I am trying to decide whether to purchase halogen light fixtures for the bathroom or stick with conventional incandescent fixtures. I understand that most halogen fixtures require a 110-12V transformer to be installed, either hardwired or attached to the electrical box. As these are apt to break down and get hot, I have 2 conerns: 1) replcaing the transformer will require breaking away the drywall around the electrical box and 2) transformers tend to get warm and I am concerned if this can be a hazard.

I'd appreciate any advice or experience with halogen fixtures. They do shed more light and offer a variety of more contemporary lighting styles, hence my interest.

There are two type - regular and low voltage. The low voltage requires the transformer and is used in places that would be dangerous using the hot regular bulb.

I have the regular in my basement ceiling. They are wired like any other fixture. The bulbs do get HOT, so be careful.

I have many low voltage transformers where I work and three 120 volt halogen ceiling lights.Transformers are safe and usually have a decent life to them.The halogen fixtures however get hot enough to cause concern.

It is not safe to install the transformers in the walls were they will be sealed in, It is also against code. They do get hot and need to be accessible and ventilated.