Re: GBlist: 12volt systems

["malcolm.scott" <malcolm.scott@ntlworld.com>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Sacie H Lambertson" <dlambert@grasshoppernet.com>
To: "RET John" <retjohnd@home.com>; <greenbuilding@crest.org>
Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 2001 9:28 PM
Subject: Re: GBlist: 12volt systems


> John and Forum,
> Since, aside from proper illumination, I am primarily interested in an
> energy efficient lighting system, I would appreciate further discussion on
> John's comment, following:  What kind of energy does, for instance a
240/50
> transformer use?
>
> >I would stay away form 12 V lighting. Great for RV's. but forget  the
home
> >environment. The ballasts burn up quick.  Why have two types of wiring?
> >And to get it 12V DC from 120V AC you have to use a wasteful tranformer
that
> >sucks electric 24 hrs a day , 365 days a year weather the 12V lights are
on
> >or not. What a waste!
>
> If I can not use fluorescent lamps, then the idea of using 12volt lighting
> is that the amount of light put out by the little lamps (MR16s are the
ones
> that appear to be the best) is considerable more than the energy/watts
they
> use, ie this system is more energy efficient than using regular
> incandescent lights.
> The suggestion that lights be specifically switched so one 'on' doesn't
> light a whole bank, is a very good one.  Sacie Lambertson

12v lighting are generally halogen incandescents. The energy consumption is
about the same as any other incandescent.  Pretty as they may look, they are
not part of greenbuilding. I suspect a lot of people may hope that low
voltage means low energy and I think there should be a big sign in the store
explaining the consumption of each type of light.
Malcolm

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