Low voltage halogen lamps offer a brighter, crisper light than standard incandescent lamps and a significantly longer lamp life. They provide a precise and even light distribution and energy savings of about 20 compared to incandescent lamps offering the same light output. Where a softer light is required this can be achieved by installing a dimmer switch.
In choosing the right halogen lamp for your application the most important points to consider are the lamp life you require - especially important when installing downlights in hard to access places - and the beam spread you desire. For general and task lighting the wide beam FNV (60 degree beam) and EXN (40 degree beam) is the ideal, while the narrower beam of EXT (10 degree beam) lamps is suited to accent lighting.