Downlights and the different varieties..

[HappyHippyDad]

I was with a customer today discussing installing new downlights.

I can't quite see the point in installing the really expensive ones as opposed to the cheaper ones. I don't mean the silly cheap ones on ebay that will just fall apart, but for example...

Lap fixed LED from screwfix £7 approx (good reviews and feel like good quality) compared to JCC, robus, enlite etc etc £15-20?

Also, do you guys prefer integrated LED downlights or ones that you can change the bulb? Again, I struggle with the concept of integrated as you have to change the whole downlight when they go. Are they supposed to have a longer life expectancy? A quality LED lamp is supposed to have about 15 years life expectancy so why not just fit a downlight with a quality changeable LED lamp as opposed to an integrated unit?

 

[coolsparx]

I thought a lot of these manufacturers had stickers in them with batch numbers etc.

They do have batch numbers, however the warranty is with the original installer who purchased them from a known wholesaler or can be passed on to the consumer with their invoice, but the customer has no invoices or paperwork at all. JCC sales told me that if the customer wanted to write to JCC customer services or warranty department they might honour it but they might not.

When I install anything with more than 12 month warranty I always state the specific model & manufacturers warranty period, so they have a chance to claim it themselves, however most customers just want to contact me if they have a problem.

 

[Toneyz]

Very poor considering the amount fitted.

 

[1Justin]

JCC have now discontinued this line and flogged all their stock to a wholesale discounter.

I installed some JCC Hybrids based on their generous quoted light level and the marketing hype, using my normal rules of thumb. The output was underwhelming. I made myself go back and squeeze in a couple of extras because it was a bit embarrassing. Cost me a day that did. I won't fit those again.

 

[Marcus Vaughan]

I installed some JCC Hybrids based on their generous quoted light level and the marketing hype, using my normal rules of thumb. The output was underwhelming. I made myself go back and squeeze in a couple of extras because it was a bit embarrassing. Cost me a day that did. I won't fit those again.

Interesting. I might just have had a near miss after sending mine back before installing. Shame because I like the idea of them.