Max 20w downlighters - why?

[Carol1]

I brought some downlights from Wickes reduced to 97p each including the transformer and lamp. I only noticed that it was a maximum of 20w when I opened the box. I am interested in knowing what part of the kit is setting the maximum of 20w. The transformer has 'max 4.9a' written on it which, with my limited knowldege of ohms, seems to mean it can take more the 20w. The connector bit looks just the same as other downlights I have seen.
20w will be sufficient I am sure, but wondered what would happen if someone added a 50w lamp at a later date

 

[ban-all-sheds]

They might find out the hard way that the rating is due to the capacity of the internal wiring, or of it's ability to deal with heat.

 

[hairyben]

I brought some downlights from Wickes reduced to 97p each including the transformer and lamp. I only noticed that it was a maximum of 20w when I opened the box. I am interested in knowing what part of the kit is setting the maximum of 20w. The transformer has 'max 4.9a' written on it which, with my limited knowldege of ohms, seems to mean it can take more the 20w. The connector bit looks just the same as other downlights I have seen.
20w will be sufficient I am sure, but wondered what would happen if someone added a 50w lamp at a later date

I think you'll find the answer in this bit:

97p

I budget around £20 for a 50w downlight, tranny and fire hood. I do this for a living and don't spend more than I have to, with reasonable consideration to cost/reliability.