If you are choosing to install and change your halogen downlights to LED downlights, there are a few things you need to consider. It is always a good choice to call in a professional electrician, just to be on the safe side. Installing and changing LED downlights is not an easy task. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing to install LED downlights:
- The first thing you should do is think of how many LED downlights you require according to your place. Measure how long or high your ceiling is. For LED downlights, the higher the ceiling, the better they will provide adequate light to every nook and cranny. Measure the distance of the ceiling by placing downlights 600mm to 800mm and check whether they provide adequate lighting. You should be able to calculate the distance and the number of LED downlights which will be required by you.
- Choose 230V LED downlights. Many people tend to choose 12V LED downlights and 230V halogen downlights. However 12V LED downlights have now been discontinued by many manufacturers and 230V halogen downlights tend to waste a lot of energy. 230V LED downlights are you best bet.
- When choosing to install LED downlights, make sure they are fire rated or IP rated. Fire rated LED downlights help prevent the ceiling or wiring from getting caught on fire. IP rated LED downlights help prevent the LED downlights from being damaged by water and airborne moisture.
- When installing the LED downlight, identify and locate the point where you want to have your LED downlight installed. Mark the point where you want to install the downlight and drill a pilot hole.
- Once you have drilled the holes in the marked spots, check if there are any wires or joists running through. If there are , it may get tricky. You should be able to view a thin pinprick of light. If not, check the direction the wires and joists are running toward. Using a flexible hanger make room for the downlight to fit in the ceiling hole. The cut-out size for the downlight will always be written in the downlight.
- Connect the wiring to the downlight. Make sure the electricity is turned off for this. Push the two springs of the downlight against the sides and push it into the hole. The springs will lie flat on the ceiling.