Downlight recommendations please - what are you fitting ?

[Niscars]

...there is so much choice !!

I want to replace several surface light fittings in my new flat with downlighters but would really appreciate recommendations of what you are currently fitting. I have searched the forum but despite hundreds of posts, can't find much info on current models.

All ceilings are double boarded and the the only thing above me is the warm roof of the building. There is a significant gap between the ceilings and the roof (roughly 50cm). No insulation in the void (warm roof).

Not fixed on whether they are GU10 or integrated.

Thanks,
Niscars

 

[phatboy]

I'd go GU10.... the fittings will probably never fail, and you can change lamps as and when you need to / want to.

Integrated is great but if one fails in a couple of year, they may be discontinued, and then you have a problem.

I'd go with these - a good brand, and cheap. Seem to be the replacement for what I got 5 years ago https://www.downlights.co.uk/aurora-enlite-fire-rated-downlights.html Fire rating may not be required as you are top floor, but it can't hurt.

Lamps wise, I'm happy with these: https://www.downlights.co.uk/aurora-enlite-5w-gu10-led.html . They dim nicely with Varilight V-Pro dimmers.

Wiring wise, consider using these for ease of installation: https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/TLCT100C.html I used about 30cm of 3 core flex to each downlight, and connected 1mm t+e into these.

 

[Niscars]

Excellent, thanks. That’s some good info there

 

[Taylortwocities]

If the ceiling is two sheets of plasterboard then it is a fire barrier.

Making a sort of Swiss cheese out of a fire barrier should only be done with extreme care. Although it’s only a roof space above, the fire-rated ceiling prevents fire in your flat from spreading into the roof area. The roof that keeps all the other flats from getting rain in.

IF you decide to fit downlights then they must must be fire rated to at least the same fire resistance of the original ceiling.

 

[Niscars]

Thanks, will do.

 

[delmel]

If the ceiling is two sheets of plasterboard then it is a fire barrier.

Making a sort of Swiss cheese out of a fire barrier should only be done with extreme care. Although it’s only a roof space above, the fire-rated ceiling prevents fire in your flat from spreading into the roof area. The roof that keeps all the other flats from getting rain in.

IF you decide to fit downlights then they must must be fire rated to at least the same fire resistance of the original ceiling.

Two layers are not neccesarily a fire barrier, many older dwellings with bad boards or other issues are frequently boarded straight over (mine included in a few rooms)

 

[Taylortwocities]

Two layers are not neccesarily a fire barrier,

Ok ok. Two layers of plasterboard is usually an indication that the ceiling is a fire barrier.

the OP stated that this is a new flat, so I rather suppose that this IS a fire barrier as the structure will have been purpose built accordingly.