Hi all,
in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and i`m 
looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so long in 
there :-)  Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real world use, 
and if so does anyone have any suggestiosn for good places to buy?

Thanks in advance for your help!

"Simon Finnigan"  wrote:
>Hi all,
>in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and i`m 
>looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so long in 
>there :-)  Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real world use, 
>and if so does anyone have any suggestiosn for good places to buy?
>
>Thanks in advance for your help! 


Replace the 50W bulbs with 20W bulbs?

"Bruce"  wrote in message 
news:lek7645ekjsvinbvb4matbkb89pnjdev81@4ax.com...
> "Simon Finnigan"  wrote:
>>Hi all,
>>in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and i`m
>>looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so long 
>>in
>>there :-)  Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real world 
>>use,
>>and if so does anyone have any suggestiosn for good places to buy?
>>
>>Thanks in advance for your help!
>
>
> Replace the 50W bulbs with 20W bulbs?
>
   It's only about 3p an hour if that !

On Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:29:25 +0100, Simon Finnigan wrote:

> Hi all,
> in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and
> i`m looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so
> long in there :-)  Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real
> world use, and if so does anyone have any suggestiosn for good places to
> buy?
> 
> Thanks in advance for your help!


Fit a PIR so they don't get left on. 250W isn't a huge amount.

-- 
Mick                      (Working in a M$-free zone!)
Web: http://www.nascom.info  http://mixpix.batcave.net
Filtering everything posted from googlegroups to kill spam.

On Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:01:59 GMT someone who may be mick
<not.here@invalid.invalid> wrote this:-

>Fit a PIR so they don't get left on. 250W isn't a huge amount.

I don't know whether CFL wattages include gear losses. Let's assume
they don't and a modern 15W CFL, which will light a bathroom for
general lighting, actually consumes 20W. So the 250W is at best 12.5
times that of a 15W energy saving lamp, perhaps 16.6 times as much.

As the old saying goes, look after the pennies and the pounds will
look after themselves.


-- 
  David Hansen, Edinburgh 
 I will *always* explain revoked encryption keys, unless RIP prevents me
 http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00023--e.htm#54

>   It's only about 3p an hour if that !
>
>
>
which is much cheaper than shopping!

"john"  wrote in message 
news:GISdnfnvG9lASf7VnZ2dnUVZ8h6dnZ2d@posted.plusnet...
>
> "Bruce"  wrote in message 
> news:lek7645ekjsvinbvb4matbkb89pnjdev81@4ax.com...
>> "Simon Finnigan"  wrote:
>>>Hi all,
>>>in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and i`m
>>>looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so long 
>>>in
>>>there :-)  Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real world 
>>>use,
>>>and if so does anyone have any suggestiosn for good places to buy?
>>>
>>>Thanks in advance for your help!
>>
>>
>> Replace the 50W bulbs with 20W bulbs?
>>
>   It's only about 3p an hour if that !

But when the bulbs need replacing anyway, surely it makes sense to go for a 
more efficient option.  Plus it might only be 3p an hour now, but with 
prices going up all the time it won`t be long before it`s 10 pence an hour, 
and it will soon add up.

"David Hansen"  wrote in message 
news:2kt764hpqqvfjobnthglfobefclfcojflc@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:01:59 GMT someone who may be mick
> <not.here@invalid.invalid> wrote this:-
>
>>Fit a PIR so they don't get left on. 250W isn't a huge amount.
>
> I don't know whether CFL wattages include gear losses. Let's assume
> they don't and a modern 15W CFL, which will light a bathroom for
> general lighting, actually consumes 20W. So the 250W is at best 12.5
> times that of a 15W energy saving lamp, perhaps 16.6 times as much.
>
> As the old saying goes, look after the pennies and the pounds will
> look after themselves.

