To download a PDF document with more information about Low Power Lighting, please click here.

We all should know about compact fluorescent bulbs using typically 1/5 of the power of conventional incandescent bulbs. Typically, an 11Watt fluorescent bulb is equivalent to an old style 60 Watt incandescent. The EC has banned the production of 100 Watt incandescent bulbs from this year and will gradually bring in a ban on other lower power incandescent bulbs in the next few years.

Some people do not like the light given by fluorescent bulbs as it is whiter and more stark. They can give off a small amount of ultraviolet light which a very small number of people have skin problems with. This problem can be solved with shades or reflecting the light off walls and ceilings.

Until recently there has been no affordable low power alternatives to quartz halogen bulbs. These are typically used in recessed down lighters and have two main bulb types, both  rated up to 50 Watts each.  

MR16  12V which need a transformer
   
GU10  240V  direct

B&Q etc are starting to sell LED alternatives to these but they are charging silly amounts for bulbs that provide much less light of an unpleasant blue tinge. Typically in the range of £25 for a 10 Watt equivalent.

The good news is that it is possible to buy high quality led bulbs of this type on ebay and online shops for as little as £5 each which give as much light as an 50 Watt quartz halogen while using less approx 3 Watts of power. These bulbs come in a variety of configurations and white colour ranges. The two types are based on 3 very bright focused or 60 less bright LEDs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, DOWNLOAD THE PDF HERE.