Topic: Fozz Vog downlights with CFL bulbs? (Skamp?)

Fozz Vog downlights with CFL bulbs? (Skamp?) 

>>was also very impressed by the smaller GU10 Fozz
>> 'Vog' fittinng, again F-rated and due to the smaller
>>CFL bulb they reach 80% brightness within 6 sec

Skamp, you out there? I am considering these fittings for our lounge/diner. The Planex ones were great for the bedrooms but the light up is too slow for the lounge/dining area I think. Also I noticed that my UK supplier has these Vog fittings now at just GBP3 each :)

So wanted to ask you, did you get your Fozz Vogs in NZ and which bulbs did you get for them? I see they are normal GU10 halogen style fittings but looks like you fitted CFL bulbs? If so which ones did you get that only took 6 seconds to get going?
Cheers in advance, Nick

Re: Fozz Vog downlights with CFL bulbs? (Skamp?) 

Just for info the nice man at www.lampspecs.co.uk is quoting me GBP3.05 for each of the Fozz Vog fittings plus 4.40 (8k hours) or 6.82 (15k hours) for the matching CFL bulb. Delivery to nz is pretty cheap and fast, and their website automatically deducts the UK tax off at the end. All in all I am pretty impressed with this supplier and the lights - less than NZ$15 each + postage for a super eco, modern downlight that you can insulate right over the top off - great!

Re: Fozz Vog downlights with CFL bulbs? (Skamp?) 

Hi Nick, we went with the Vog fittings for all of our hallways and bedrooms - sourced locally (on special I think for about $30 each - too much!), but that included a Megaman CFL, which at the time I intended to use. But, I then got a bit carried away and ditched the CFLs in favour of 7W Philips LEDs, which I also sourced locally (was actually cheaper than Lampspecs at the time). Not exactly an inexpensive option but I'm hoping it's worth it. If you don't know about these sites already take a look at:

http://www.lightpower.co.nz/, http://www.ledstuff.co.nz/, http://www.nzlightingltd.co.nz/

All have been great to deal with, as too has been Lampspecs and if you intend to stick with CFLs they seem to be the pick of suppliers.

On the 6s warmup thing I think that's probably a bit of wishful thinking. That's something I read somewhere (or maybe a salesman said it to me)! I have been testing them but honestly the Megaman bulbs take a good 30-40s to warm up properly, which is one of the reasons we've swapped them out for LEDs. However, if you can live with that slight downside they're definitely a very cost effective option.

BTW I can't see anything special about the Vog fittings that makes them any safer than any other downlight fitting to insulate over, OTHER than that they are designed to house only low wattage CFL or LED bulbs, both of which run cooler than equivalent halogens or incandescents. I think by virtue of being Swiss designed they come with paperwork that is up to date with modern building standards, which specifically calls out the F rating and that insulating over them is fine. What I'm effectively saying is that it seems that it is the bulb, moreso than the fitting, that is the real reason for the F rating.

Re: Fozz Vog downlights with CFL bulbs? (Skamp?) 

Oh yeah and I also picked up a few Fozz Opera fittings for the bathrooms. These seem to be a sealed version of the Vog, and were great value from Lampspecs.

Re: Fozz Vog downlights with CFL bulbs? (Skamp?) 

Nice one, thanks for all the info skamp. Also about the Opera, did not know about that one.

I found a local version, the 'Ecobulb', they do a downlight fitting but the promo video suggests it needs as much clearance as a regular halogen (?). Also, just Googling Ecobulb brings up lots of complaint letters to the ODT about them - seems the quality - in the past if not now - was not great. So I will stick to the Fozz :)

Re: Fozz Vog downlights with CFL bulbs? (Skamp?) 

Yeah there's a lot os misinformation and confusion out there regarding clearances. I had the insulation guys quoting NZS 4246:2006 at me, which states that no downlight can be covered, ever. Upon reading it becomes obvious that 4246 refers to halogens and incandescents, not CFLs and LEDs, so is basically behind the times. NZECP54 is what the sparky's seem to work to, and ours had no issue signing off on the vog/LED combo provided I could supply to appropriate documentation. I think that with some manufacturers (I found this especially with LED fittings from Aus) they'll just err on the side of caution and demand clearances all around.. so as mentioned I think it's worth sticking with Euro brands for this reason (at least for now) - they tend to be a bit ahead :)

Re: Fozz Vog downlights with CFL bulbs? (Skamp?) 

Its interesting about the warmup time - I did ask Megaman direct, who said "All our CFL lamps take up to 90 seconds to reach their maximum light output." So the Planex and Vog CFL bulbs should perform the same. Mind you, they did give me inaccurate information once before when I asked about the insulation clearances.

I think on reflection we will stick with the Planex and CFLs in the new dropped lounge ceiling. They will have plenty of clearance from the insulation panels above and I like the subtle white design. Also the price ;) And just live with the warmup time I guess.
But the idea of getting the Vogs and then swapping to LED bulbs in them, if the warmup is too slow, is pretty smart too. Where did you find the best prices for the GU10 LEDs if I can ask please?

Re: Fozz Vog downlights with CFL bulbs? (Skamp?) 

I believe it was six seconds to reach 80% brightness, or something like that. Whatever the case, it's not true.

I bought 7w Philips LEDs from lightpower.co.nz. I note though that they've gone up considerably from the $40 each I paid. However, the 6.5w bulb they have for $25 looks like a good deal.