OUTDOOR HALOGEN RELIABILITY & DURABILITY
The first decision is whether to purchase 12V or 240V fittings. Low voltage 12V has the advantage of 20% brighter and much whiter light, but has the disadvantage of having to use a transformer. Transformers usually mean initial additional expense, and can be unreliable – especially in the outdoor environment. At the moment the two options are about as popular. The additional expense of the transformer is negated over time by the fact that the 240V lamps are more expensive. Generally outdoor fittings are offered in either a raw state (copper & stainless), in powdercoat finish (white, black, silver grey, copper-blend), or raw metal finishes with a protective powdercoat layer (coated stainless, coated copper) Unprotected stainless tends to tarnish and “tea stain”, which means it has to be maintained if the original finish is desired. This is understandably not usually what the homeowner is expecting. For a more technical explanation see the “Stainless durability” editorial. Unprotected copper will weather (oxidize) fairly quickly. This is usually a desirable look, although the copper can go very dark in some situations, to the point that it is not recognizable as copper. This is a critical area in lighting. Fittings must be of good quality and design. The installation is all important. Before casting concrete or cutting into walls be sure the fittings are in hand, the system is well planned, and a competent person is installing. These type fittings have to be absolutely watertight once installed, and must remain so during the years of lamp replacement. Similarly, transformers have to be well installed, and well placed to ensure reliability. Apart from checking for water tightness, ensure the top trim ring and glass seal properly to the fitting during lamp replacement – often not the case if the plastic sleeve is cast too low in the ground. This is often noticeable inside a supposedly sealed fitting. This is normal to an extent, as the very hot operating temperature tends to suck in any moisture it can when it cools down. To minimize this choose quality fittings, and ensure the cable feeding the fitting is as long as possible. This is because the moisture is often drawn in from where the wires are joined or spliced together. Try for at least a metre or two if possible. As these type fitting are generally very small, and operate very hot, this does have a bearing on reliability and durability. For this reason many fitting on the market are far more suited to 35W lamps (if not 20W). From a light output point of view this is perfect for outdoor as 50W can be very harsh. Be careful though that transformers are specified to handle 50W lamps, as they may be fitted later by mistake. The 35W lamps are not as easily available as 50W, and look the same, so mistakes can happen.
12V or 240V?
Colour or finish
In-ground fittings
Condensation
Heat