[Jack Goldberg]

Hi,
I'm new to the forum. I am building a new timberframe style home with high ceilings that my architect designed to be lite by 10 (!) cable lighting systems. It will be lovely. The house is half-built and I am now looking at cable systems and I was shocked to find that typical cable system costs about $1,000 each. That is except for the Ikea Termosfar system which only costs $65. My only worry is that these Ikea systems, especially the transformers, will break within a year or two. I'd appreciate anyone's experience with the Termosfar systems.
Thanks

[GardenOfDarwin]

Hi Jack! Welcome to IKEAFANS!

while I don't have the answer to your question, I did want to say hi and let you know that I've moved your thread to the Assembly and Installation forum so that it will get the attention it deserves.

Susan

[bogiesan]

Originally Posted by Jack Goldberg

Hi,
I'm new to the forum. I am building a new timberframe style home with high ceilings that my architect designed to be lite by 10 (!) cable lighting systems. It will be lovely. The house is half-built and I am now looking at cable systems and I was shocked to find that typical cable system costs about $1,000 each. That is except for the Ikea Termosfar system which only costs $65. My only worry is that these Ikea systems, especially the transformers, will break within a year or two. I'd appreciate anyone's experience with the Termosfar systems.
Thanks

Never built a house, eh? If you are concerned about the lighting systems, you'd better start looking at the rest of your home's plans this architect of yours has drawn up. Your architect obviously has different tastes than you do. Someone who will spec $10,000 in lighting without their client's direct involvement and approval has some other surprises for you.

We have had excellent experience with several different low voltage Ikea lighting products. You can find similar systems at any home center or lighting supplier. You will find a huge range of prices and quality. It is the finish and ease of adjustment of the lamp units that make the prices jump. The support systems vary widely, too, in elegance and sturdiness.

david boise ID

[kelly]

Hi Jack! Welcome to IKEFANS!! I'd love to hear more about your home- it sounds beautiful and I'm sure it will be a quality job. I've not had an IKEA lighting system, but I did have some Home Depot cable lighting that I really liked and performed well for more than 4 years- it was less than $500.

Welcome!!

[Tigratrus]

Didn't jackww use them in his kitchen? http://www.ikeafans.com/forums/yes-i...akt-white.html

Ironic that he's Jack too...

James

[dennisdvideo]

Hi Jack!

Having been dismayed in the distant past by cable lighting prices I built my own. I used braided stainless yacht cable, stainless fittings, 120v to 12v generic transformers, and low-voltage bulbs and sockets. These and similar items are now readily available on the web and would enable several rooms of DIY 12v cable lighting infrastructure to be built for a fraction of $1,000.

Regarding the $1,000 cable systems available through lighting designers and high-end lighting retailers, well... most of that price is just unconscionable markup. I will say, however, that while the generic cabling, fittings, transformers, and lamp components available are cost-effective and easily configured, the aesthetic design of the lamp assembly can be troublesome for a polished result.

To the point of your question: I installed three IKEA cable systems when remodeling a friend's kitchen a few years ago. They look great, are often commented upon, and have performed without issue the whole time. They are an extraordinary bargain IMO .

If you like the look of IKEA's lamps GO FOR IT - the transformers, cables, and fittings will perform as well as the more expensive brands. Very likely they are exactly the same :-)

dennis

	IMO definition IMO means In My Opinion

[karinastark]

Do you know if I can use a longer cable for my Termosfar. In the instructions says max 6m or 20'. Do you think it will be expensive to buy new cables? Mines are cut according my old house, now that I havea new house, I want to instal my Termosfar but the cables are too short.

Thank you,

Karina

quote=Jack Goldberg;77539]Hi,
I'm new to the forum. I am building a new timberframe style home with high ceilings that my architect designed to be lite by 10 (!) cable lighting systems. It will be lovely. The house is half-built and I am now looking at cable systems and I was shocked to find that typical cable system costs about $1,000 each. That is except for the Ikea Termosfar system which only costs $65. My only worry is that these Ikea systems, especially the transformers, will break within a year or two. I'd appreciate anyone's experience with the Termosfar systems.
Thanks[/quote]

[Jeremy Crooks]

Hi, I have just installed a used Norrsken system with stratosfar lights in my house that I bought off of ebay. A good experience overall. It has a dimmer, and the transformer does buzz a little. The former owner said that he heard that too, but it's not enough to be annoying.