How do I buy LED downlights?

When choosing downlights the LED option is a balance between efficiency (watts) and brightness (lumens). For example, if you usually use a 60-watt incandescent bulb, you now probably want to choose a LED downlight that uses 8 to 12 watts and has a lumen rating of 800 for the same amount of illumination.

Do you need an electrician to install LED downlights?

The simple answer is – yes. There is no extra wiring involved or nothing different with what would be for a normal downlight.

Which LED downlights are best?

Choosing the best LED downlights for you

• Lieber polished Chrome GU10 Fire rated IP65 square downlight.
• Lieber Rose Gold GU10 Fire rated IP65 square downlight.
• Lieber Graphite Grey GU10 Fire rated IP65 downlight.
• Lieber Graphite Grey GU10 Fire rated IP65 square downlight.

How long do LED downlights last?

Many LED lights are quoted at having 50,000 hours of efficient, quality light. Keep in mind that 50,000 hours is approximately 50 times longer than other types of incandescent bulbs and is 25 times longer than most halogen lights.

Can I replace my halogen downlights with LED?

Fortunately, upgrading Halogen MR16 light bulbs to LED is usually a painless affair, as most LED light bulbs are now designed to retrofit to existing light fittings. All you have to do to swap your old light bulbs out is remove them from the light fixture and fit the new, shiny light bulbs in their place.

Can I install LED downlights myself?

Each down light should have its own power plug. If they are plugged in then it is a simple DIY job if you ever need to replace them or temporarily remove them (say to paint a ceiling) – and that means you do not need to get an electrician in at $75 per hour to do it!

Can I install my own downlights?

Fitting downlights is a job that you can do yourself, however like any electrical DIY project if you are not totally sure about what you are doing them you should get a professional electrician to assist you.

What cable is used for downlights?

For power sockets you’ll need 2.5mm and for downlights you’ll need 1mm or 1.5mm. Twin & earth cable which is available in various sizes. Known as 6242Y cable, it is used primarily for domestic wiring of switches, sockets and lighting. For power sockets you’ll need 2.5mm and for downlights you’ll need 1mm or 1.5mm.

Can led downlights be plugged into a surface socket?

Many LED downlights now come equipped with flex and plug so surface socket outlets allow these downlights to be plugged-in just like any standard appliance. This allows you to easily replace a broken/faulty downlight by yourself in the event of a failure.

Do you need an electrician to install LED downlight kits?

LED downlight kits have everything you need and can be brighter than other options. However, they do need to be installed by an electrician. Most light bulbs are rated in watts. LED lights are a little different and are rated in lumens. It makes sense, since watts is a measure of power output, but lumens is a measure of light.

How do I install a new LED light?

To install a new LED, simply put it back in the socket in the reverse of the above step (ie if you had to twist it anti-clockwise, this time twist it clockwise) and replace the clips. Twist the face plate and make sure to support it well as it will drop out of the socket, with the LED attached.

How do I change the face plate on my downlight?

Twist the face plate and make sure to support it well as it will drop out of the socket, with the LED attached. To separate the two, unfasten the clip and unscrew the LED. Twist in a new LED, put the metal clip back on and then refasten the face plate. Changing a downlight with removable face plate