How To Install Downlights At Home?
March 19, 2024
Clearly, Australia has seen a recent spike in the adoption of energy-efficient LED downlights. To be sure, these LED lights are more energy-efficient and offer superior lighting than conventional bulbs like halogen and incandescent downlights. Additionally, because of their extended lifespan, changing bulbs is less expensive and hassle-free. In the lengthy history of lighting, LED downlights are a relatively cutting-edge alternative.
Depending on your preference, LED downlight installation can be wired or done separately with plugs. However, in our opinion, the plug-in option is the best choice because:
- The cost of hiring an electrician will be lower
- The actual installation of LED downlights can be securely done by you
- Should you need to modify them later, it will be simpler to replace them
What Are Downlights?
Recessed lighting fixtures that fit into a ceiling cavity are called downlights. They’re also referred to as “pot lights” or “can lights.” Due to their sleek, inconspicuous design and ability to give a space a contemporary, fashionable appearance, downlights are very popular. The brightness level can be adjusted to suit your needs as they are adjustable.
Step By Step Installation Process
- Guess How Much Light The Room Requires
Before installing LED downlights, the first step is to determine how much lighting your space needs. To accomplish this, multiply the room’s width and length to determine its total area, then multiply the resulting number by 1.5.
This figure represents the total amount of wattage required to properly light the space. For example, the total size of a room measuring 22 feet long by 17 feet broad is 374 square feet. 374 multiplied by 1.5 equals 56, which is the total wattage of LED lights required to adequately light the space.
- Determine How Many Fixtures Are Appropriate
Finding the right number of lights to use is now possible since you know the overall wattage of lights needed for the space. Divide that amount by the total wattage of the LED lights you intend to utilize.
If you want to utilize 60-watt LEDs and the area needs 561 watts of lighting overall, you will need 9 or 10 bulbs to illuminate the space well.
Be aware that pre-wiring may need to be done by an electrician if you are installing lights in a newly built home.
If you already have lights in your house, you might want to think about switching out your old, halogen downlights for more contemporary LED ones.
To ensure safety, it would be advisable to have each light installed with a power connector by electricians, or alternatively, hardwire them.
- Set The Lights Evenly
To have the biggest impact, you should then equally distribute the lights. It is highly advised that there be at least a two-foot distance between each smart downlight.
But keep in mind that this is only a general guideline, and depending on the area, you may need to make some little alterations. Simply concentrate on achieving balanced lighting, and don’t worry if you need to move or add downlights.
A good strategy to control downlight installation costs is to have the lights installed and secured after the ceiling is finished by your painter or builder.
The labor costs for an average homeowner’s electrician can be greatly reduced with this method.
- Think About Utilizing A Dimming Kit
During installation, a dimming kit is necessary since it controls the output, improving energy efficiency and prolonging the life of the lights.
- To Create A Focal Point, Use Gimbal Downlights
By using gimbal downlights to illuminate artwork, you may make a focal point in your space. You can adjust the direction of illumination with these multifunctional downlights, which are a better option than conventional halogen lights because they can rotate and swivel.
- Install A Power Plug For Each Light
Experts advise using a power plug with every light since it offers the highest level of security and adaptability. Hard-wiring them is the alternative. If they are plugged in, replacing them or temporarily removing them (for example, to paint a ceiling) is an easy do-it-yourself task; thus, hiring an electrician at $75 per hour is not necessary.
Transformers are normally included in LED downlight packages. It should be easy to plug in the Australian power plug that comes with the transformer. That implies you have the option of doing this yourself by just plugging the lights in or by hiring help.
Installing Downlights In An Existing House
- Employ an electrician to remove the current transformers and light fixtures, then connect an appropriate plug to the flexible power cable.
- Hard-wiring into a socket’s bigger connection holes is significantly quicker and simpler for an electrician to do than hardwiring into a tiny LED driver.
- You can just plug in the lights or you can save money by hiring an electrician.
- You may either plug in or clip in the lights while the painters work, or you can do it yourself.
Things To Consider When Purchasing Downlights
Make sure you have the appropriate LED bulbs before installing them; otherwise, your efforts might be in vain. For the greatest outcomes, there are a few key elements listed in this section that you should take into account when purchasing downlights.
- Gimbal Or Fixed Downlights
Determine first whether you require fixed downlights, gimbals, or both. Gimbal lights allow you to adjust the illumination in the desired direction, while fixed downlights remain set in one location and point the light in one direction. - Warranty
Make sure your lights are covered by a warranty so you won’t have to pay extra for future repairs or replacements. To be safe, if at all feasible, choose the brand with the longest warranty. - Color Temperatures
The ambiance of your home is determined by the color temperature. Cool white has a faint bluish hue and helps increase attention by lowering melatonin production, whilst warm white is calming and comfortable.
Bottom-Line
LED downlights are a versatile, affordable, and energy-efficient lighting solution that may improve the visual appeal and ambiance of any area. To guarantee the installation is completed safely and in accordance with all electrical rules, it is best to engage a registered electrician to wrap up the task.
