Ok ok, I'm back on this topic again (I can see you rolling your eyes!).
I took my hubby to look at the Beacon Lighting display (a different one to last time) and they had a great variety on display - your standard halogens, CFL, LED, etc.
The CFL have to be 240V, yet we were quick to notice, and the sales lady pointed out that the 240V lights (for 50W halogens) are MUCH lighter - as in, the 12V are brighter in comparison. They had 50W halogens with 11W CFL's (equivalent light) in the 240V display, but they just didn't seem bright enough - they were lucky to cast light onto the shelf below, but then it was daytime and would look different at night; whereas the 12V halogens cast a nice bright light. She explained that it may be beneficial to put the 12V halogen type in areas where you need bright light - such as the kitchen, and put 240V CFL's in area that don't need to be bright, such as the lounge, bedrooms, etc.
1) Is there a reason that the 12V are brighter than the 240V considering that both take a 50W halogen light, therefore should use the same energy?
2) Does anyone know if they will bring out CFL's that are brighter than the 11W and possibly a 12V type (I have no idea if it's possible, feasible, etc)?
3) Should we bother mixing the different types (12V and 240V) or just put the one throughout?
We really want to get it right as it will be so much easier to do as we build than have to start replacing stuff later on.
Thanks,
Ray.