Down Lighting in the house

jims-terrano · 29-12-2016, 22:45

Hi all, I'm wanting to fit some recessed down lights in the upstairs ceilings. Being upstairs of course they'll be open to the roof void and all the drafts. So wanting to fit something that is sealed, once fitted some to a bathroom a few years ago but the bulb was quite high up in the fitting so actually quite poor light output.

Have been looking on screwfix web site for ideas and it appears a lot of them come with dedicated led bulb units that cannot be changed. They're described as ip65, 55 and 20 along with fire rated too.

Does anyone know of any examples or what to look for as I really do want them to be draft proof.

Cheers

solarman216 · 29-12-2016, 23:48

Most if not all are fully ealed today to meet fire regs, Rick

rustic · 30-12-2016, 03:58

Hi Jim, cpcfarnell have a great selection of down lighters.

For retrofit, Wickes do some fownlight covers that go over the existing unit, and can be sealed to the ceiling, BUT they are only suitable for led type lights.

I don't think they are fireproof, but they stop drafts, damp going into loft, and insects dropping in. I need to retrofit some at the moment.

There are a lot of diy downlighters that are out there that can't meet the current regs of course. Not sure how you stand with insurance 10 years on!!

macabethiel · 30-12-2016, 15:04

I have these obtained from local electrical wholesaler they are fireproof and designed to use Tungsten GU 50 type bulbs. I fitted LED units. They are recessed into plaster board that has been insulated with 3 layers of Kingspan Type Insulation 2" then 1" then 2". The first 2" layer was cut to give lamp clearance. As they are LED units rated at 6.5 w they don't generate too much heat. If I was fitting these upstairs I would just build a square box out of 2" Kinspan and put them in place in the loft above the lamp units with a solvent free adhesive.

In our Kitchen, Bathroom and Downstairs W.C. we have used the latest Batton Type LED strip lights made by Knightsbridge the IP40 Linear LED Battens. The light output is fantastic and they come with a 3 year warranty. They make a number of sizes in the 3ft to 5 ft range. They are super slim and come with a simple double spring clip mounting that you fix to the ceiling and they clip into the long grooves built into the alloy upper half of the lamps.

29-12-2016, 22:45	#1
jims-terrano Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK Posts: 12,965	Down Lighting in the house Hi all, I'm wanting to fit some recessed down lights in the upstairs ceilings. Being upstairs of course they'll be open to the roof void and all the drafts. So wanting to fit something that is sealed, once fitted some to a bathroom a few years ago but the bulb was quite high up in the fitting so actually quite poor light output. Have been looking on screwfix web site for ideas and it appears a lot of them come with dedicated led bulb units that cannot be changed. They're described as ip65, 55 and 20 along with fire rated too. Does anyone know of any examples or what to look for as I really do want them to be draft proof. Cheers

29-12-2016, 23:48	#2
solarman216 Off road maniac Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bexhill on Sea Vehicle: Y60 Patrol Me, 3 ltr Mrs Posts: 17,431	Most if not all are fully ealed today to meet fire regs, Rick __________________ Ex banger racer now off road maniac Lokka on the front with manual hubs Diff lock on rear 3 inch SS straight through exhaust Manly winch bumper with 13000 lb winch 10 spike ground anchor, with multiple straps and blocks Super strong body cills capped with scaffold pole 20% stronger springs all round aggressive off road tyres on wheels so just swap. Aim to get stuck and be completely self sufficient in extraction, love getting muddy, 2ft deep is good but rare.

30-12-2016, 03:58	#3
rustic Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Staffordshire Vehicle: Maverick Mk I 2.7 TD LWB Posts: 7,825	Hi Jim, cpcfarnell have a great selection of down lighters. For retrofit, Wickes do some fownlight covers that go over the existing unit, and can be sealed to the ceiling, BUT they are only suitable for led type lights. I don't think they are fireproof, but they stop drafts, damp going into loft, and insects dropping in. I need to retrofit some at the moment. There are a lot of diy downlighters that are out there that can't meet the current regs of course. Not sure how you stand with insurance 10 years on!! __________________ Ford Maverick GLX 1995 2.7TD LWB in illusion silver, 98k miles. Owned since new, for 22 years. Best car I have ever owned. Just wish I could drive it more.

30-12-2016, 15:04	#4
macabethiel Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Derby Vehicle: Freelander & Jeep GC 3.0 Posts: 4,416	I used these with an LED GU 50 type bulb. I have these obtained from local electrical wholesaler they are fireproof and designed to use Tungsten GU 50 type bulbs. I fitted LED units. They are recessed into plaster board that has been insulated with 3 layers of Kingspan Type Insulation 2" then 1" then 2". The first 2" layer was cut to give lamp clearance. As they are LED units rated at 6.5 w they don't generate too much heat. If I was fitting these upstairs I would just build a square box out of 2" Kinspan and put them in place in the loft above the lamp units with a solvent free adhesive. In our Kitchen, Bathroom and Downstairs W.C. we have used the latest Batton Type LED strip lights made by Knightsbridge the IP40 Linear LED Battens. The light output is fantastic and they come with a 3 year warranty. They make a number of sizes in the 3ft to 5 ft range. They are super slim and come with a simple double spring clip mounting that you fix to the ceiling and they clip into the long grooves built into the alloy upper half of the lamps.