Halogen vs. Xenon, E. vs. M. transformers, dimmability, and more

18 years ago

We have a long narrow kitchen design that includes a diner style eating area in one of the narrow ends. There is a cove running along the long side so recessed down-lighting on this side is not possible.

The architect speced three 50W recessed MR16 on the opposite side and three undercabinet 20W xenon puck lights under the cove on the cove side (HR-86 by WAC Lighting to be precise).

I have some concerns with this setup and am wondering if someone can help me out with advice:

1. How does the xenon color temp compare to the MR16 halogens? Wouldn't it be weird having those next to each other if they don't match in color temp?

2. The MR16's have individual magnetic transformers in the each housing. If I install a remote magnetic transformer for the xenon's and connect all 6 lights (3 MR16 and 3 xenon's) to a 600W dimmer, would I have any problems? I see that WAC recommends an electronic transformer for the xenon puck lights but I read that they could work off of a magnetic one too, and that they are dimmable.

Can anyone confirm that XENON's can be dimmed off of a magnetic transformer with a full 0-100% ramp?

Thanks in advance for any help.

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Comment (1)

dim4fun
18 years ago
Xenon is a bit warmer looking in color. Xenon has a longer lifespan but using halogen lamps would be more consistant with the MR16s you have nearby.

You can use a magnetic transformer for the puck lights. They will work perfectly. You must use class 2 rated transformer(s) to be code compliant and safe with the puck light wiring. Unless low voltage is class 2 it must comply with all other standard wiring rules. Class 2 is power limited so that you don't need junction boxes. You'll find that class 2 magnetic transformers are much larger than their electronic low voltage equivalents.

Do not mix electronic low voltage and magnetic low voltage transformers on the same dimmer. There are different dimmer types for each.

Lightech and some others make electronic transformers that are fairly successfull at working with standard line voltage dimmers but typically they won't guarantee that they will work. If you strickly follow UL listings the load type and dimmer must match each other. Dimming electronic low voltage can be tricky to get right. The standards seem a bit loose.
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