As it stands I only want replacement bulbs to drop into the system that is 
in there now, so a normal CFL isn`t appropriate.  But the lower I can get 
the normal energy use of the house the easier it will be to find a renewable 
energy source that will meet the majroity of the houses needs.  As it stands 
we`ve got a very old fridge/freezer that could do with being replaced, and 
it will be replaced eventually with a more efficient model, but at the 
moment we`re only able to afford the small changes.  But getting an energy 
efficient PC etc means that the bills go down now, and if there are decent 
subsidies on solar panels and the like in my area then that would make it 
well worth getting them fitted, and saving money that way.  :-)

On Jun 26, 9:51 pm, "Simon Finnigan" 
wrote:
> "john"  wrote in message
>
> news:GISdnfnvG9lASf7VnZ2dnUVZ8h6dnZ2d@posted.plusnet...
>
>
>
>
>
> > "Bruce"  wrote in message
> >news:lek7645ekjsvinbvb4matbkb89pnjdev81@4ax.com...
> >> "Simon Finnigan"  wrote:
> >>>Hi all,
> >>>in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and i`m
> >>>looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so long
> >>>in
> >>>there :-)  Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real world
> >>>use,
> >>>and if so does anyone have any suggestiosn for good places to buy?
>
> >>>Thanks in advance for your help!
>
> >> Replace the 50W bulbs with 20W bulbs?
>
> >   It's only about 3p an hour if that !
>
> But when the bulbs need replacing anyway, surely it makes sense to go for a
> more efficient option.  Plus it might only be 3p an hour now, but with
> prices going up all the time it won`t be long before it`s 10 pence an hour,
> and it will soon add up.

12V Halogen MR16s are pretty efficient anyway, GU10`s not so much but
still a world away from a 60W GLS `bulb` which are a legitimate target
for CFLs.

LED is not a good look on skin tones even in warm white colours, great
for a bit of ambient light but wouldn`t reccomnd it round a make up
mirror for instance.

Do you need a 1/4Kw running in bathroom, could lighting be arranged to
allow lower load appropriate to use, mirror lights, LED kick panel
lighting etc rather than center spot at Hampden all the time?

Adam

On Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:54:45 +0100, "Simon Finnigan"
 wrote:

>As it stands I only want replacement bulbs to drop into the system that is 
>in there now, so a normal CFL isn`t appropriate.  But the lower I can get 
>the normal energy use of the house the easier it will be to find a renewable 
>energy source that will meet the majroity of the houses needs.

The cold cathode GU10's are a good choice for a bathroom as they come
up to full brightness quite slowly - so don't sear your eyeballs out
if you go to the loo in the middle of the night.  Colour balance is
far better than that of LED for bathrooms.

Examples at http://www.yourwelcome.co.uk/acatalog/GU10_Low_Energy.html
(I've never used that site its just the first found).

On Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:57:59 +0100, Peter Parry wrote:

> On Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:54:45 +0100, "Simon Finnigan"
>  wrote:
> 
>>As it stands I only want replacement bulbs to drop into the system that
>>is in there now, so a normal CFL isn`t appropriate.  But the lower I can
>>get the normal energy use of the house the easier it will be to find a
>>renewable energy source that will meet the majroity of the houses needs.
> 
> The cold cathode GU10's are a good choice for a bathroom as they come up
> to full brightness quite slowly - so don't sear your eyeballs out if you
> go to the loo in the middle of the night.  Colour balance is far better
> than that of LED for bathrooms.
> 
> Examples at http://www.yourwelcome.co.uk/acatalog/GU10_Low_Energy.html
> (I've never used that site its just the first found).


I'll second that. One of my sons has a couple in his bedroom. Light 
output seems slightly less than the so-called equivalent incandescent and 
the beam width is wider, but the light "quality" is very good. Yes, it's 
a rather slow start, but it isn't too bad as you get a usable light very 
quickly. The ones he has look like the 9W version on that web page.

I stick by my original suggestion of a PIR if possible though. It's 
surprising how much energy is wasted lighting empty rooms. There isn't a 
replacement cost for a PIR, replacement costs for incandescents are low 
now and for high efficiency lamps they are high. You'll get a much faster 
payback using a PIR with incandescents.

Also, bear in mind the type of fitting. Incandescents project the heat 
forward, requiring less cooling space behind them, whereas high 
efficiency lamps always require good ventilation around the body of the 
lamp and cannot be reliably used in closed-back fittings as their life is 
severely affected.

To keep the energy usage to an absolute minimum it would be a sensible 
idea to rearrange the lighting so that it is only used where it is 
needed. Spots look good but are very inefficient for giving general light 
to a room. Where the absolute minimum power must be used LEDs may indeed 
be the answer, but they will only work in this sort of a setup. e.g. LED 
strips each side of a mirror and, possibly, bounced off a ceiling to give 
a dim general light level.

