Soffit downlighters

[scottpetrie]

Hi
Im getting soffit downlighters fitted, & electrician quoted me quite a high price. He said if I supplied them he would do it half price. I havent asked him yet, but what would I need to supply? Can I buy a kit of 4 downlighters or would I need anything else?
Thanks

 

[Seb101]

Soffit as in outdoor? If so you'd ideally need some IPX5 or higher rated units. If they are GU5.3 or other 12V LED you'll also need the transformer(s)/LED drivers.

 

[Seb101]

I got these for my decking:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B071KKMHHZ

But these are only really bright enough for 'decoration' not functional lighting.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

... my decking ...

Those boards are upside down, BTW...

 

[Seb101]

Those boards are upside down, BTW...

Haha, I'm not taking the bait on that one. They can go either way up depending on preference. I prefer the look and feel of that side compared to the smaller ridges on the other.

Yes supposedly the manufacturers intended the deep groves to down downwards to provide air circulation - but frankly there is limited benefit to this argument - no matter how you lay them there is still wood-on-wood contact where moisture will collect.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

But there is not limited benefit to the argument that in real life those grooves trap water, and promote mould, rot, and slipperyness.

 

[scottpetrie]

Yes outdoors for along the front of the house. Already have one outside light above the front door, but want to put 4 LED downlighters in the soffits. Would a kit come with what I need, and electrician would supply the flex? Is it a case of just coming offthe original ligjt?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Seems odd that you could get lights cheaper than the electrician.

What is really going on here is that he doesn't want to have any warranty responsibilities when they fail, what he wants is to be able to say "you bought the lights, it's down to you to get replacements, and if you want me to take the old ones out and/or put the replacements in you'll have to pay me to do that".

 

[Robin0577]

ician.

What is really going on here is that he doesn't want to have any warranty responsibilities when they fail, what he wants is to be able to say "you bought the lights, it's down to you to get replacements, and if you want me to take the old ones out and/or put the replacements in you'll have to pay me to do that".

That is a distinct possibility. Another possibility is that the electrician's turnover is getting close to the point where VAT registration is required and he's trying to avoid that. Either way he's trying to dodge something

 

[ban-all-sheds]

What's a typical, or typical range, of turnover:profit ratio for sole-trader electricians?

 

[EddieM]

Threshold is £85000.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I know.

What's a typical, or typical range, of turnover:profit ratio for sole-trader electricians?

 

[EddieM]

That I don't know. But the only reasons for not registering for VAT I can think of are fraudulent.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Come on - they can be perfectly genuine.

As they can be for registering if you are below the threshold.

 

[EddieM]

yes, sorry I should have qualified that. if your genuine turn over is more than £85000 then there is no genuine reason for not registering .