Shower light needed - low heat output

[Lobster]

Forthcoming shower refurb is going to have a PVC-panelled ceiling within the cubicle. I'm looking for a suitable downlighter or similar to use with it; the specs say the PVC must not be subjected to more than 60 deg C temperature which I'm assuming rules out incandescent lamps, whether mains or 12V?

I think I quite like the look of this one:

(or but never having used GU10 fittings before I am not clear whether it will take a low energy lamp - this one's 84mm long, which is way longer than any low-voltage lamp... (or )

What about LED lamps? Are they up to the job yet these days (even for a small enclosed bright space like a shower cubicle? If so that would be ideal I'd have thought: (or )

Thanks for any thoughts... David

[Dean Heighington]

but never having used GU10 fittings before I am not clear whether it will

)

)

I would give the PVC panelling suppliers a buzz and ask them if they can suggest a suitable fitting, they might even supply them as part of the system. Or you could look into using a cowling/ diffuser / reflector to separate the lamp from the PVC- I know you can get fireproof hats to go over the top of recessed downlighters to go in the ceiling void and I have also used euscheon (spelling?) plates before when replacing large 1960s style eyeball lights with modern LV spots, that reduce the aperture and also would provide a barrier between lamp and surrounding material. Don't forget the lamp fitting should be IP65.

Deano

[TheOldFellow]

I have just ordered a 5w LED MR12 with transformer from TLC to see if SWMBO will stand the colour and brightness.

She wants the plastic ceiling, but currently it is vetoed by me on the grounds that she insists on downlighters too. I'm not putting up a ceiling only to see it melt or discolour.

There are several questions I want to answer:

1) will a standard cast downlighter run cool enough for plastic? 2) will an IP65 downlighter run cool enough for plastic? 3) can we strand the colour of the light? 4) are they bright enough?

I'll report back.

R.

[ARWadsworth]

Not necessarily. IPX4 is usually suitable.

[Dean Heighington]

Well, IPsomething anyway :)

[Lobster]

We're not married to the same woman are we...?

This is exactly what I want to know, too: when will you have the answers do you reckon?! I'm very tempted to wait... ;)

David

[TheOldFellow]

Right - sorry for the delay - we tried it. TLC sent a 4.9 watt 4000K (daylight) MR16 form factor LED, and I also got a 0-50watt transformer from them, as all mine won't work on less than 10watt.

I replaced the hall light (normally a 50 watt dichroic MR16) and waited for the explosion (SWMBO, not electrics :). She noticed it. It isn't quite as bright and the colour is very cold. Still, we persisted for a week, and it isn't so bad when you get used to it. I think we should have gone for a warm white. but they were out of stock at the time (and still are).

I also emailed the manufacturers of plastic ceiling panels who said that F-marked, fire-rated down-lighters with 35watt dichroic bulbs should not present a problem.

So we are going to use that recommendation, with 0-50watt transformers, so that they can be swapped to 4.9 watt 2700K LED's if we spot anything untoward.

R.