Low voltage halogen lighting information

The filament of a low voltage halogen (or tungsten halogen) bulb burns at a higher temperature than in a standard tungsten bulb and uses a higher gas pressure. This means that bulbs are smaller and made from quartz in order to withstand the greater heat.

Halogen bulbs are available in both mains and low voltage. The information below refers to low voltage halogen. For information on mains voltage halogen, click here.

Type of light - a cool, crisp, white light. Of all domestic light sources, they produce a light closest to natural daylight.
Voltage – 12V
Lifespan – 3,000 to 5,000 hours
Colour temperature – 3,000 degrees Kelvin

Low Voltage Halogen Advantages
• Smaller than mains voltage halogen bulbs.
• More energy efficient as the bulb wattages tend to be lower, which makes them cheaper to run.
• Produce the same amount of light as an ordinary tungsten bulb at a lower wattage.
• Last longer than mains voltage halogens.
• Provide an instant controllable light
• Available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, beam spread, colours, fittings and wattage
• Dimmable (transformer must also be dimmable)

Low Voltage Halogen Disadvantages
• Require a transformer to convert 240V to 12V. Transformers may either be within the fitting itself or connected to the circuit.
• Touching the bulb’s glass will shorten its life. 
• Temptation to overuse as the bulbs are so small. Large numbers will generate a lot of heat and be a potential fire risk.