-- 
Mick                      (Working in a M$-free zone!)
Web: http://www.nascom.info  http://mixpix.batcave.net
Filtering everything posted from googlegroups to kill spam.

On Jun 26, 5:29 pm, "Simon Finnigan" 
wrote:
> Hi all,
> in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and i`m
> looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so long in
> there :-)  Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real world use,
> and if so does anyone have any suggestiosn for good places to buy?
>
> Thanks in advance for your help!

So, you have five (large holes?) in your bathroom ceiling?

Fire hazard here, maybe?

"Simon Finnigan"  wrote in message 
news:g40g55$sef$1@registered.motzarella.org...
> Hi all,
> in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and i`m 
> looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so long 
> in there :-)  Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real world 
> use, and if so does anyone have any suggestiosn for good places to buy?
>
> Thanks in advance for your help!

All the replies are probably helping you to make a decision but there's 
another solution: get the gf to spend less time in there. Does she really 
NEED it?

Mary
>

Simon Finnigan wrote:
> Hi all,
> in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and 
> i`m looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so 
> long in there :-)  Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real 
> world use, and if so does anyone have any suggestiosn for good places to 
> buy?
> 
> Thanks in advance for your help!

The LED bulbs will be expensive and will in all likely hood make her skin 
look terrible with a bluish tone.

So my advice would be to put them in as you may save in the long run. 
Hopefully  she won't want to be in there for a long time anymore due to the 
crap colour rendering of the bulbs.

cheers

David

"DM"  wrote in message 
news:g42cl5$ftk$1@registered.motzarella.org...
> Simon Finnigan wrote:
>> Hi all,
>> in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and i`m 
>> looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so long 
>> in there :-)  Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real world 
>> use, and if so does anyone have any suggestiosn for good places to buy?
>>
>> Thanks in advance for your help!
>
> The LED bulbs will be expensive and will in all likely hood make her skin 
> look terrible with a bluish tone.
>
> So my advice would be to put them in as you may save in the long run. 
> Hopefully  she won't want to be in there for a long time anymore due to 
> the crap colour rendering of the bulbs.

Nice idea!

Mary

On Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:57:59 +0100, Peter Parry 
wrote:

>On Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:54:45 +0100, "Simon Finnigan"
> wrote:
>
>>As it stands I only want replacement bulbs to drop into the system that is 
>>in there now, so a normal CFL isn`t appropriate.  But the lower I can get 
>>the normal energy use of the house the easier it will be to find a renewable 
>>energy source that will meet the majroity of the houses needs.
>
>The cold cathode GU10's are a good choice for a bathroom as they come
>up to full brightness quite slowly - so don't sear your eyeballs out
>if you go to the loo in the middle of the night.  Colour balance is
>far better than that of LED for bathrooms.
>
>Examples at http://www.yourwelcome.co.uk/acatalog/GU10_Low_Energy.html
>(I've never used that site its just the first found).

Bear in mind that most of these bulbs are physically larger than the
Halogens and may not fit.

-- 
(\__/)  M.
(='.'=) Owing to the amount of spam posted via googlegroups and
(")_(") their inaction to the problem. I am blocking most articles
posted from there.  If you wish your postings to be seen by
everyone you will need use a different method of posting.
See http://improve-usenet.org

"Adam Aglionby"  wrote in message 
news:0e706c49-dc08-4107-b7bd-27e712ac7d21@2g2000hsn.googlegroups.com...
> On Jun 26, 9:51 pm, "Simon Finnigan" 
> wrote:
>> "john"  wrote in message
>>
>> news:GISdnfnvG9lASf7VnZ2dnUVZ8h6dnZ2d@posted.plusnet...
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> > "Bruce"  wrote in message
>> >news:lek7645ekjsvinbvb4matbkb89pnjdev81@4ax.com...
>> >> "Simon Finnigan"  wrote:
>> >>>Hi all,
>> >>>in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and 
>> >>>i`m
>> >>>looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so 
>> >>>long
>> >>>in
>> >>>there :-)  Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real world
>> >>>use,
>> >>>and if so does anyone have any suggestiosn for good places to buy?
>>
>> >>>Thanks in advance for your help!
>>
>> >> Replace the 50W bulbs with 20W bulbs?
>>
>> >   It's only about 3p an hour if that !
>>
>> But when the bulbs need replacing anyway, surely it makes sense to go for 
>> a
>> more efficient option.  Plus it might only be 3p an hour now, but with
>> prices going up all the time it won`t be long before it`s 10 pence an 
>> hour,
>> and it will soon add up.
>
> 12V Halogen MR16s are pretty efficient anyway, GU10`s not so much but
> still a world away from a 60W GLS `bulb` which are a legitimate target
> for CFLs.
>
> LED is not a good look on skin tones even in warm white colours, great
> for a bit of ambient light but wouldn`t reccomnd it round a make up
> mirror for instance.
>
> Do you need a 1/4Kw running in bathroom, could lighting be arranged to
> allow lower load appropriate to use, mirror lights, LED kick panel
> lighting etc rather than center spot at Hampden all the time?

