LED Lighting / Energy Saving ....

[ndh]

An article from CNET that may be of interest.  Worth subscribing to also.

http://news.com.com/Expert+LEDs+could+start+replacing+lightbulbs+soon/2100-1008-6132427.html?part=dht&tag=nl.e433#talkback

In our new kitchen / utility (and probably elsewhere) we are putting GU10 warm white led downlighters. After running some samples for a few months we found them fine and have bought a load from the same supplier on ebay @ £3.65 ea.  Yes, we will probably have to have a few more fittings due to the lower light output. 

Instead of say 2 halogen circuits on dimmers we will probably do 4 - 5 of these (LEDs) via relays. Wiring some power sockets back to relays also to avoid standby power consumption. Comfort can then control of course.

Subject to Comfort power loading we may also run small 12v LEDs from Comfort\'s Outputs.  Good way to use those spare outputs as feature, nightlight or standby lighting?

Have not had too much time to spend on this and no doubt there will be some comments / suggestions.

Nigel

 

[garym999]

[user=3]ndh[/user] wrote:

Have not had too much time to spend on this and no doubt there will be some comments / suggestions.

Of course we have  For the small LEDs I would use comfort to switch relays rather than drive the LED\'s directly there by reducing the current load. However should you have power to spare (secondary battery etc.) it is a great way or providing emergency lighting in the event of a power failure.

As for the larger LED\'s the mains generic replacement units are easiest way of upgrading but they are not very controllable. On/Off will be it. Should you wish to retain the dimming function there are not many drivers out there that do this well unless you look at DMX.

Are the replacments based on a cluster of 5mm leds or a few larger ones (Luxeon)? You will find the output from the luxeons better I think. Also you can get drivers that will take a 12V supply and allow a chain of Luxeons off that. Again meaning to could build in some power fail redundancy.