I want to use these for accent lighting, not as task lights. Unfortunately, a dimmer doesn't work with an electronic 'transformer', and a magnetic transformer costs more than the lamps. Could I simply use a lower voltage electronic transformer? If so, how low should I go to get, say, half as much light output?
12V under cabinet halogens way too bright
Mar 21, 2009
5 Replies
WTF don't you install lower wattage bulbs?
Think I've seen those halogen bulbs from 15 to 50 watts. That's a ratio of 30% to 100%. problem is those halogen are very bright small point sources of light, not really designed for area or 'mood lighting'?
Lower wattage is good, however, there are dimmers that can work with the "electronic" transformers. I use one in a TV production truck where it is used to dim 4 20 watt,
12 volt hockey puck lights above the production console. During setup you need bright, but during production we dim them so it's easier to see the TV and computer monitors.
If you are locked in to the bulbs you have, could you use a combination series and parallel wiring? That should be an easy fix.
Joe
I painted mine, left a small amount unpainted facing the direction I wanted brighter
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