It`s 5 50 w bulbs.  There`s 3 in the ceiling in a diagonal line - one above 
the shower, one in the middle of the room and 1 over the toilet.  Then 2 
more over the mirror at the sink.  Reducing the number of bulbs will means 
either holes in the ceiling, light fittings that done produce light or some 
other weird looking effect, hence my desire to simply replace the bulbs with 
something more efficient :-)

"Mary Fisher"  wrote in message 
news:4864a143$0$766$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet.net...
>
> "Simon Finnigan"  wrote in message 
> news:g40g55$sef$1@registered.motzarella.org...
>> Hi all,
>> in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and i`m 
>> looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so long 
>> in there :-)  Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real world 
>> use, and if so does anyone have any suggestiosn for good places to buy?
>>
>> Thanks in advance for your help!
>
> All the replies are probably helping you to make a decision but there's 
> another solution: get the gf to spend less time in there. Does she really 
> NEED it?

Well, being perfectly honest, it`s not entirely her fault - I do enjoy the 
usual passtime of sitting on the throne and reading ;-)

"Peter Parry"  wrote in message 
news:h24864lntvkfjd7gr8vcbv1btcnf7ckll2@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:54:45 +0100, "Simon Finnigan"
>  wrote:
>
>>As it stands I only want replacement bulbs to drop into the system that is
>>in there now, so a normal CFL isn`t appropriate.  But the lower I can get
>>the normal energy use of the house the easier it will be to find a 
>>renewable
>>energy source that will meet the majroity of the houses needs.
>
> The cold cathode GU10's are a good choice for a bathroom as they come
> up to full brightness quite slowly - so don't sear your eyeballs out
> if you go to the loo in the middle of the night.  Colour balance is
> far better than that of LED for bathrooms.

I`ve lived in this house for 29 years now on and off, so I`m perfectly fine 
getting around the house with the lights off  :-)  I`ll have a good look at 
those though, thanks for the tip!

"Simon Finnigan"  wrote in message 
news:g42hau$78p$1@registered.motzarella.org...
> "Mary Fisher"  wrote in message 
> news:4864a143$0$766$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet.net...
>>
>> "Simon Finnigan"  wrote in message 
>> news:g40g55$sef$1@registered.motzarella.org...
>>> Hi all,
>>> in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and 
>>> i`m looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so 
>>> long in there :-)  Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real 
>>> world use, and if so does anyone have any suggestiosn for good places to 
>>> buy?
>>>
>>> Thanks in advance for your help!
>>
>> All the replies are probably helping you to make a decision but there's 
>> another solution: get the gf to spend less time in there. Does she really 
>> NEED it?
>
> Well, being perfectly honest, it`s not entirely her fault - I do enjoy the 
> usual passtime of sitting on the throne and reading ;-)

LOL! I suspected it might not all be her fault, just like a man, eh!

Mary
>

On Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:00:17 +0100 someone who may be "Simon
Finnigan"  wrote this:-

>It`s 5 50 w bulbs.  There`s 3 in the ceiling in a diagonal line - one above 
>the shower, one in the middle of the room and 1 over the toilet.  Then 2 
>more over the mirror at the sink.

Leaving aside bulbs, ISTM that these could usefully be divided into
three groups.

Firstly, the one in the middle of the room and the one over the
toilet. Controlled from the existing switch.

Secondly, the one over the shower, controlled by a local switch.

Thirdly, the two over the mirror, controlled by a local switch.

