{"title":"12V spotlights","description":"\u003cp\u003ePlan for a transformer or driver between the mains and your spotlights: in low voltage, each fixture receives the same voltage as soon as it is wired in parallel. This guide details the power supply, the rooms where a 12V spotlight fits, the number of points, the wiring and troubleshooting a flickering spotlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#difference\"\u003eDifference between a 12V spotlight and a 220V spotlight\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#ou-installer\"\u003eWhere to install a 12V spotlight\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#combien-disposer\"\u003eHow many spotlights and how to arrange them\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#brancher\"\u003eWiring 12V spotlights\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#clignote\"\u003eFlickering spotlight: what to do\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#choisir\"\u003eChoosing between recessed, adjustable, white or black\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#erreurs\"\u003eMistakes to avoid\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#faq\"\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"difference\"\u003eWhat is the difference between a 12V spotlight and a 220V spotlight?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA 12V spotlight does not force 12V onto the LED: the driver converts and regulates the current. Low voltage is therefore not an overvoltage for the LED bulb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 12V spotlight runs on low voltage: a transformer or driver steps down the 220 V mains before powering the fixture, whereas a 220V spotlight connects directly. The 12V suits false ceilings and renovations where the power supply stays out of sight, provided you choose a transformer compatible with the wattage of the spotlights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does a 12V spotlight work with a transformer?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe transformer, or LED driver, steps down the mains voltage before the fixture. Choose a rated wattage higher than the total of the connected spotlights: too tight, the power supply heats up and the LEDs shimmer. It fits in a false ceiling, in an accessible box or near the electrical inlet, away from the spotlights. A model not intended for LEDs causes micro-cuts when switched on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e12V spotlight or 220V spotlight: which to choose depending on the room?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a renovation, when the low-voltage supply already exists, a 12V spotlight replaces the old one without pulling a new cable. Under a false ceiling, it slips into a shallow depth and the power supply stays hidden. On a new installation with a dedicated inlet, 220V simplifies the connection. To place the two families within our range, browse \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eour full range of light fixtures\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003e12V spotlight or 220V spotlight: what changes\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCriterion\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e12V spotlight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e220V spotlight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower supply\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow-voltage transformer or driver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirect connection to the mains\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhere to house the power supply\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAt a distance, in a false ceiling or a box\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo separate power supply\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIdeal for\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRenovation, false ceiling, camper van, low-voltage outdoor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNew installation with a dedicated inlet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReplacing a spotlight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCheck the compatibility of the existing transformer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCheck the wattage and the base\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimming\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTransformer and dimmer compatible with LEDs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimmer compatible with LEDs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDamp room or outdoor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead the IP rating on the product sheet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead the IP rating on the product sheet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"ou-installer\"\u003eWhere to install a 12V spotlight: ceiling, bathroom, outdoor or camper van?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 12V spotlight goes anywhere the low-voltage supply is already provided: false ceiling in the living room or hallway, bathroom, sheltered outdoor area and camper van. For a damp room or outdoor use, the IP rating and the material shown on the product sheet make the difference, because water and condensation damage an unprotected fixture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e12V spotlight for the bathroom: which IP rating?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a bathroom, water and condensation attack an unprotected fixture. The collection brings together 41 references, each with its technical characteristics. An adjustable spotlight placed near the shower wall lights the tiles with grazing light and makes the room feel bigger. The colour also matters: a discreet white blends into the ceiling, as with \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/spots-led-coloris-blanc\"\u003ewhite LED spotlights\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e12V spotlight outdoor or camper van: what to check\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a sheltered outdoor area and in a camper van, low voltage avoids running 220V through a damp or mobile space. Check the material and the IP rating, and for a vehicle, a mounting that withstands vibrations. An aged metal finish wears well under an awning, like \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/spots-en-metal\"\u003emetal spotlights\u003c\/a\u003e. For a beam to direct, look at the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/spots-orientables-coloris-blanc\"\u003ewhite adjustable spotlights\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"combien-disposer\"\u003eHow many spotlights on the ceiling and how to arrange them?