Despite the fact that they are fixed it is possible to also get adjustable versions that can be angled to project light over adjacent areas. IP44 Downlights Mark the ceiling at the centre of each spot. Keeping everything level and inline is a real task, especially on a ceiling, so for this the best tool to use is a laser level so that you have a perfect straight line to work along. Once the first set of markings are done then it’s easy to work out from this. Space additional lights so they’re 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m) apart. If you want multiple downlights in your room, mark out the spots on your ceiling where you want to install them. Keep them about 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) away from one another so you get even lighting in your room without it getting too bright. [4] X Research source Once all the cables are run then the base of each loop is cut (if looped) and each end stripped off or if a single cable, the end of this is stripped and then a junction box or connector (usually called a chocbox) is used to connect the cable of the light to the supply and also the other end of the cable that runs to the next light.

Now we’ve got the important safety information out the way, let’s get on with the rest of the information. Types of Downlights 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. As with any building or construction related task there are a list of rules and regulations governing how a particular job should be done and, more importantly, exactly who can do it. Due to the dangers associated with electricity, the regulations are extremely strict and rightly so.The very first job before anything else is to isolate the circuit that’s being worked on. This is done by either removing the fuse, if the supply is from an old style fuse box or by switching off the MCB if it’s a consumer unit. You don’t want him or her turning up and stating that you have the wrong type for the area they are to be fitted in. IP20 Downlights If you don’t have a laser level you can easily hire one. If not then you will need to measure and mark out from each wall and use a spirit level. Get an extra pair of hands for this, you’ll need them! I've just realised though, I'm not clear on where to actually connect the first downlight to the existing light switch. To me, the simplest way is to join the 1mm T&E to the first downlight is in the (please see photo) existing ceiling rose itself although there's already 3 of them, is that still acceptable? 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

Generally there are springs on the side of the light unit which is going to be recessed into the ceiling. Squeeze these in so that the light can be pushed up into the hole that you have cut out. 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. 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. 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!

For instance, an IP65 LED downlight can be placed directly above a shower to light up your bathrooms. Or they can be installed above your stove for safer cooking. These rooms are best suited to cool white lights that provide a sharp and intense lighting solution. Although, warmer lighting options are also available.

Additionally, as downlights are mostly installed in kitchens and bathrooms then these are regarded as “special locations” and the electrics in areas such as these can only be worked on by, again, a Part P registered electrician. Carefully insert the screwdriver into the gap between the plate and the ceiling, then apply gentle pressure to relieve the fitting. Next, detach the bulb by unclipping it from the fixture. 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 LED downlights (downlighters or recessed ceiling downlights, as some call them) are a fantastic choice for providing your room with a sleek and minimalistic finish. It offers a style of lighting that is especially popular amongst contemporary interiors - this is attributed to the lights being positioned within the ceiling itself. This allows for a perfect, discrete fitting for an unobtrusive presence.

It is also worth noting that this fixture is not just for your home. As a result of the ever advancements in technology this has enabled the possibility of LEDs being brighter than any other lighting solution currently available. In addition, the versatility of LED downlights makes them suitable for commercial operations. With standard downlighters you can change the bulb as normal. Which offer more flexibility should you need to, or if you want to change to a different tone light. The big danger is that if one light fails and you cannot get a matching replacement, if the model has been discontinued for example (which might well happen in the long life of these lights), then you have to replace the whole lot if you want them to match. Tools and Products Needed for Fitting Downlights Turn off the power to the area at your circuit breaker. Find the electrical control box in your home, usually located in the basement, utility room, or hallway. Locate the breaker that controls the area of your home where you plan on installing your downlights. Flip the breaker switch to the off position to cut power to that part of your home. [10] X Expert Source Daniel Stoescu In these instances running new cables if needed can be a real job, fortunately there is a way to fish cables through walls and ceiling; See our fishing cables through walls and ceilings project here for more information.

The next step is getting the cables run in for the lights. Generally, the electrician doing the work will run a cable from the consumer unit or from an existing source down to the switch that’s being used to control them and then out to each hole. A loop is pulled or pushed through each hole before it’s run on to the next hole. If you have any questions regarding fire rated downlight - do not hesitate to get in touch with us today. A member of our team will be more than happy to assist you in choosing the right LED option for your needs, whether it be at home or in the workplace. Run wires through your walls to the spot you’re installing the light. You can either attach the lights to an existing switch or you can add a new switch on your circuit. Feed a 14/2 cable through the wall using a wire tape so it lines up with the area where you’re placing the light. The 14/2 cable contains 1 hot wire, 1 neutral, and 1 ground.

Once it’s been fully tested he will then issue you a minor works certificate to prove all has been done to the regulations standard! Like their IP20 counterparts they are also available as adjustable meaning that you can change the angle of the light to project elsewhere, however there aren’t that many manufacturers that produce these. Square Downlights – Single to Quadruple BTW, at this point, I'm not sure if I'm going to switch the downlights on using the existing switch for the ceiling rose which I'll still be using for another light. It just depends on whether I can feed another switch cable up the channeling. Another excellent feature of a modern LED downlight is that you can now use them with smart devices such as iPhones or tablets - whichever you prefer. With the release of popular assistants such as Alexa, Siri and Google - you can turn your lights on or off as you would expect. In regards to the number of downlights that you need, this is dependent on which room they will be used and for what purpose they will serve. For example, will they be used as the primary lighting source or for a particular task? You may wish to install an LED downlight as the primary lighting source across your living room or to highlight your food preparation area in your kitchen.