However, the main problem is the poor design of the installation and
new lamps and switches will only do so much to resolve that.




-- 
  David Hansen, Edinburgh 
 I will *always* explain revoked encryption keys, unless RIP prevents me
 http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00023--e.htm#54

On Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:54:55 +0100 someone who may be Mark
 wrote this:-

>>Examples at http://www.yourwelcome.co.uk/acatalog/GU10_Low_Energy.html
>>(I've never used that site its just the first found).
>
>Bear in mind that most of these bulbs are physically larger than the
>Halogens and may not fit.

The fluorescent ones are the same diameter, but tend to be longer
and so will stick out of the bottom of some fittings. It may not be
possible to put the glass cover of some fittings back on. The
dimensions are given on that site for people to check.

The LED ones tend to be a similar length to the "standard" halogen
version.



-- 
  David Hansen, Edinburgh 
 I will *always* explain revoked encryption keys, unless RIP prevents me
 http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00023--e.htm#54

On Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:42:34 +0100 someone who may be DM
 wrote this:-

>The LED bulbs will be expensive

In first cost. However, over the life cycle they are cheap.

>and will in all likely hood make her skin 
>look terrible with a bluish tone.

I have certainly seen LED lamps with a bluish tone. However, these
things improve all the time.

It is not necessary to put the same type of bulb in every fitting.


-- 
  David Hansen, Edinburgh 
 I will *always* explain revoked encryption keys, unless RIP prevents me
 http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00023--e.htm#54

"Simon Finnigan"  wrote in message 
news:g40g55$sef$1@registered.motzarella.org...
> Hi all,
> in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and i`m 
> looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so long 
> in there :-)

I'd change the g/f might be cheaper in the long run too ;-)

>Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real world use, and if so 
>does anyone have any suggestiosn for good places to buy?

I've not found them to be able to replace other bulbs as yet they just 
aren't as bright.
Depending on the fitting why not just by one and try it out.
Although you might be better off just reduces the 50W to 35W then 20W
until you get used to less light.

"Mary Fisher"  wrote in message 
news:4864d01e$0$763$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet.net...
>
> "Simon Finnigan"  wrote in message 
> news:g42hau$78p$1@registered.motzarella.org...
>> "Mary Fisher"  wrote in message 
>> news:4864a143$0$766$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet.net...
>>>
>>> "Simon Finnigan"  wrote in message 
>>> news:g40g55$sef$1@registered.motzarella.org...
>>>> Hi all,
>>>> in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and 
>>>> i`m looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so 
>>>> long in there :-)  Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for 
>>>> real world use, and if so does anyone have any suggestiosn for good 
>>>> places to buy?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks in advance for your help!
>>>
>>> All the replies are probably helping you to make a decision but there's 
>>> another solution: get the gf to spend less time in there. Does she 
>>> really NEED it?
>>
>> Well, being perfectly honest, it`s not entirely her fault - I do enjoy 
>> the usual passtime of sitting on the throne and reading ;-)
>
> LOL! I suspected it might not all be her fault, just like a man, eh!

No comment :-)  I`m also looking for spotlight bulbs to replace the ones in 
the bed room, kitchen and back room - 3 or 4 50 watt bulbs, but the overall 
effect is what we like.  I`m just hoping that a decent, much lower energy 
alternative will come along soon :-)

Then again, when the idiot g/f (I say that, but I do love her :-) ) leaves 
the outside floodlights on overnight it does defeat the object of trying to 
cut down the elctricvity bill.  3 x 500W spotlights.  Fantastic for parties 
but not really designed to be left on all night for no good reason.  ;-)

"whisky-dave"  wrote in message 
news:g433f0$k1f$1@qmul...
>
> "Simon Finnigan"  wrote in message 
> news:g40g55$sef$1@registered.motzarella.org...
>> Hi all,
>> in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and i`m 
>> looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so long 
>> in there :-)
>
> I'd change the g/f might be cheaper in the long run too ;-)

This time next year she`ll be a qualified solicitor, so although it might be 
the cheaper option now, long term it`ll mean a lot less spending money :-)

>>Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real world use, and if so 
>>does anyone have any suggestiosn for good places to buy?
>
> I've not found them to be able to replace other bulbs as yet they just 
> aren't as bright.
> Depending on the fitting why not just by one and try it out.
> Although you might be better off just reduces the 50W to 35W then 20W
> until you get used to less light.