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe number of spotlights depends on the surface area, the ceiling height and the zones to light: a worktop, a table, a passage. They are arranged in a line along a worktop, in a square above a table or around the perimeter to make the room feel bigger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow many spotlights in a kitchen?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver a worktop, count the work zones rather than a fixed number: sink, preparation, cooking. Adjustable \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/spots-led-pour-cuisine\"\u003ekitchen spotlights\u003c\/a\u003e avoid shadows cast between two points. The wall colour and the ceiling height change the final result. Better to spread several weaker points than concentrate a single very powerful one in the centre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to arrange spotlights on the ceiling of a living room or hallway?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a line along a worktop, in a square above a table, in a row along the axis of a passage, with grazing light near a wall to highlight a surface. In a living room, several spread points are better than one central spotlight. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/spots-pour-couloir\"\u003eSpotlights for hallways and circulation areas\u003c\/a\u003e follow one another from end to end, while \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/spots-pour-chambre\"\u003ebedroom spotlights\u003c\/a\u003e are aimed at the walls rather than the bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"brancher\"\u003eHow to wire 12V spotlights, in series or in parallel?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12V spotlights are wired in parallel: each spotlight then receives the same voltage and keeps working if another fails, whereas a series setup cuts out as soon as one point goes dark. You must switch off the power, respect the polarity and stay within the maximum wattage of the transformer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to wire a 12 volt LED?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwitch off the power at the breaker, identify the positive and negative on the spotlight and on the power supply, then connect respecting the polarity. Reversing prevents it from lighting without destroying the LED, but a loose terminal heats up. Check the cable cross-section over the length of the run. If in doubt about the diagram, call an electrician.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan several 12V spotlights be connected to the same transformer?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd up the wattage of the connected spotlights and stay below the maximum wattage stated on the power supply, keeping a margin. Beyond that, the transformer heats up and the LEDs flicker or go out. The setup is done in parallel, each spotlight keeping the same voltage. To adjust the intensity, go for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/spots-a-variateur\"\u003edimmable spotlights\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"clignote\"\u003eWhy does my 12V LED spotlight flicker and how to stop it?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 12V LED spotlight that flickers almost always comes from its power supply: transformer too tight or not LED-compatible, unsuitable dimmer, loose connection. An LED that stays faintly lit with the switch off often comes from the residual current in the circuit. First check the transformer, then the connections, then the dimmer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy does an LED bulb stay lit when the switch is off?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the switch off, a weak residual current can keep circulating in the circuit and be enough to make an LED glow, since it consumes very little. A poorly matched dimmer or a power supply not intended for LEDs makes the phenomenon worse. Replacing the power supply with a model designed for LEDs often solves the problem. If in doubt, a check by an electrician settles it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to stop a 12V LED spotlight from flickering?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst check the transformer: wattage too tight or a model not intended for LEDs. Then tighten the connections, a loose terminal is enough to make a spotlight shimmer. Finally check the compatibility of the dimmer. If the flickering persists, replace the power supply. The \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/spots-encastrables-a-variateur\"\u003erecessed dimmable spotlights\u003c\/a\u003e are designed for a dedicated control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"choisir\"\u003eWhich 12V spotlight to choose: recessed, adjustable, white or black?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fixed recessed 12V spotlight lights straight along the axis and stays discreet; an adjustable model lets you direct the beam towards a worktop, a wall or a piece of art. The colour matters just as much: white to disappear into a painted ceiling, black to draw a deliberate line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eRecessed or adjustable 12V spotlight: which to choose?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fixed recessed model disappears into the ceiling and gives even light, ideal in a hallway or around the perimeter of a room. An adjustable model is directed towards a worktop, a niche or a piece of furniture. Before drilling, note the cut-out diameter on the product sheet: that is what decides what fits into the existing hole. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/spots-led-orientables\"\u003eAdjustable spotlights\u003c\/a\u003e cover both uses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhite or black 12V spotlight: what effect?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite blends into a painted ceiling and stays invisible, which is what \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/spots-encastrables-coloris-blanc\"\u003ewhite recessed spotlights\u003c\/a\u003e are for. Black draws a deliberate graphic line, carried by \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/spots-coloris-noir\"\u003eblack finishes\u003c\/a\u003e. The material changes the effect: brushed metal reflects a soft light, a model with a crafted design becomes a decorative element, like \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/spots-design\"\u003edesigner spotlights\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"erreurs\"\u003eWhat mistakes to avoid with 12V lighting?