Typically domestic downlights use a cut out of 80mm, although there is a huge range from anything from 30mm to 200mm and more. Mini downlighters usually require cut outs in the region of 60mm, and under cabinet lights are less than 50mm. Smoke alarms from Aico - The market leading Aico Easi-Fit series is easy to installation with its plug-in base design Yes, you can replace old downlights with an LED alternative. However, getting an electrician to do the changeover from halogen to LEDs is advisable. If you're not knowledgeable about lighting and electrics, leaving it to the professionals to guarantee correct and safe installation is better. You can instead do the replacement of the LED bulbs once your fixture is already transitioned to an LED one. It’s also worth mentioning that, traditionally for special locations, you would need to use low voltage downlights. These feature a step down transformer that coverts the 230/240 volt electric down to 12v, which, in the event of an issue, poses much less of a risk than full voltage. As the name suggests, these types of downlights are actually plastered into the ceiling to create a much more contemporary and minimal look and feel. Despite the fact that they are essentially permanently fitted into the ceiling, bulbs can still be easily changed in the unlikely (with modern LED bulbs) event they fail.

A good idea to use a dust-catcher when drilling holes above your head. It both saves dust going in your eyes and onto the floor. These are the most basic and cheapest type of downlight and represent the most versatile type as they can be used in a variety of locations and rooms, except really for any of the special locations e.g. bathrooms and the likes where they would require an IP rating to prevent any water ingress. The other key measurement for fitting is the height as the space above the ceiling will determine what you can use. Larger lights with larger cut outs will generally have a greater height. Typical heights for 80mm cut out lights are in the region of 75 – 110mm typically, although it is possible to find “low profile” models should space be really tight.The big thing to watch out for is where the joist or any other obstructions might be. If you cannot get access from above, either from the loft or by lifting the floor boards, use a stud detector to do this and also to see if there are any pipes or cables that are going to cause you problems. When it comes to electrics and the regulations, the relevant documents to adhere are the BS7671 Wiring Regulations and Part P of the Building Regulations. In this DIY guide we take a look at all aspects of downlights including how they are installed. Rules and Regulations for Downlights and Electrics Aside form the typical single downlight, square downlights are also available in double, triple and quadruple variants, with 2, 3 or 4 bulbs in the same unit. Again some manufacturers also make adjustable versions. Plaster-in Downlights

Before anything actually gets installed it’s important to know about the different types of downlights and where they should be used, especially if you are buying your own lights to be later fitted by an electrician. At this point you will have the connected downlights hanging from the ceiling. All that remains is insert the light into its place in the ceiling. Once the holes are marked you are ready to cut them out; you can do this by hand using a Plasterboard or Pad Saw or preferably you could use a hole saw.It’s also essential that the correct cable is used. In most cases 1mm twin and earth should be fine but if it’s a particularly long circuit, there are many lights or they are particularly powerful then 1.5mm twin and earth will need to be used. The electrician doing the work will know exactly what to use. In terms of the size of hole, there are three key dimensions that you need to make a note of for fitting your lights:

Finally, once the circuit is yet again tested to ensure it’s isolated, the end of the supply cable is connected to it’s MCB, if it’s a brand new circuit, or if an existing circuit, most likely using a junction box, is then connected to the existing supply. Step 4 – Inserting Downlights into your Ceiling The next job is to confirm that, by fitting downlights, this isn’t going to compromise fire safety or the Building Regulations. This is really only a consideration for old style downlights or low voltage lighting that uses a transformer. If fitting modern LED’s, they produce hardly any heat so should be fine. Having spot lights recessed into your ceiling is a fantastic way to light a room, especially where it is not practical to have other types of lighting, such as a pendant lights and the similar as due to their directional nature, pendant lights are not as effective, particularly in bathrooms or kitchens. Lamp holders & spares - If you're converting from MR16 to GU10, we've got GU10 lampholders available that allow you to convert your existing downlights into mains voltage GU10 The IP65 downlight is mainly exclusively used for installations in bathrooms as they feature a built-in seal that prevents pretty much any and all water, moisture and dust ingress, even pressurised!

Types of Downlights

This has resulted in recessed lighting becoming a common component in most homes. Most modern homes nowadays heavily imply the use of LED lighting due to their wealth of benefits compared to other incandescent lights. One such benefit is the fact that the average LED light bulb can last anywhere from 50,000 hours. Another incredible safety feature is the fact that most LEDs can be installed near water - and in most cases, fully submerged. How many downlights you will need is dependent on your personal preference, first and foremost. In addition, you need to assess how large the room is as well as what the purpose of the room is.

Hole Saws for Downlights - Manufactured by Starrett, we've got a large selection of hole saws from 14mm to 121mm on offer If the lights are being zoned e.g. 2 separate switches will control 2 separate banks of lights, your electrician will wire this appropriately. As they are fixed they only project light straight downwards but as long as they are sensibly spaced across a ceiling then they will project more than enough light to prevent any shadows or shaded areas.Cut out – This is the size of the hole you need to cut in the ceiling to insert the light. This dimension is normally provided on the box containing the light or stated in the instructions In essence, a downlight is a light fitting that illuminates in a downward direction to specifically brighten an area directly below. They are most commonly recessed into the ceiling, so you only see a small part of the fitting below the ceiling.