Bathroom downlights

[J_N30]

Hello,

I'm just after some info and opinions on the above. From doing a little reading I'm thinking that the low voltage ones would be better for my bathroom. Its only a small bathroom ceiling about 2.1x1.7m so I'm thinking 3 lights will be enough unless recommended otherwise?

Is it best to buy a kit? Does each light need it's own transformer or is there a main transformer and finally does anyone have a wiring diagram I could have a look over?

Many thanks.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

By low voltage, you actually mean "extra low voltage"
Yes these will require to be stepped down form the mains 230V to 12V by means of a transformer, whether you need a transformer for each lamp or whether you can have a number of lamps on the same transformer would depend on the ratings of both lamps and transformer/(s).

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Unless you already have 3 lights you are adding lights to the circuit, which makes it notifiable.

Also bear in mind that if you have a loft over your bathroom you can't simply cut holes in the ceiling.

The lights will require clearance around them, i.e. no insulation, but you can't just get rid of it as that would contravene the Building Regulations and give you cold spots on the ceiling.

You can't allow warm moist air to get into the loft as that will lead to condensation, which is another contravention of the Building Regulations and eventually to rotting of your roof timbers which is a major expense.

http://images.google.co.uk/search?q=roof+rot+condensation

You'll need to build or bur a cover for each light which provides enough clearance, which you must seal to the ceiling, and then you must cover it all with insulation.

• http://www.nhbc.co.uk/NHBCPublicati...ical/StandardsExtra/filedownload,16553,en.pdf
  
  
• Pre-formed cap to seal downlights: http://www.aico.co.uk/downlights-in-loft-space-what-to-fit.html (It's NOT a firehood....)
  
  
• IET article on installing downlighters safely

If you don't have access to the loft space, or if you've got a flat roof over the bathroom then you can pretty much forget trying to install recessed lights.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Wow BAS, if you put it like that, maybe he should rethink his choice of lighting for the bathroom.

 

[J_N30]

Wow BAS, if you put it like that, maybe he should rethink his choice of lighting for the bathroom.

How come? you see many bathrooms with down lights. The current light is one of those swirl lights with 4 20w bulbs in.

I'm getting a plaster to skim the ceiling so want to get the holes drilled first for down lights.

 

[RF Lighting]

Don't buy a kit. They're usually just over priced tat.

Go with bog standard 230V IP rated downlighters, and fit them with 8W LED lamps.

As you're using IP rated fittings, these will prevent the passage of moisture into the loft, and install a loft brace above each light to safely maintain the insulation.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/JC94020.html

 

[J_N30]

I'm wondering if I could get some advise on where to mount the downlights please.

My original plan of 1/4 down and in has been dampened by the joists.

Any help is greatly recieved.

Many thanks

 

[ban-all-sheds]

How come? you see many bathrooms with down lights.

Indeed you do.

How many of them are properly and lawfully done though?

 

[RF Lighting]

Can you provide a larger drawing? Also include the position of the bath, basin, toilet and anything else in the bathroom that will influence the layout of the lights such as wall cabinets etc.

Also will the downlights be the sole source of light for the bathroom, or are you planning on some sort of vanity lighting near the mirror?

What colour are you painting / tiling the walls?

What type and colour of floor covering are you fitting into the bathroom?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

As you're using IP rated fittings, these will prevent the passage of moisture into the loft

Possibly, possibly not.

There's no guarantee - I could design you an IP65 light that would allow mice to pass back and forth through it if you like. The IP rating applies to access to the electrical parts of the light, and says nothing about the rest of it.

And what size are water vapour molecules compared to IPx anyway?

 

[JohnW2]

As you're using IP rated fittings, these will prevent the passage of moisture into the loft

Possibly, possibly not. There's no guarantee - I could design you an IP65 light that would allow mice to pass back and forth through it if you like. The IP rating applies to access to the electrical parts of the light, and says nothing about the rest of it. And what size are water vapour molecules compared to IPx anyway?

Indeed - and you don't even need to spend your time designing anything. There are plenty of fans around with 'high' IP ratings, but through the blades of which one could squirt a jet of water, let alone water vapour molecules!

Kind Regards, John

 

[RF Lighting]

Add a bead of silicone then.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Where?

I could design you an IP65 luminaire which you could seal to the ceiling with a bead of silicone and which would still have IP0x routes through it.

 

[J_N30]

I'll sketch a floor plan tonight and upload it. Sorry the pics so small ill also check the photobucket setting and see if I can enlarge it.

Looking at pic landscape the bath is the full 1.7m right hand side. Toilet is central bottom wall under the window. Sink is on the left wall central with a battery powered led lit mirror about. The mirror is never used for light as the output is poor. It's more for show than anything.

The bath wall is a feature wall with glass and stone tiles. The rest is floor to ceiling while large tiles. Blue Lino floor.

Thanks again