Downlights in plaster and lats

[dtec dave]

Hi all..

I've got to install some downlights in a plaster board ceiling which has been fixed to a ceiling of the old style plaster with wooden lats, does anyone know if the downlights have to be fire rated??

Also what are the instances where you would use mains rated downlights as opposed to 12v downlights?

Cheers

 

[telectrix]

firstly, i would use fire rated fittings, 230V. not the type with the butterfly springs . probably fit LED GU10s.

 

[malcolmsanford]

I would not use downlighters full stop ......but

I would always try to use fire rated ones just out of a bad habit, but unless this is a flat and you have another dwelling above, you, then you don't have to if you don't want to use them.

Again if I had to use these stupid things I personally prefer 230v type, simply because there is less to go wrong

 

[dtec dave]

Thanks!!

My next stumbling block is whether to use halogen or led...

I have a room that is 5m x 3.9m and I have installed 2 rows of 4 downlights, I want to put led's in but am worried that I won't have enough light.

Does anyone know if this will be sufficient?

 

[D80]

The SMD 5050 stuff with it's wide angle should probably suffice, some available here:HUGE DISCOUNTS on GU10 LED Bulb 220 Lumens 45W Equiv

I wouldn't used halogen at all these days unless the customer really wants it.

 

[Brightspark2]

Thanks!!

My next stumbling block is whether to use halogen or led...

I have a room that is 5m x 3.9m and I have installed 2 rows of 4 downlights, I want to put led's in but am worried that I won't have enough light.

Does anyone know if this will be sufficient?

What about the CFL GU10s, similiar wattage, brighter, cheaper but dont look as good....

 

[cbw]

oooh no....yuck!!!! Avoid CFL!!!!

LED is now cheaper and far superior

 

[sythai]

What about the CFL GU10s, similiar wattage, brighter, cheaper but dont look as good....

But do take a while to 'warm up' though..... so not ideal if they want instant light

GU10 LEDs - be careful if using a fire-rated fitting as you sometimes you may be limited on the size LED you can get in there

 

[Tonkatoy27]

I was under the impression (and I may be wrong) that if you break the fire rating of the ceiling then you have to fill it with a similar rated material, ie the light. I thought the ceiling between floors in a house has to be fire rated therefore all downlighters downstairs have to be fire rated and those upstair don't. (in a normal house that is) Basically, if you've got anything other than a loft above you then you need fire rated.
I hate halogen as they use energy like no tomorrow, are too hot and need lamp changes too frquently. I used to use cfl until LED came along, now I'm LED all they way, my whole house is lit up for less than 200watts! I use KSR or JCC downlights with Kosnic 5watt LED GU10 lamps. Cool, warm or daylight availible. this is all ok if you can get the customer to pay £15 per light bulb....... Word of warning, cheap LED GU10 are crap, you'll have a large failure percentage inside 12 months. Stick to Kosnic/JCc etc. Also, if any LED lights are on 2way switching you may get them flashing when off, you'll need to fit a contact suppressor if they do.
Hope this helps.

 

[Flyingsparks]

If we can't manage to talk the customer out of downlights we alway try to use dedicated LED fittings such Halers. If GU10 fittings are used the customer could alway replace the lamps with halogen types in the future which I dont think is a good idea.

 

[mogga]

HALERS EVOLVLED 7 years warranty 8w LED way bright enough available dimmable crackin fittings FFS Im off on m,y Halers sales pitch again I want comission from Halers

 

[Tonkatoy27]

How much to the customer inc VAT?

 

[mogga]

Halers dimmable are around $40-$55 to purchasse depending on modle and supplier MY wholesaler does them REALY cheap but we buy 30-40 at a time and have had a right good lot of him Try your local wholesaler for price as this varies across the country
HALERS website has a savings calculator on it realy good for especialy commercial clients it shows power usage initial cost maintenance costs and the all impressive carbon footprint saving parammeters are alll adjustable for Kwh price,hours on , ammount of lampd, replacement costs for halogens ect ect best aid for commercial selling as the carbon footprint one CAN mean they MAY qualify for a government grant of some description