What are the pros and cons of 12V and 230V?
The voltage you choose depends on personal preference and the situation in which you need to provide lighting. Each of these two choices has its advantages and disadvantages.
12V
Advantages:
- These lamps emit much more light than halogen on 230V. A 20W halogen lamp on 12V emits the same amount of light as a 50W lamp on 230V. A 45W halogen lamp on 12V emits three times more light than a 50W lamp on 230V.
- The light bulbs last longer because they have less tension.
- The lamps give slightly brighter (whiter) light, and they remain white as they go dimmed.
- More possibilities in WAT and radiation bundles (20 to 35-50W).
- Possibility of conversion to mood light with LED.
Disadvantages:
- The 12V lamps need an additional transformer, which you need to choose according to the wattage and place (distance from the spotlight). Depending on the wattage and the distance from the spotlight, you need to install an electronic or a wrapped transformer.
If the distance between the spotlight and the transformer is smaller or equal to 2 meters, you can install an electronic transformer. However when the distance is longer than 2 meters, you have to install a wrapped transformer. As the distance becomes longer and the wattage becomes higher, you have to opt for a thicker cable. The longer the distance between the transformer and the spotlight, the more loss occurs.
230V
Advantages:
- No transformer needed (mostly used in high ceilings without additional hollow space in which transformer can be put).
- Also useful for energy saving bulbs.
- Possibility of conversion to mood light with LED.
- The lights give warmer light (more yellow appearance - similar to the color of a standard bulb).
Disadvantages:
- Fewer opportunities in WAT (35-50W).
- When dimming the light it becomes more orange.
- Limited lifetime.
The consumption of both versions is the same.