elv lighting in kitchens and bathrooms?

[robgil]

does anybody understand the ip rating system relating the protection against water ingress in low voltage lighting? i am looking into low voltage lighting for the bathroom and kitchen but dont want to end up with the wrong lights.
also , can anyone recommend some elv lighting? ive seen some packs in homebase etc but dont want to end up with a load of old pants , i may try to mix different lights in the kitchen such as general for over all light and specific for over work tops and the sink etc without changing light designs. any tips guys?

 

[chuckey]

ip ratings here :-http://www.protectingpeople.co.uk/fire_tech/ip_explained.htm
Frank

 

[MdB]

For bathrooms with ceilings less the 2.25m you need a zone 1 light above the bath, next to the bath you need a zone 2. With ceilings above 2.25m, I believe you can put whatever you like (This used to be zone 3 but this doesn't exist anymore). I would however suggest using zone 1 lights in the bathroom whatever the position / ceiling height.

Lights suitable for zone 1 / zone 2 (I've not come across lights which are zone 2 only) are marked on the box and will very likely be low voltage lights combined with a remote transformer. Details of suitable IP ratings at the bottom of this link.

http://www.diydata.com/electrics/bathroom_electrics/bathroom_electrics.php

Electrical work in the bathroom / kitchen needs to be signed off either by a Part P qualified electrician or the council.

A lot of the above is from memory so check the above with an expert before doing anything.

 

[AMc]

I don't know the specifics but if your work is subject to building control you may be required to use >25% low energy only fittings. In our experience these are standard GU10 fittings with extra long barrels so only low energy CFL bulbs will fit. If you're not sure then check with the building control dept or you may be asked to refit them.

 

[robgil]

thanks guys , i was hoping to use a transformer for each light to save any headaches later if the transformer failed, at least if its 6 inches above the fitting it can be got at without ripping out part of the ceiling. i also believe that the wiring on a system with only one transformer can be a bit of a nightmare.
how would a multi-transformer set up be wired? 1.mm lighting circuit to a junction box then the same cable off to each transformer?
i did want to use some edwardian brass lamp switches but where would i put them, how could i make one light switch switch multiple transformers on the low voltage side of it all?

 

[robgil]

I don't know the specifics but if your work is subject to building control you may be required to use >25% low energy only fittings. In our experience these are standard GU10 fittings with extra long barrels so only low energy CFL bulbs will fit. If you're not sure then check with the building control dept or you may be asked to refit them.

i will check , i was hoping to use either led's or the little halogen? elv bulbs.