"Simon Finnigan"  wrote in message 
news:g4345n$on$1@registered.motzarella.org...

...
>
> Then again, when the idiot g/f (I say that, but I do love her :-) ) leaves 
> the outside floodlights on overnight it does defeat the object of trying 
> to cut down the elctricvity bill.  3 x 500W spotlights.  Fantastic for 
> parties but not really designed to be left on all night for no good 
> reason.  ;-)

Don't you know where the off switch is?

Mary
>

On Jun 26, 2:29 pm, "Simon Finnigan" 
wrote:
> Hi all,
> in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 downlights, each a 50w bulb, and i`m
> looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so long in
> there :-)  Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real world use,
> and if so does anyone have any suggestiosn for good places to buy?
>
> Thanks in advance for your help!
.
Simon:
Seems rather minor?
Five bulbs at 50 watts each = 250 watts.
Even if your electrcity costs twice as much as ours!
Each hour will only cost 250/1000 x 20 cents (Canadian) = 5 cents.
That's roughly 3 New Pence or less. Per hour.
Hardly a major issue????????????????
PS. If she IS spending lots of time in the B.Room and you have to talk
about it; then 'you' may have an issue!

"Mary Fisher"  wrote in message 
news:48651c3b$0$764$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet.net...
>
> "Simon Finnigan"  wrote in message 
> news:g4345n$on$1@registered.motzarella.org...
>
> ...
>>
>> Then again, when the idiot g/f (I say that, but I do love her :-) ) 
>> leaves the outside floodlights on overnight it does defeat the object of 
>> trying to cut down the elctricvity bill.  3 x 500W spotlights.  Fantastic 
>> for parties but not really designed to be left on all night for no good 
>> reason.  ;-)
>
> Don't you know where the off switch is?

I do, but not much use when i`m working nights 30 miles from the house :-)

On Jun 27, 3:43 pm, terry  wrote:
> On Jun 26, 2:29 pm, "Simon Finnigan" 
> wrote:> Hi all,
> > in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 down lights, each a 50w bulb, and i`m
> > looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so long in
> > there :-)  Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real world use,
> > and if so does anyone have any suggestions for good places to buy?
>
> > Thanks in advance for your help!
>
> .
> Simon:
> Seems rather minor?
> Five bulbs at 50 watts each = 250 watts.
> Even if your electrcity costs twice as much as ours!
> Each hour will only cost 250/1000 x 20 cents (Canadian) = 5 cents.
> That's roughly 3 New Pence or less. Per hour.
> Hardly a major issue????????????????
> PS. If she IS spending lots of time in the B.Room and you have to talk
> about it; then 'you' may have an issue!

Oh by the way if in the winter time you need heat in the house
(depending what part of the world you are) much of that 250 watts (due
to the inefficiency of light bulbs in producing light) will help to
heat the bathroom and the house! We have six 40 watt (240 watts) bulbs
in our bathroom above the vanity. As a result the electric baseboard
heater in that room is rarely needed!

Simon Finnigan wrote in
<g438vg$o5f$1@registered.motzarella.org>

> "Mary Fisher"  wrote in message
> news:48651c3b$0$764$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet.net...
>>
>> "Simon Finnigan"  wrote in message
>> news:g4345n$on$1@registered.motzarella.org...
>>
>> ...
>>>
>>> Then again, when the idiot g/f (I say that, but I do love her :-) )
>>> leaves the outside floodlights on overnight it does defeat the
>>> object of trying to cut down the elctricvity bill.  3 x 500W
>>> spotlights.  Fantastic for parties but not really designed to be
>>> left on all night for no good reason.  ;-)
>>
>> Don't you know where the off switch is?
>
> I do, but not much use when i`m working nights 30 miles from the
> house :-)

If g/f is having parties whilst you're working nights 30 miles away, the
lights may not be the most urgent problem on your list  ;)

-- 
PeterMcC
If you feel that any of the above is incorrect,
inappropriate or offensive in any way,
please ignore it and accept my apologies.

On Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:26:24 +0100, Simon Finnigan wrote:

>>> 3 x 500W spotlights. Fantastic for parties but not really designed to 
>>> be left on all night for no good reason.  ;-)
>>
>> Don't you know where the off switch is?
> 
> I do, but not much use when i`m working nights 30 miles from the house 

Well if that happens with any freqency that is why you have a big bill not 
the 2hrs the girl friend spends in the bathroom, unless she is spending a 
long time under the electric shower.

3 x 500W = 1.5 units/hr say from 2100 to 0700, 10 hrs = 15 units. Our 
average daily use is only 20 units with someone home every day and cooking 
via electric.

-- 
Cheers
Dave.

"PeterMcC"  wrote in message 
news:g43ar5$4qd$1@energise.enta.net...
> Simon Finnigan wrote in
> <g438vg$o5f$1@registered.motzarella.org>
>
>> "Mary Fisher"  wrote in message
>> news:48651c3b$0$764$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet.net...
>>>
>>> "Simon Finnigan"  wrote in message
>>> news:g4345n$on$1@registered.motzarella.org...
>>>
>>> ...
>>>>
>>>> Then again, when the idiot g/f (I say that, but I do love her :-) )
>>>> leaves the outside floodlights on overnight it does defeat the
>>>> object of trying to cut down the elctricvity bill.  3 x 500W
>>>> spotlights.  Fantastic for parties but not really designed to be
>>>> left on all night for no good reason.  ;-)
>>>
>>> Don't you know where the off switch is?
>>
>> I do, but not much use when i`m working nights 30 miles from the
>> house :-)
>
> If g/f is having parties whilst you're working nights 30 miles away, the
> lights may not be the most urgent problem on your list  ;)

:-)

It`s more when the dog is being a bugger and refusing to come in at night, 
she puts the light on so she can see him (one of the problems of having a 
dark dog!).  Then she occasionally forgets to turn them off again.  She`s 
OCD about locking the front door, but not about leaving lights on :-)

"Dave Liquorice"  wrote in message 
news:nyyfbegfubjuvyypbz.k35fj01.pminews@srv1.howhill.net...
> On Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:26:24 +0100, Simon Finnigan wrote:
>
>>>> 3 x 500W spotlights. Fantastic for parties but not really designed to
>>>> be left on all night for no good reason.  ;-)
>>>
>>> Don't you know where the off switch is?
>>
>> I do, but not much use when i`m working nights 30 miles from the house
>
> Well if that happens with any freqency that is why you have a big bill not
> the 2hrs the girl friend spends in the bathroom, unless she is spending a
> long time under the electric shower.
>
> 3 x 500W = 1.5 units/hr say from 2100 to 0700, 10 hrs = 15 units. Our
> average daily use is only 20 units with someone home every day and cooking
> via electric.

It`s not that often, but a few times over the winter doesn`t help :-)

mick wrote:
<snip>
> I stick by my original suggestion of a PIR if possible though. It's 
> surprising how much energy is wasted lighting empty rooms. There isn't a 
> replacement cost for a PIR, replacement costs for incandescents are low 
> now and for high efficiency lamps they are high. You'll get a much faster 
> payback using a PIR with incandescents.
> 

The trouble with PIRs is they see hot *moving* objects.  So if you lie 
in the bath soaking (or any other activity in the bathroom where you 
don't move much :P ) you'll be plunged into darkness.

Andy

"terry"  wrote in message 
news:21604fa5-2878-45b6-9180-47c8580d4c65@e53g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
On Jun 27, 3:43 pm, terry  wrote:
> On Jun 26, 2:29 pm, "Simon Finnigan" 
> wrote:> Hi all,
> > in the bathroom i`ve currently got 5 down lights, each a 50w bulb, and 
> > i`m
> > looking to reduce the amount of power drawn since the g/f spends so long 
> > in
> > there :-) Are the LED bulbs currently on sale any good for real world 
> > use,
> > and if so does anyone have any suggestions for good places to buy?
>
> > Thanks in advance for your help!
>
> .
> Simon:
> Seems rather minor?
> Five bulbs at 50 watts each = 250 watts.
> Even if your electrcity costs twice as much as ours!
> Each hour will only cost 250/1000 x 20 cents (Canadian) = 5 cents.
> That's roughly 3 New Pence or less. Per hour.
> Hardly a major issue????????????????
> PS. If she IS spending lots of time in the B.Room and you have to talk
> about it; then 'you' may have an issue!

very roughly 10 pence per unit, so about 3p per hour yes.  But if the bulbs 
need replacing anyway why not try and find a more efficient way to do it?  I 
work shifts which means having showers etc at all times of the day and 
night, so the lights are used more than would perhaps be the case in someone 
elses house.

