Interior Lighting? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

SOUTHERN LITES · 03-11-2008, 02:43 PM

What are the possibilities of low voltage interior lighting? With the demand for less energy consumption wouldn't there be a market?

If there is an obvious reason and I am just not seeing it please let me down easy.

Thanks,

SelfContract · 03-11-2008, 03:31 PM

Every room I do now always have two switches, one turns on flourescent/neon lights (for day saving), and one turns on small halogens and/or pucker and/or strip, Xeno lights with dimmer, sleep-timer control and/or remote control capabilities (for night savings). Design could be on ceiling, walls, stairs, rails, etc. Let your design imagniations run wild!!

SelfContract · 03-11-2008, 03:32 PM

Every room I do now always have two switches, one turns on flourescent/neon lights (white/cool temp for day/heat saving), and one turns on small halogens and/or pucker and/or strip, Xeno lights with dimmer, sleep-timer control and/or remote control capabilities (soft tone for night/warm effects & savings). Design could be on ceiling, walls, stairs, rails, recess, hidden, etc. Let your design imaginations run wild!!

SOUTHERN LITES · 03-11-2008, 04:09 PM

selfcontract,
Are these low voltage systems fed from a low voltage transformer?

James Solecki · 03-12-2008, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOUTHERN LITES

What are the possibilities of low voltage interior lighting? With the demand for less energy consumption wouldn't there be a market?

If there is an obvious reason and I am just not seeing it please let me down easy.

Thanks,

I have developed a substantial business in designing and installing residential interior lighting systems. Essentially I act on behalf of the owner as their lighting designer. I design, specify, procure, install, project manage the electricians, lamp, trim and aim complete custom interior lighting systems. I will also work with automation companies or provide full dimming systems when required.

It is a challenging environment in which to work. You will always be jostling with architects, builders, interior designers and electricians for the work. It can also be very rewarding. By handling all of the interior lighting you generally position yourself very well for doing all of the exterior architectural lighting as well as the landscape/outdoor lighting.

Have a great day.

MALCO.New.York · 03-12-2008, 11:04 AM

Low Voltage does not always equate into efficiency. Halogens waste massive amounts of energy in heat loss both in the bulb and the transformer.

LED is the only true low-consumption lighting available.

The "curly-Q" fluorescent bulbs are pretty darn good as well and will only get better

genexelectric · 03-12-2008, 04:43 PM

Tcp brand fluoresent curlly type best on market if ya use cheaper brands the kalvens in the light will be consideably less. also cheaper brands will have over 50%lumens depriciation over the life of the lamp.
i agree with Malco on led check out american lighting they have a very wide range of energy saving products

genexelectric · 03-12-2008, 04:44 PM

low votage still runs watts. and a watt is a watt

MALCO.New.York · 03-12-2008, 07:03 PM

I have had many experiences with the Curly-Fluros and YES, Brand does matter. In the biggest of ways. The multi-packs available at HD and Lowes are general garbage. Work well at first then rapidly down hill. Pay the extra and get the return.

But LED is the ONLY way. It will become so affordable and so common in the not so distant future that you will have to search for todays conventional types.

woodchuck2 · 03-23-2008, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MALCO.New.York

I have had many experiences with the Curly-Fluros and YES, Brand does matter. In the biggest of ways. The multi-packs available at HD and Lowes are general garbage. Work well at first then rapidly down hill. Pay the extra and get the return.

But LED is the ONLY way. It will become so affordable and so common in the not so distant future that you will have to search for todays conventional types.

X2, i agree. LED's have been around for years and they are just coming into use now. When i was a GM tech they were using LED's in some auto's for less amp draw on the battery/alternator. This is why the tail lights in Caddy's are so bright, they are all LED's. Alot of car manufacter's are still using filiment bulbs and are talking of increasing battery voltage from 12v to 42v to handle the demands of the car electronics but if they were to switch all lighting to LED's you would see a big drop in amp draw.