Outside lights and fan

As part of the extension we're about to build we will be installing downlights and a fan in the ceiling of the balcony above the garage. This balcony will be open at both ends and we are close to the ocean (we can hear it clearly). I was thinking of buying a stainless steel fan with timber blades and stainless steel downlights to get maximum life out of the fittings and for visual appeal.

How long should I expect them to last and are there different grades of stainless steel, ie. some thicker than others? Alternatively is there a better material / product I should consider?

HH.

If you went to a ship chandlery and purchased 12v lamp fittings in 316 stainless you may stand a chance of the fittings surviving. Most domestic market fittings of the type you get in Bunnies are cheap crap and if they really are made from a stainless steel you can bet your bottom dollar its only 304 stainless which will still rust in outdoor conditions.

A quick way to test stainless steel is with a magnet - if it doesn't stick it's OK (316). If it does, then it's some of the cheaper low quality so-called stainless.

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Originally Posted by Markw

If you went to a ship chandlery and purchased 12v lamp fittings in 316 stainless ........

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Thanks Mark, I'm assuming I'd need a transformer in the roof to convert to 12V? Are the 12V fittings as bright as they would be at 240V and are the bulbs easy to get and reasonably priced?

HH.

Hey - you say boat - they say money with nowhere to spend it.:D

Yes you will need a transformer - use one of the electronic types already fitted with a plug. Have your sparky wire up with a plug base for every lamp you intend to fit.

If you can find ones with Halogen bulbs, same as domestic down lights it should be the same. Watts equals Watts equals Watts irrespective of voltage - only the amps change. Failing that it is a balcony and not a work bench - lower light levels could be tolerated without looking substandard.

Thanks again Mark can you put a dimmer on 12V ? :o

HH.

You sure can. You just need to know the type of transformer that is being used (iron core or electronic) with most new kits they will be electronic. Which means you need a trailing edge dimmer. The sparky can do that for you when he terminates the plug bases. :)