Plus with energy prices on the way up, 3pence an hour now soon becomes 10 
pence per hour and more, and it does soon add up.  If there`s an acceptable 
solution now that reduces the power drawn why not take advantage?

Simon Finnigan wrote:
> It`s more when the dog is being a bugger and refusing to come in at 
> night, she puts the light on so she can see him (one of the problems of 
> having a dark dog!).  Then she occasionally forgets to turn them off 
> again.  She`s OCD about locking the front door, but not about leaving 
> lights on :-)

Either a momentary timeswitch for the lights, or a hi-vis vest for the 
dog...

Owain

Andy Champ wrote:
> The trouble with PIRs is they see hot *moving* objects.  So if you lie 
> in the bath soaking (or any other activity in the bathroom where you 
> don't move much :P ) you'll be plunged into darkness.

which could be quite relaxing.

Adding a flow switch would bring the lights back on when you turn the 
tap on with your toes to top up the hot.

Owain

On Jun 27, 10:16 pm, "Simon Finnigan" 
wrote:
> "Dave Liquorice"  wrote in message
>
> news:nyyfbegfubjuvyypbz.k35fj01.pminews@srv1.howhill.net...
>
>
>
> > On Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:26:24 퍝, Simon Finnigan wrote:
>
> >>>> 3 x 500W spotlights. Fantastic for parties but not really designed to
> >>>> be left on all night for no good reason.  ;-)
>
> >>> Don't you know where the off switch is?
>
> >> I do, but not much use when i`m working nights 30 miles from the house
>
> > Well if that happens with any freqency that is why you have a big bill not
> > the 2hrs the girl friend spends in the bathroom, unless she is spending a
> > long time under the electric shower.
>
> > 3 x 500W = 1.5 units/hr say from 2100 to 0700, 10 hrs = 15 units. Our
> > average daily use is only 20 units with someone home every day and cooking
> > via electric.
>
> It`s not that often, but a few times over the winter doesn`t help :-)

you can replace the 500w bulbs with 300w or 150w


For the bathroom, I'd stick to filament lighting. CFL doesnt have
comparable CRI, and LEDs are distant trailers in performance terms.

Maybe keep the mirror ones at 50w but drop the power elsewhere to 35w
or even 20w. I forget if youre using 12v or 240, but 12v gives better
efficiency. Also the shorter the rated lamp life the higher its energy
efficiency, for all types of halogen.


NT

On Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:48:23 -0700 (PDT) someone who may be terry
 wrote this:-

>Oh by the way if in the winter time you need heat in the house
>(depending what part of the world you are) much of that 250 watts (due
>to the inefficiency of light bulbs in producing light) will help to
>heat the bathroom and the house!

A common assertion. However, most of the heat will heat the loft in
a typical house.



-- 
  David Hansen, Edinburgh 
 I will *always* explain revoked encryption keys, unless RIP prevents me
 http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00023--e.htm#54

Owain wrote:

> Either a momentary timeswitch for the lights, or a hi-vis vest for the 
> dog...

You can get hi-vis collars with flashing red LEDs on. My mum used to 
have one for walking the dog early in the morning in winter. Though she 
did once meet someone who swore there was a UFO racing around the bottom 
field :-)

Pete

On Jun 28, 8:55 am, David Hansen 
wrote:
> On Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:48:23 -0700 (PDT) someone who may be terry
>  wrote this:-

> >Oh by the way if in the winter time you need heat in the house
> >(depending what part of the world you are) much of that 250 watts (due
> >to the inefficiency of light bulbs in producing light) will help to
> >heat the bathroom and the house!
>
> A common assertion. However, most of the heat will heat the loft in
> a typical house.

and make temperatures even more miserable in summer


NT

Pete Verdon wrote:
> You can get hi-vis collars with flashing red LEDs on. My mum used to 
> have one for walking the dog early in the morning in winter. Though she 
> did once meet someone who swore there was a UFO racing around the bottom 
> field :-)

If the LEDs could be programmed to flash the dog's name in Morse code, 
that would be useful for multidog households.

Owain