Compatible downlights?

Poozle · Nov 17, 2018

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice as I'm feeling a bit clueless! 3 of our 4 bathroom lights seem to be failing or on the way out. They flicker constantly and dim on and off. They have only been in about 4 years so we weren't expecting them to go so soon. I was thinking that we would just replace them so we took one down to see what it was and it's a Scolmore LED 4400ch7w. My question is, do I have to buy the same brand to replace the faulty lights, or are there other brands that are compatible (and cheaper!). I've had a look online but I don't really know where to start! Grateful for any advice!
Thanks!

[ElectriciansForums.net] Compatible downlights?

telectrix · Nov 17, 2018

what size is the hole/s in the ceiling? if 70mm or you can make them 70mm i recommend JCC V50 fittings.

The Ghost · Nov 17, 2018

You can put any light back in. However hole size can be different for different lights while you can't very easily make the hole smaller you can make it large with a bit of know how. More and more customers are rejecting the idea of a light that you have to replace completely rather than just change the bulb. And the LED lights touted as five years guarantee invariably don't meet such advertising puff I beleive it's called. So maybe get an IP44 light minimum, with an LED lamp that will replace your lights and then you just have to change the lamp, being much cheaper, in the future.

Jay89 · Nov 17, 2018

If you’re replacing the whole fitting then another brand is fine as long as they’re suitably IP rated. Look out for one with a similar or larger cut out to avoid the need to patch the ceiling

Midwest · Nov 17, 2018

Do you have your receipt? Scholmore offer a seven year warranty on most of their downlights, unless the driver's been covered in insulation.

Andy78 · Nov 17, 2018

Those should have a 10 year domestic warranty, get onto the installer or scolmore direct with proof of purchase.

SCOLMORE GROUP - OVIA LIGHTING | Inceptor, fire-rated, integrated LED downlight - https://www.scolmore.com/products/inceptor/

GeorgeCooke · Nov 17, 2018

If you are replacing them get 240v versions. There is no advantage in ELV LED lights.

Toneyz · Nov 17, 2018

Is this in a new house and have the lights been covered in insulation?

Poozle · Nov 17, 2018

Thanks for the replies!

I can't reach the ceiling to measure the hole at the mo, but I think it is probably around 70mm - the chrome rim of light is 80mm. If I wanted to replace the lamp bit only in future, would I need to buy a replacement for the white bit that attaches to the cable and what is it called?

The house is an old house but it was rewired about 4 years ago and I believe these were put in as part of the re-wire. Unfortunately though, whilst we have the certification for the rewire I don't think we have any other receipts. There is insulation above the lights - will that invalidate any warranty?

What is the IP rating and what should I be looking for there. These ones say IP65 on the side.

Also, where would you suggest going for replacements? Will the sell them in B&Q, Screwfix? Or do I need to go to a specialist shop?

Thanks again for the replies!

Midwest · Nov 17, 2018

GeorgeCooke said:
If you are replacing them get 240v versions. There is no advantage in ELV LED lights.

Me thinks you'll find, day is de 240v version.

Midwest · Nov 17, 2018

Poozle said:
The house is an old house but it was rewired about 4 years ago and I believe these were put in as part of the re-wire. Unfortunately though, whilst we have the certification for the rewire I don't think we have any other receipts. There is insulation above the lights - will that invalidate any warranty?

Ring up Scholmore. They might be embarrassed into exchanging FOC.

Don't tell them they were covered in insulation though.

Silly Sausage · Nov 17, 2018

Poozle said:
Also, where would you suggest going for replacements?

I recently replaced someones knackered old 12V bathroom lights with these: GU10 LED Bathroom Downlight Fitting With Quick Connector - Chrome - https://www.ledhut.co.uk/fittings-fixtures/bathroom-fittings/gu10-ip54-bathroom-downlight-fitting-quick-connector-c.html

Plus 'bulbs' of course.

Midwest · Nov 17, 2018

Poozle said:
What is the IP rating and what should I be looking for there. These ones say IP65 on the side.

Also, where would you suggest going for replacements? Will the sell them in B&Q, Screwfix? Or do I need to go to a specialist shop?

Thanks again for the replies!

Those are just right IP rating wise. Anything of IPX4 and above.

Do not go to B&Q! Google your product, and buy them online.

Toneyz · Nov 17, 2018

Did you have to unplug the fitting if so no electrical work would need to be undertaken, just plug new fittings in. As suggested try Scholemore first see how you get on. Make sure the new lights are not covered in insulation.