240v donwlights

[b21playa]

planning on putting some in the kitchen which has 2 different ceiling levels.

At the highest point there is no problem at all, but on the lower end, where there needs to be 2 lights, one only has a 70mm recess.

is it possible to get low profile main halogens?

 

[Steve]

a downlight will fit in a 7cm gap. However, the heat buildup anbd damage may be an issue.

I recommend you fit CFL lamps. They are much more efficient, and run cooler.

See:
http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting:lamps:gu10
http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting:downlights:10_reasons_why_not_to_install_downlights
http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=87040

 

[b21playa]

a downlight will fit in a 7cm gap. However, the heat buildup anbd damage may be an issue.

I recommend you fit CFL lamps. They are much more efficient, and run cooler.

See:
http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting:lamps:gu10
http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting:downlights:10_reasons_why_not_to_install_downlights
http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=87040[/QUOTE]

Hi

Thanks for the reply. Went to B&Q and looked at their range, cheap at £30 for a set of 5, need 110mm clearance.

I was actually thinking of using LED bulbs.

Also how do I wire it in, I have one ceiling rose which is not really in the right place for a downlight, can they be ran in series?

 

[Steve]

Dont use LEDs just yet, they are still developing the perfect white light from them, and you'll need hundreds, the beam is very narrow.

CFLs give a similar light to long fluorescent striplights. Its the ideal colour for working under, and much wider beam.

For the area where the ceiling void is too low, consider surface mounted lights instead. It is probably the only option.
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Lighting_Menu_Index/Lighting_Track_and_Spots_Index/index.html TLC do a nice range, good delivery too. They also sell the cable and accessories you will need.

Your ceiling rose will need to be transferred to an accessible junction box. This can be done by leaving the rose where it is, and taking the old pendant wire up through the base to feed your new lights. You could also loose the rose, but have a blank plate on the ceiling, to indicate the presence of a junction there. Or if it is EASILY accessible from above, this is fine too.

 

[b21playa]

Dont use LEDs just yet, they are still developing the perfect white light from them, and you'll need hundreds, the beam is very narrow.

CFLs give a similar light to long fluorescent striplights. Its the ideal colour for working under, and much wider beam.

For the area where the ceiling void is too low, consider surface mounted lights instead. It is probably the only option.
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Lighting_Menu_Index/Lighting_Track_and_Spots_Index/index.html TLC do a nice range, good delivery too. They also sell the cable and accessories you will need.

Your ceiling rose will need to be transferred to an accessible junction box. This can be done by leaving the rose where it is, and taking the old pendant wire up through the base to feed your new lights. You could also loose the rose, but have a blank plate on the ceiling, to indicate the presence of a junction there. Or if it is EASILY accessible from above, this is fine too.

as the ceiling has not been put up yet, can I wire the rose to where one of the downlights will be, so still accessible.

Also do the lights have to run in series and loop around to the first one?

 

[Steve]

You can move the ceiling rose as you say, but you may have difficulty due to the routing of the wires.

You wire the lights as a radial - stop at the last one.

 

[b21playa]

You can move the ceiling rose as you say, but you may have difficulty due to the routing of the wires.

You wire the lights as a radial - stop at the last one.

Routing of wires should not be a problem, I have no ceiling at the moment, and have access to the joists from the room above ( I replaced all the floorboards and have not screwed them down yet)

Main problem is that where I want to put one of the lights, there is only a 70mm recess where majority say 110mm is needed