LED lights offer the same light quality, are 90% more energy efficient than old fashioned bulbs, and will last of 25 years when used 3 hours a day. They are a little more expensive, but well worth the extra cost. For us it is LEDs every time. Should the Downlights be Fire Rated?

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.

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If you are unsure of the best product for your home improvement project, a member of our knowledgeable team will be happy to assist. We have years of industry experience that we are only too happy to share with our loyal customers. Shop Online for Reliable Accessories and Lighting Cable 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 I take it this all falls under the Part P in which case does the certifier need to have access to everything such as under the floorboards? 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. 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.

Square downlights are a relatively recent thing and are quite modern and contemporary in appearance. Although they are called square it’s really only the actual housing that’s square, not the actual bulb, this is still the standard type GU10 or MR16 round bulb, however if you are looking for something a little different then they certainly stand out.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 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 Warm white is an excellent choice for a bedroom or living room, providing a softer ambient feel to the atmosphere. Additionally, dimmable LED downlights are available. These can be dimmable using traditional analogue controls, which can also be operated VIA mobile phone or tablet device.

Top Tip: Often you will have yet to have plastered the ceiling, so drawing on it is no problem as the plaster will cover any marks you make. However if it’s already finished, try to limit any markings and use a pencil so that you can rub out afterwards. 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. Smoke alarms from Aico - The market leading Aico Easi-Fit series is easy to installation with its plug-in base design 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. In terms of the actual source, if it’s a brand new circuit then it will probably run from it’s own MCB in the consumer unit however if it’s an existing circuit, for example a single kitchen light is being turned into multiple string of downlights, then any new cableing will likely run from the existing supply cable, but your electrician will know what’s suitable and will conform to the regulations.Once drilled, go above the ceiling to confirm that each one will be clear to cut or drill the larger hole for the down lighter without hitting anything.

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 Now we’ve got the important safety information out the way, let’s get on with the rest of the information. Types of Downlights 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 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.

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Another factor is that by drilling lots of holes in the ceiling, this can also affect how fire spreads in the event of a fire; the ceiling will slow the spread of a fire but it will not be as effective if it is peppered with holes for downlights. There are fire rated downlights which should be use in these situations, and we suggest should always be used for safety’s sake. 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. 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 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.