Next Mod: Replace Pendant Lights Above Island - Electrical Question

[Dentil]

We would like to change out our pendant lights over the island. We wish our original lights would give out more light and we are trying to find other options for fixtures. We thought about the new "Mason Jar" style but others have said that they glare right at eye level. Searching for other low voltage pendants hasn't been productive for us.

Which brings up my question:

Could a person install a regular "Home" pendant light fixture and use the bulbs in the link below that are low voltage but have a standard household base (e26)? It puts out the equivalent of a household 60 watt bulb. If we could, our pendant light fixture inventory would almost be endless and probably more economical. (except for the price of the bulb)

Thanks,
Dennis




https://www.amazon.com/Filament-Volt...5JN6E0YP43X98H

[shrode]

Yes, you should absolutely be able to use standard home fixtures with these bulbs. It's unclear to me in looking at a few websites that they are really equivalent to a 60W incandescent, maybe closer to a 40W. You should probably get one, and hook it up to your 12 Vdc to see how you like it.

[LCBoyer]

I replaced pennant lights with a ceiling fan and LED light

[Cate&Rob]

Hi Dennis,

Good advice from Danny on this. Try it before you commit to it.

We used to have a number of these 12VDC with 120VAC base incandescent lights in the boat. To access the much wider selection of fixtures, as you have noted. They didn't generate as much light as you would expect, did generate a lot of heat and pulled a lot of power. We have switched most of these to 12VDC LED fixtures and bulbs.

I agree with you basic premise that the pendants need to put more light down onto the island. You are right that the many 120VAC globes won't ft the OEM hardware because their standard center hole is too large. We also thought that the new mason jar globes might help, but they spread light into the room, not down onto the work surface.

We changed out our bulbs for "cool" LED bulbs and this helped, because the brown globes soften the light to the room while the cool white light brightens the island work surface.

I think the answer will be to find bulbs with more LEDs pointing "down". Haven't found these yet . . .

Rob

[Dentil]

Thanks for your replies. In looking again at the specs of the bulb, I see that they do draw 6 watts and I didn't consider the heat they would put off. I just thought, great, these are low voltage LED's with a standard base. Good idea Rob to experiment with different LED bulbs in the existing fixtures prior to attempting replacement or modification of the existing pendants.

Dennis

[orbiker]

Thanks for your replies. In looking again at the specs of the bulb, I see that they do draw 6 watts and I didn't consider the heat they would put off. I just thought, great, these are low voltage LED's with a standard base. Good idea Rob to experiment with different LED bulbs in the existing fixtures prior to attempting replacement or modification of the existing pendants.

Dennis

Dennis

Did you end up replacing your lights?

One of the upper light brackets broke on our pendant kitchen lights. The rod just pulled through the cheep metal.



Luckily it didn't get to swinging enough to brake the glass globe.

[Dentil]

Hi Ken,
No I still have the originals at this point. Still on my radar but not as urgent of a need as yours. Post photos if you replace. Maybe we can see them at the Oregon Rally.
Dennis

[orbiker]

carnolddsm said he did this fix.

https://www.mygrandrv.com/fo...=pendant+light

1. Cut and file the broken area flat with the base

2. Material required - two fender washers to fit the pendant rod. Paint one black. I’ve had good luck using a black Sharpie to “paint” small items.

3. Place the one washer above and one below the base.

This and a bunch of JB Weld might keep it from wiggling and braking again. KEN