Lighting for book cabinet : xenon or halogen?

[radhak]

I want to put the 'under cabinet' lights for the new book case i am building. Lowes has a choice of xenon and halogen lights, so am wondering if the xenon is better than the halogen. It did say the xenon is 'cooler' than the halogen, is that in terms of the actual heat generated or the color temperature of the light emitted?

Also, I will be having 3 shelves side by side, and want to put one light in each, and maybe 1 above each to for the upward directed effect. So 6 lights together - does anybody think this could be a fire hazard (because of heat generated)? I don't think these lights would be used all the time - am intending them to be just decorative.

And any other comment on such cabinet lighting will be appreciated too.

[LCHIEN]

... Lowes has a choice of xenon and halogen lights, so am wondering if the xenon is better than the halogen. It did say the xenon is 'cooler' than the halogen, is that in terms of the actual heat generated or the color temperature of the light emitted?

...

That's a ****ed good question and I don't know the answer. I think Xenon is bluer which is cooler in color temperature but it may run cooler thermal-wise, too (fewer watts per lumen). maybe both? I'm curious to hear the answer.

[jziegler]

I can't answer either, but if you look there is another option as well. Rockler has fluorescent puck lights (expensive though) that I used in my kitchen and they are much lower energy (only 7W I think) and lower heat. Could be good for an enclosed cabinet. Light quality is pretty good, but takes a bit of time to get to full brightness, like many compact fluorescents. I saw some similar lights at Lowes once, don't know if they are a regular item or not.

Sorry to not answer your question, but maybe the extra info could help.

Jim

[radhak]

Checked Rockler, and man, now I know how Rockler makes it's money . If you and I and one more person bought these lights they must make all the profit for the year .

Rockler's selling the Xenon lights at $62 for a two pack. Lowes has a 6 pack for $32!!! Since both are 20w, and look exactly the same, what's the deal there - a 500% surcharge?

I see that they sell the flourescent at $30 a-piece, but I am sure Lowes must be cheaper - shall check them out. Yes, flourescent must definitely be cooler, but I wonder how they'd look in a book cabinet...

[Hellrazor]

I wouldn't put halogen lights in a closed area. They generate a decent amount of heat.

Which bulbs are you looking at?

[ragswl4]

Found this on the net. Apparently Xenon produces less heat than Halogen.

"Eclectic-ware - Hera Lighting. Under cabinet lighting and halogen light kits for kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, bedroom cabinetry and furniture, office set ups, and marine vessels. Under cabinet light solutions for new home construction and kitchen and bath remodeling. SlimLite compact fluorescent technology. Stainless steel SteelTech lighting. The new Enterprise halogen light. Economy and Premium halogen light kits. And some nostalgic choices in the antique arclamps. Xenon lower heat alternative to halogen under cabinet lights. Hera Lighting offers choices in home decor lighting, and choices in layout. Many components sold separately so you can configure a custom set up. Replacement parts also available through Eclectic-ware. Under cabinet lighting adds function and room ambiance."

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I believe Loring is correct on both aspects. Xenon is a good bit cooler than Halogen. Halogen gets SUPER hot. As Loring notes Xenon light color is much bluer however in your application I don't think you will see a big difference. Its not like we are talking about high power overhead lighting.

[dpaton]

As has been said, Xenon is the cooler (temp) bluer (color) alternative to Halogen lamps. Don't expect the difference to be amazing though.

For the geeky, Halogen lamps generally are filled with a mix of Argon and Nitrogen, with a tiny bit of Iodine or Bromine added (the actual halogen element). There's an really good explanation here:

http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProd...logenWorks.htm

[radhak]

I am surprised that the least wattage xenon/halogen puck bulb is a 20watt one. I'd have thought lesser would make it easier to use.

But since my cabinet is not gonna be all enclosed, it shd be okay. Though i did see somewhere that these are designed to be installed directed downwards not upwards. Shall need to see if the instructions too say that.