroyed in the process.

Two critical considerations to think about when installing your LED lights is whether your downlights will be working off a Direct Current (DC 12V) installation or whether you have a dimmable option. In both cases, it is really important to ensure that you have the right hardware setup so that your LED Downlights can surely shine their best for a prolonged duration of their working lives.

To begin with, if you are looking to run your downlights off a 12V DC system, you’ll really need to purchase MR16 (wall socket type) downlights and have the proper transformer hooked up. The Magnetic Transformer is the most commonly used power modulating device for many homes and businesses. The transformer type is required to optimally run your LED lights. Luckily they are very cheap and you can buy them at any electrical shop. If you’ve got one, then good – again it’s a quick plug and play device. However, LED Downlights will NOT work with an Electronic Transformer (or better known in the technical term as “Switch Mode Power Supply”). So, best shot is to get your brotherly neighborhood Sparky (electrician) to come in and have a look and discover as he will be able to spot, source and swap that important transformer.

It’s worth talking about that you should not run a mix of different lighting innovations on the same 12V circuit as you could experience a drop in illumination of your LED Downlights or they may not activate at all. Using a 12V equipment it is either all LEDs or all Halogens.

Subsequently, if you want to be able to dim your led lights, then it is necessary to purchase a dimmable LED Downlight option and have the right dimmer switch hooked up. A Bell-Push Dimmer Switch is the ideal device used for keeping the increase or decrease of electrical power to your dimmable LED Downlights and should be provided to you by your dimmable LED Lighting supplier when you make your purchase. LED lights will NOT run well (or NOT at all in some instances) with the old styled Push-Button dimmer control keys. Again, like the Magnetic Transformer, a Bell-Push Dimmer button is also significant and relatively inexpensive to purchase.

So, if you necessitate a 12V LED Downlight or even a dimmable option (either on AC or DC currents) you will need to ensure you have a Magnetic Transformer in position or a Bell Push Dimmer Switch mounted appropriately. This will be certain that your LED lights runs a 100% efficiency and live out their remarkably long lives without hassles. Be sure to adhere to the LED Downlights Installation guidelines as received from your LED Lighting supplier and get the assistance of a trained electrician, as it is vital to complete the installation securely and right the first time around.