Replacing recessed spot lights

[superdon]

We are having the tiling redone in our kitchen and we have these lights above the oven at the moment. They are pretty dirty and badly put in, so we were thinking of replacing them...



The question is, what would be straightforward replacements for these?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Are the ceiling tiles also coming down?
Replacing the fittings would be quite simple, if the tiles are being replaced as your options will be more open. If the tiles are remaining then you will require the diameter of the cut out for lights, so you can retro fit.

 

[sparkwright]

If the tiles are coming off, chances are the plasterboard will get damaged and need replacing, if so hole size not an issue.

Depending on your existing wiring, standard GU10 downlighters would do, as LED lamps can be used.

Alternatively, LED fittings are now available, where there is no lamp to have to change. Hopefully these will last almost forever.

Don't be tempted to go down the MR16 route, with transformers that are forever conking out - finally these are becoming out of favour.

 

[superdon]

Sorry, yes tiles are coming down.

Can anyone point me to a link for some replacements that would be good and a straight swap without any electrical work?

 

[sparkwright]

To be certain what would be an easy swap, it would pay to know what kind of lamp (12 v or 230 v eg) the existing ones take.

The reason I ask this is that some 12 v ones DON'T have there transformer above the light.

Dropping all the lights down and taking photos would be perfect, if possible, if in doubt.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Or removing one of the lamps (AKA bulbs) and see if it has a voltage rating printed on it or can be identified by the contacts on lamp.

 

[superdon]

Cheers. Will get the lamp out and see what it says and come back.

 

[superdon]

I fear the worst....

I took one lamp out and pulled it out a bit to see what it was. On the bulb it says...

Ikea 12v 20w

It has a white connector on the lamp, then into a black connector block and then thicker black wires into the ceiling.

Worst part is, when I replaced the lamp I took out, the middle one now is out!

So....does this mean I have crappy Ikea lights with transformers hidden in the ceiling somewhere? If I want to change them for something better/more reliable, what do we do?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

So....does this mean I have crappy Ikea lights with transformers hidden in the ceiling somewhere?

yes

If I want to change them for something better/more reliable, what do we do?

Remove the IKEA ones and replace with better quality.
If they were installed correctly, the transformers should be accessible, personally I would swap out for the composite LED fittings, something like the Aurora i9

 

[superdon]

I thought as much...thanks!

Hopefully, if we take off that top boarding where the lights are, the transformers will be in there. If so, will the wiring of to the transformers be ok to run something better?

As for those aurora lights have had a quick look, but what would be my costs to replace three lamps, like for like with all the fittings? Got any links for cheapest supplier?

Why is nothing simple! Our house looked great when we moved in, but every room we have upgraded has been a problem because of cheap, nasty previous work.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

The i9 maybe costly initially but in the long run you will be better off the non-dimable ones will be a little cheaper but be expecting to be £25 a unit, If you want to buy cheap tack that is up to you. If you want maybe a cheaper alternative, possibly robus fitting and GU10 LEDs on 240V, no transformers

 

[superdon]

More than happy to spend a bit more if it's worth it, but didn't want the refit to spiral.

If we can fish back to the switch, I presume I can go for any option that doesn't involve a transformer?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

If we can fish back to the switch, I presume I can go for any option that doesn't involve a transformer?

You just need to get to the 240V supply side of the transformer/transformers.

 

[superdon]

Understood thanks again.

Once in place and tiled around will these i9 be easily replaceable if they fail?

I preume if I get back to the 240 supply side I can actually fit any light fitting I want?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

I preume if I get back to the 240 supply side I can actually fit any light fitting I want?

Any suitable for a domestic dwelling