Installing downlights

[stanlondon]

New to all this - I need to put about 6 downlights into my daughters bedroom. I haven't done anything like this before, but in the loft I have access to the existing light. Do I just change that with one of the downlights and extend the feed to the other lights like in a chain, or do I need a junction box or what?

Also, can anyone direct me to a useful website that has diagrams for dummies like me? I've phoned 2 electricians but they either can't be bothered to do the jobs or they want £200. Help!

 

[Steve]

There are diagrams here! open your eyes and find the WIKI link right at the top of the page. Or in the electrics UK forum section, there is a "FAQ reference" topic - that might be of use to you.

You need to remove the light fitting and find out what wires you have there. Post a picture of it here, or link to a similar diagram in the WIKI and we will tell you how easy/difficult it will be!

 

[davy_owen_88]

http://wiki.diynot.com/electrics:lighting:single_way_lighting
http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=77463

 

[dingbat]

I need to put about 6 downlights into my daughters bedroom.

No you don't.

Stand firm and say ' No!'.

 

[chitchat]

POP down to your local B&Q and purchase the diy book it has all the info you need on wiring lights up with easy to follow drawings. Also make sure you follow safety tips first i.e switch power off or isolate that cicuit to off before doing anything hope that helps a bit.

 

[securespark]

POP down to your local XXX[censored in the name of public decency]

 

[Steve]

POP down to your local B&Q and purchase the diy book it has all the info you need on wiring lights up with easy to follow drawings. Also make sure you follow safety tips first i.e switch power off or isolate that cicuit to off before doing anything hope that helps a bit.

All that information can be found on this forum. No need to spend £20+ on a book, when its all free here. Also the info here is posted and/or censored by experienced electricians, and therefore its accuracy can be ensured. A book could have been written by any tom dick or harry.

 

[sm1thson]

No you don't.

Stand firm and say ' No!'.

stanlondon, I'll explain what dingbat is saying there, downlights are often frowned upon round these parts for the following reasons (and probably more)

1) they are done to follow a trend, when the trend goes you have lots of holes in your ceiling
2)the rest of us use enery saving bulbs to save money/the earth, converting to dowlighters uses a lot more money/ electricity.
3)if not installed right they can cause a fire
4)if you install them right (and remove loft insulation from around them) then your ceiling will not be as well insulated anymore, whilst the rest of us are putting more insulation on to save money/ the earth.
5) the light they give is poor, high in some places low in others, lots of shadows etc.
6) they break the fire integrity of the ceiling (only legaly an issue in flats and garages, but still something to think about)
7) they alow sound to travel through the ceiling more (again more of an issue when the room above is inhabited)
8)etc

edit: ive added these to the Wiki, anyone feel free to add them ang quote buildin regs etc

 

[securespark]

or they want £200.

That's not bad for Berks, mate...