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most common mistakes with 12V: mixing 12V and 220V spotlights on the same circuit, undersizing the transformer, recessing a model unsuitable for a damp room, or drilling before checking the cut-out diameter and the compatibility of the dimmer with LEDs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTransformer, driver, dimmer: what compatibility?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA conventional transformer does not always power LEDs: a driver intended for them avoids flickering. The dimmer must also be stated as LED-compatible, otherwise the intensity jumps in steps. Check that the total wattage of the spotlights stays below that of the power supply. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/spots-encastrables-coloris-noir\"\u003eBlack recessed spotlights\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/spots-orientables-coloris-noir\"\u003eblack adjustable spotlights\u003c\/a\u003e are installed like the others, only the finish changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBathroom and outdoor: the forgotten IP rating\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA spotlight intended for a dry ceiling resists neither condensation nor splashes. The IP rating and the material are written on the product sheet: read them before buying. Multiplying spotlights in the same place also creates unnecessary hot spots. Spread the light, even if it means reducing the wattage of each point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"designix\"\u003eWhy order your 12V spotlights from Designix?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Designix, payment is secure, delivery is tracked, returns are possible and customer service answers compatibility questions. All useful points when choosing a 12V spotlight whose transformer, base or cut-out diameter must match the existing setup. Compare the colours in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003ethe Designix lighting catalogue\u003c\/a\u003e, then confirm your configuration: swapping a spotlight stays simple, a poorly chosen transformer costs a full removal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"faq\"\u003eFrequently asked questions about 12V spotlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow many spotlights in a kitchen?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe number depends on the surface area, the ceiling height and the zones to light: worktop, sink, table. Count one point per work zone rather than a fixed number, spreading the spotlights to avoid shadows cast and dark areas between two points.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow to wire spotlights in series or parallel?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn parallel, each spotlight receives the same voltage and the circuit stays on if a spotlight fails: this is the setup used in 12V. In series, a failure cuts everything and the voltage is divided between the points. Switch off the power before any work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow to arrange spotlights on the ceiling?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn a line along a worktop or a hallway, in a square above a table, around the perimeter to make a room feel bigger, or near a wall for grazing light. The idea is to spread the light, not concentrate it in the centre of the ceiling.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the difference between a 220V spotlight and a 12V spotlight?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 220V spotlight connects directly to the mains, the 12V spotlight needs a transformer or a driver that steps down the voltage. The 12V slips more easily into a false ceiling or a renovation, and its power supply is placed away from the fixture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhy does my 12V LED spotlight bulb flicker?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eFlickering most often comes from the power supply: transformer too tight compared with the total wattage, model not intended for LEDs, incompatible dimmer or loose connection. Check the transformer and its LED compatibility, then tighten the connections before replacing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhy does the bulb flicker when the switch is off?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith the switch off, a weak residual current can circulate in the circuit and be enough to make an LED shimmer, since it consumes very little. A poorly matched dimmer makes the phenomenon worse. Replacing the power supply with an LED-compatible model often solves the problem.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow to wire a 12 volt LED?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eSwitch off the power, identify the positive and negative on the spotlight and on the power supply, then connect respecting the polarity. The transformer must cover the total wattage of the connected spotlights. If in doubt about the cable cross-section or the diagram, call an electrician.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eIs a 12V spotlight suitable for a bathroom or an outdoor area?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, provided you choose a model whose IP rating and material match the humidity of the room. This information appears on each product sheet: check it before buying, because a spotlight intended for a dry ceiling will not withstand condensation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"CollectionPage\",\"name\":\"12V spotlights: the guide to low-voltage spotlights, recessed or adjustable\",\"description\":\"12V low-voltage spotlights: how to choose between recessed, adjustable, IP65 or with a transformer, and where to place them depending on the room and use.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/spots-12v\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"name\":\"Designix\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\"},\"speakable\":{\"@type\":\"SpeakableSpecification\",\"cssSelector\":[\"h1\",\"h2\"]}},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Lighting\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/luminaire\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Spotlights\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/spots\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"12V spotlights: the guide to low-voltage spotlights, recessed or adjustable\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/spots-12v\"}]},{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How many spotlights in a kitchen?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The number depends on the surface area, the ceiling height and the zones to light: worktop, sink, table. 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