how many amps?

gpz900jim · Jan 10, 2011

I know this is a really daft question, so please dont shout at me but I cant work it out. I have 5 x 50 watt 12 volt bulbs powered by a 230 volt to 12 volt transformer. Could someone kindly tell me how many amps they use???

Thanks

mbga9pgf · Jan 10, 2011

Nice wind up. Wonkey slide rule?

telectrix · Jan 10, 2011

you could always use a 230/110 v site transformer, series /parallel the 12v halogens.

telectrix · Jan 10, 2011

mbga9pgf said:
Nice wind up. Wonkey slide rule?

nah, used one of those new fangled digital calculator machines. could be iffy though, my bank manager gave it to me.

gpz900jim · Jan 10, 2011

Once again, thanks very much, it was the transformer that was confusing me, i didnt know what effect it would have on the calculation, but now its explained, i can will be ok for ever more. (in that bit anyway!!)

telectrix · Jan 10, 2011

rule no.1. 1 12v halogen lamp- 1 60VA transformer. 2 lamps- 2 transformers. etc.etc. bad practice to fit more than one lamp to a tranny. like putting all your eggs in one womb. oops, basket.

Des 56 · Jan 10, 2011

Rule No 2
Convince the customer to have 230 volt fittings instead

telectrix · Jan 10, 2011

Des 56 said:
Rule No 2
Convince the customer to have 230 volt fittings instead

and fit 5watt LEDs to save the whales.

nickblake · Jan 11, 2011

Na paint every thing with luminouse paint thne you wont need light

chris260364 · Jan 11, 2011

Its about 1A primary
20A secondary side
250 VA waterproof transfomer ( £80 approx )

chris260364 · Jan 11, 2011

Dont have 230V unless you want to make a job of it !
Less work and safer in SELV
20 W halogens are still quite bright as a 35W 12V Diachoic gives as much light as a 50 W 240V mains one for example
PS Ive done loads of this type of work

chris260364 · Jan 11, 2011

No . that was Hartleypool

malcolmsanford · Jan 11, 2011

IMO I would go for the 230v espicially in domestic. Without the transformer it must be less maintenace for the client and less to go wrong. Also ELV ones tend to be hotter than the 230 volt and cause the holders to burn out quicker.

Also even now I think the 230v lamp will last longer than the 12volt. But now with LED and other type of lighitng perhaps downlighters are losing favour.