I have a request by DW to install 2 tech low-voltage pendant lights over a new cooktop. I – well she – found the lights on a web site www.techlights.com. They are low voltage, will connect to a wall switch near the cooktop and are about 10″ in diam. I have some questions before I take on this task and ask for help so I look like a real guy who knows his stuff:
The transformer that goes with the lights – can it be installed above the ceiling between the floor joists? Is there a fire hazzard or does the transformer remain relativly cool during operation?
There is currently a trac light installed where these will go – do I need to cut a hole in the celing to install the transformer? If I do – or I need to repair holes in the ceiling where the trac light is removed – how difficult is it to repair the ceiling to normal look – it is a semi-rough crows feet ceiling. How do I match color given the ‘old’ ceiling has suffered some yellowing. (Not an option to paint the ceiling)
The new tech light will be on a reistat (SP?). When I replace the old toggle switch with a new dimmer (not me – no jokes here) is there a special dimmer for low voltage lights? I have limited room in the three switch box and so is the new dimmer going to require more room than I have for comfort?
Would you suggest I talk her out of the low-voltage stuff and simply install 120V halogen pendant that connects directly to the ceiling. Not a trendy but then also looks like a real upgrade.
Thanks much for all you advance advice.
Mike
Replies
>>>The transformer that goes
>>>The transformer that goes with the lights - can it be installed above the ceiling between the floor joists? Is there a fire hazzard or does the transformer remain relativly cool during operation?
The instructions should clarify this. In my case the transformer had to be installed in an octagon box because of a splice to line voltage wires.
>>>There is currently a trac light installed where these will go - do I need to cut a hole in the celing to install the transformer?
There should be an octagon box there which you could use for the transformer.
>>>how difficult is it to repair the ceiling to normal look - it is a semi-rough crows feet ceiling.
You can buy blank plates to cover the box. Doesn't look great, but covering the box with drywall is a code violation.
>>>is there a special dimmer for low voltage lights?
I've never heard of dimmable 12V lights. Maybe someone else knows about it.
>>>Would you suggest I talk her out of the low-voltage stuff and simply install 120V halogen pendant that connects directly to the ceiling.
Those certainly are dimmable. We've got a few of these fixtures with GU10 120V bulbs.
thanks
I might have talked her out of the 12V lights and on to halogen lights - pendants look almost the same but not quite so retro. Thanks for all your info. So, if I remove the trac light system by code I cannot cover the ceiling box with drywall - rather it must be a cover plate? Makes sense, I guess, for access in the future.
Mike
Und.
Provided you can reach the second location w/o drilling a ceiling joist.............and the fixture isn't too heavy (pendant shouldn't be-but don't hang on it changing the bulb........you should be able to use a remodel box for the second light. Fish off the other existing box that started the track.
If there's still not joist to drill, but you're concerned about the fixture's mount with a remodel box, there's a quick hanger that will fit in a hole a normal fitter covers. A bar with barbs on the end that can be put in and adjusted (and tightened) to fit a 16 or 24" center joist system.
If only one joist separates where you want both lights, it's possible to drill from the hole in the ceiling you make for your box. BEWARE what's on the other side of that joist...................you won't see it till it sparks or drips.
>>>So, if I remove the trac
>>>So, if I remove the trac light system by code I cannot cover the ceiling box with drywall - rather it must be a cover plate? Makes sense, I guess, for access in the future.
Zackly.
There would be an exception if there were somehow access from above. Then you could just push the box up out of the way (after putting a cover plate on it) and patch the hole.
The transformer must be installed in an "accessible location", which could be through an access panel above a suspended ceiling, or could be accessible only through the (reasonably accessible) attic. Unless the transformer has its own integrated wiring compartment, it must be installed with a box (octagon or otherwise). The transformer is not a significant fire hazard, but probably should not be surrounded with insulation or in a small, tightly closed area.
Some transformers are "dimmable" and some not -- check the specs carefully. And some dimmers can handle transformers OK, and some can't -- again, check the specs carefully.
I'm guessing the site you meant to reference was http://www.techlighting.com/ .
Since you don't want to paint the ceiling.........
no way you are going to invisible-ize a patch.
You could-put up a long "plaque" of wood that you could mount both lights "from". This would cover the old hole and be a uniform decorative element-if the old hole is in the line of the new lights path..
You could get the "track" system for the low voltage lights. The transformer would be housed in the trimmer that would fit on the old holes box. Or, if big enough, the transformer would go in there, the trimmer would have a cable that attaches to the "track". Then the lights would go anywhere on that LV track. Go to the lighting co. site and take a look at those options.
Keep in mind that you can gang octagon boxes together to make a bigger enclosure (one regular box + extension(s)). I had to use two for each fixture in order to allow enough room for splices and transformer.
I've never done one of these LV setups, but I can't imagine them using a transformer that must be entirely inside a box, vs simply attaching to the side of one. (But I suppose cheap is cheap, and most light fixtures are definitely that.)