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Low voltage lamp choice

MR16 reflector lamps are 50mm in diameter and fit all Megabay low voltage spotlights, uplights, downlights, recessed steplights and underwater lights except the M2600 Piccolo planter light and copper hanging downlights M6450/M6455/M6460.  Choosing lamps (bulbs) for any type of spotlight, uplight, or downlight which uses a low voltage MR16 halogen spotlight lamp is partly a question of brightness and partly one of correct beam angle.

Beam angle

The principal beam angles are 12, 24, 36 and 60 degrees. Sometimes you will want a small pool of light from a narrow beam to accent a feature without lighting the surroundings; other subjects will require the widest coverage available, such as a 60⁰ beam. For example, a 60⁰ beam will provide wide coverage from a pergola beam only 1.5 metres above a table below, but if you are uplighting a slender tree the coverage of a 60⁰ beam will be wasted in the night sky; a narrower beam will "fit" the shape of the tree more closely.

Brightness

Brightness isn’t just about the wattage of the lamp. The brightness of a 20 watt lamp squeezed into a narrow spot beam can produce a brighter pool of light than that of a 50 watt lamp projected in a wide flood beam. So, first "fit" the beam angle to your subject, then think about brightness.

MR11 reflector lamps are 35mm in diameter and fit the Megabay M2600 Piccolo planter light and copper hanging downlights M6450/M6455/M6460. These fittings will accept a 35 watt lamp but we recommend a 20 watt lamp for most applications to reduce heat in the fitting and prolong lamp life. The MR11 20 watt lamp is also recommended as the coolest halogen lamp option for the Nautilus recessed uplight range. 

Halogen capsule lamps are used in Megabay spreadlights, surface mount steplights and the M2099 light for use in oriental stone lanterns and other luminaires where conversion from candle power to electric operation is required. 20 watt lamps are normally used in these fittings and have the smaller G4 pins, same as the optional 10 watt lamp. Megabay copper spreadlights (M6405/M6410/M6415/M6420/M6425) can be fitted with 35 watt or 50 watt GY6.35 lamps for applications requiring exceptional brightness.

Copyright 2003; Lighting for Gardens Limited. Light fittings can become hot in use; exercise appropriate precautions.

Exterior electrical installations should be undertaken by a qualified electrician