Willin Posted May 1, 2015 Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 I am close to final assembly of this cherry display case, which has two interior lights. Two inch pucks, each with a single 5w xenon bulb, running at 12 volts. The pucks mount into holes in a dropped false top, and there is about two inches of enclosed dead space above the false top and the 7/8-inch top. Should this space be vented with some holes drilled through the back? Would vents really do anything? I turned on the xray view when taking screenshots of my Sketchup model so you can see where the lighting goes, and get a sense of the enclosed space above the lighting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted May 1, 2015 Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 Xenon, YES! Try to allow for some make up air to enter from below. I would walk very carefully around these hot bulbs in an enclosure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beechwood Chip Posted May 1, 2015 Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 For each bulb, I'd put one hole in the back and one hole directly above the bulb. Is there a particular reason not to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post wtnhighlander Posted May 1, 2015 Popular Post Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 I would switch to LED pucks, if possible. Far less heat generated. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxdabroxx Posted May 1, 2015 Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 It would be a lot cooler if you could get LED pucks, I'm sure you've designed around the ones you've got however. But venting wouldn't be necessary with the LEDs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted May 1, 2015 Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 I too would prefer the LEDs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FtrPilot Posted May 1, 2015 Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 Probably sounds like piling on, but add one more vote for LEDs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RPCV_Woodworker Posted May 1, 2015 Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 Did anyone else reflexively click their mousewheel to try and rotate the picture? +1 to LEDs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted May 1, 2015 Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 I'll add my 2 cents. LEDs for sure. They're cooler, use about 1/5 the power & last almost forever. Be aware of what color temperature you get. Around 3000K will put out a warm light that looks much like halogen. 4000 - 5000K is a nice crisp white light. Much above 5000K gets looking blue, which would not be a good look. It's a matter of personal preference, but I think the 3000K range would look best in a wooden display case light that. Although if what you have in the case is silver, diamonds, or decorative crystal then the 4000 - 5000K will really make them pop. A good lighting store should have displays that will make your choice easier. The LED market is rife with really cheap, low quality product (think most ebay stuff). Stick with the good name brands & don't be afraid to spend a few bucks. A piece of fine furniture like that deserves it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted May 1, 2015 Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 Not sure if anyone has mentioned LEDs yet, but that's a much safer and less heat generating alternative. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted May 1, 2015 Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 Cree brand LED emitters are some of the best ones available. Cree doesn't always make the fixture but the actual LED chip. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted May 1, 2015 Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 FYI, I get pretty tunneled about answering the question asked. Given the discussion and my experience with Xenon, I also sway toward LED in my preference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted May 1, 2015 Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 .... but if you are stuck with Xenon pucks, vent the heck out of it! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted May 2, 2015 Report Share Posted May 2, 2015 Yes, Cree are among the best along with Philips (Luxeon & Lumileds). We have installed Senso Lighting products extensively for several years & they are very good (and expensive). They are a fixture manufacturer but I don't know off hand who's chips they use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neoOberon Posted May 3, 2015 Report Share Posted May 3, 2015 As everyone else stated, LED's are the way to go. Even if you vent for xenon, it'll still be hotter than LED's. The excess heat will dry out your wood, may cause warping and is a potential fire hazard down the road. I'm not an expert, just my two cents.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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