Downlights

[NewhouseOldhouse]

I have 4 downlights in my landing and only one is working. I have replaced the bulbs but no joy.

The downlights have transformers on them, can they be replaced with LEDs without transformers?

Thanks for advice.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

If the lights have integral transformers then they have 230V supplied to them, so you can replace them with 230V LED units.

You might like to consider replacing all of them with a single light which is actually good at lighting up spaces - doesn't the need for 4 lights in a space that small at least hint that they aren't very good at it?

 

[ericmark]

MR16 stands for multifaceted reflector 16/8" across, not that much area to start with, but with an LED some of it is used for cooling fins so even less area. So once one goes over around 3W per lamp much of the light is lost, so rather a poor way of lighting. However if that is the look you want then nothing to stop you fitting either 230 volt with GU10 connection, or 12 volt with G5.3 connection, but the latter will need toroidal transformers not electronic transformers.

 

[NewhouseOldhouse]

So I can replace them directly with Led units with no transformer ?

Would these ones be OK
LAP FIXED FIRE RATED LED DOWNLIGHT BRUSHED CHROME 220LM 2.5W 240V on screwfix site??

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Electrically? Yes.

Mechanically? Depends on the size of the existing holes.

Luminously? Your choice.

 

[NewhouseOldhouse]

so I take it the transformer is built into the led unit? and the connectors can be connected directly to the mains?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-fixed-fire-rated-led-downlight-brushed-chrome-240lm-2-5w-240v/5708f

 

[ban-all-sheds]

What is built into the light to allow 2-3V LEDs to be powered by 230V is irrelevant in this context. The lights aren't on a dimmer, are they?

 

[NewhouseOldhouse]

no they are just on a switch so no issues with dimmers, would that have been an issue if they were?

 

[JohnW2]

no they are just on a switch so no issues with dimmers, would that have been an issue if they were?

Quite possibly. The subject of LEDs on dimmers is a nightmare minefield!

Kind Regards, John

 

[NewhouseOldhouse]

so it will be ok to wire the below LEDs into the mains without transformer?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-fixed-fire-rated-led-downlight-brushed-chrome-240lm-2-5w-240v/5708f

 

[boringoldcodger]

Breeno said:

"so it will be ok to wire the below LEDs into the mains without transformer?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-fixed-fire-rated-led-downlight-brushed-chrome-240lm-2-5w-240v/5708f"

Ban_all_sheds said (in entry 5):

Electrically? Yes.

Mechanically? Depends on the size of the existing holes.

Luminously? Your choice.

Obviously you need to make any changes in a safe manner.

 

[securespark]

doesn't the need for 4 lights in a space that small at least hint that they aren't very good at it?

TBF, it could be an expansive area.

 

[NewhouseOldhouse]

OK update called into Cef they advised 3 units can't be replaced, while circuit had to be ripped out and 4 new units installed with new transformers!!!!

I just though I cud buy 3 of the LEDs and remove the 3 halogen downlights along with transformers and install the LEDs ones!!!

Any thoughys

 

[winston1]

CEF are wrong.
But 240v LED usually use GU10 bases, whereas 12v lamps usually use GU5.3 bases. So you would need new units with GU10 bases.

 

[JohnW2]

CEF are wrong.

Are you sure that they weren't simply saying that lights identical to the ones the OP has are no longer available, so that if he wants them to all look the same, he'll have to replace all four, including the one which is still working?

Kind Regards, John