LED Downlight Guide V1.1 by Chris Horridge

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

►

A low energy alternative to halogen which provide energy savings of around 90%

►

Longer lasting, ranging from 25,000 hours to 75,000 hours. Up to 30 years (based on 6 hours per day usage)

►

Eco-friendly and better for the environment

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

GU10 LED downlights

►

► ►

The LED and the downlight housing are made up of two separate items Usually sold in kits but can be supplied separately The LED can be replaced www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

Complete LED downlights

► ►

►

The LED is built into the fitting The LED driver is supplied with, and often attached to the downlight The LED cannot be replaced

► ► ► ►

The LED can be replaced in the event of a failure or taken with you if you move house The LED can be easily changed for a different colour temperature, wattage or beam angle Mains voltage, no LED driver required Cheaper to buy

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

â&#x2013;ş Because the downlight housing and LED are made up of two separate items, many combinations can be made:

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

► ► ► ► ► ►

Brighter (produces more lumen) than GU10 LEDs Longer lasting, up to 75,000 hours - designed to last for over 30 years More energy efficient, less wattage goes in, more lumens come out Complies with Part L of the Building Regulations Built in heat sink that dissipates excess heat and allows the LED to operate under cooler optimum temperatures Sole purpose and design is to be an LED downlight (GU10 downlights were originally designed for halogens)

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

Key Considerations ► ► ► ► ► ► ►

Fire Rated or None Fire Rated? Dimmable or None Dimmable? Fixed Position or Adjustable? Which Colour Temperature? Which room? e.g. bathroom Which Finish? e.g. personal taste Your budget

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

What are fire rated downlights? ► Fire rated downlights are used to restore the fire integrity of a ceiling. When a recessed

downlight is installed, a hole is cut into the ceiling. This hole reduces the ceiling’s natural ability to act as a barrier. ► In the event of a fire, the intumescent material in a fire rated downlight melts or swells up and seals off the hole. This prevents the fire from spreading through the hole and onto adjoining floors, but more importantly protects the building’s structure. ► The structure of most houses is made from wooden ceiling joists, once the ceiling joists are on fire they will inevitably collapse, this could bring the entire building down before anyone has had time to extinguish the fire (fire service) or escape to safety. Fire rated downlights help prevent the spread of fire and minimise the risk of structural damage/collapse. ► For more information refer to Part B of the Building Regulations or consult someone from your local Building Control.

How do I know if I need to install fire rated downlights? ► If the downlights in question are being installed in houses containing wooden ceiling joists then they should be fire rated. If the ceiling is made from concrete then they may not need to be fire rated. If in doubt, why not install fire rated downlights anyway? They cost slightly more but are safer and provide peace of mind. www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

Which downlights are fire rated?

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

Do you want to be able to dim your lights? ► This is really a question of the lighting effect you would like to create in a

particular room. If you want full brightness and a ‘big light’ effect all the time then there’s no need to go for dimmable downlights. If you’d prefer to be able to create a more subtle lighting effect then dimmable will allow you to switch between ‘big light’ and ‘candle light’ brightness at the turn of a knob. ► Not all LED downlights are dimmable and dimmable LEDs are usually more

expensive. Some, such as the Philips 7W are dimmable as standard but this doesn’t mean you have to dim them, they will work perfectly well with a on/off switch ► Also, if you have any advanced lighting controls installed such as Lutron, check

the compatibility first. The Q-Lite is a ‘high end’ downlight and works with Lutron systems. www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

Yes

But depends on which GU10 LED is used

► Some LED downlights are dimmable as standard, some are optional and cost extra. ► LEDs will only dim with selected dimmer switches such as trailing edge or leading edge. ► LED dimming technology is different to halogen and incandescent as there are lower loads involved. www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

Which colour temperatures are available? ► There are three main colour temperatures available; extra warm white, warm white and cool white. Not all LED downlights are available in all 3 colour temperatures so deciding on your preference from the outset is important as it will narrow down your search.



2700K & 3000K

Which colour temperature is best - How should I decide? ► This is a matter of your personal preference, extra warm white is cosy like candle-light. Cool white (neutral white) is clearer and brighter but colder in appearance. For more information about colour temperature check out our blog or FAQs section. www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

Do you want to be able to adjust the direction of the light? ► ► ►

Adjustable (or gimbal) downlights are good if you want to direct the light on to a particular object e.g. a picture or a feature. Adjustable downlights can be tilted by around 25 degrees (depending on the brand). Adjustable downlights are ideal for use in vaulted or sloped ceilings. They offset the angle of the ceiling and allow the light to be directed downwards.

What are the benefits of fixed position downlights? ► Fixed position fire rated downlights also provide resistance to moisture and air (Part C Approval). Adjustable downlights generally do not provide this level of protection. ► If you’re not concerned about directing the light onto a particular object then opt for fixed downlights to reduce any risk of condensation on the LED. Fixed downlights are cheaper too.

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

► ► ► ► ► ►

Simple design, low cost LED downlight Supplied in two parts; die cast downlight housing and GU10 LED Can be supplied with budget priced LEDs or more reliable Philips branded LEDs Available in fixed and adjustable positions Replaceable LED Many finishes to choose from

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

► ► ► ►

Consists of two separate items – a fire rated downlight housing and a GU10 LED Many combinations of LED and downlight can be created Replaceable LED Budget priced

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

► ► ► ► ►

Fully fire rated but also open rated The open Icage design provides ventilation which allows the LED to breathe and prolongs its lifetime Available in fixed or adjustable positions Replaceable LED Perfect match for the Philips 7W Master LED, will also house many other GU10 or MR16 lamps

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

► Long

lasting 75,000 hours ► Dimmable version optional ► Also available with baffle to reduce glare ► Die cast bezel ► Supplied with a fast-fix connector for a quicker, easier installation www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

►

Long lasting 75,000 hours ► Compact design, ideal for installations where space is limited ► 6 finishes to choose from ► Can be covered by insulation as it carries the F Capped approval ► Dimmable version optional ► Latest version will work with advanced lighting control systems such as Lutron etc. www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

►

Super bright light output of 550 lumen ► Wide beam angle of 46 degrees spreads the light more effectively ► Replaceable LED driver ► Die cast bezel, can be supplied in any RAL colour on request ► Choice of 3 colour temperatures including extra warm white 2700K ► Compatible with advanced lighting control systems like Lutron, Rako etc

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

The specification below is provided for the GU10 LED because the LED goes into the downlight housing:

LED Type

3.5W Kosnic

4W Philips Perfect Fit

5.5W Philips Perfect Fit

7W Philips Master LED

35W

50W

Lumen

210 lm

180 lm

270 lm

310 lm

Efficacy

60 lm/w

45 lm/w

49 lm/w

45 lm/w

Yes

30,000

25,000

40,000

Colour Temperatures

3000K / 6500K

2700K / 3000K

2700K / 3000K / 4200K

Beam Angles

36 Degree Only

25 Degree / 40 Degree

?New Product

A+

Halogen Equivalent

Dimmable Life Expectancy (hours)

Reliability (A to C)

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

The price includes the downlight housing and GU10 LED combined: Downlights with a white finish are slightly cheaper than the prices shown below which are based on chrome and satin chrome

None Fire Rated

Fire Rated

Icage

With 3.5W Kosnic LED None dimmable

£10.84+VAT

£12.67+VAT

£14.70+VAT

With 4W Philips Perfect Fit Dimmable

£14.42+VAT

£16.25+VAT

£18.28+VAT

With 5.5W Philips LED None dimmable

£19.62+VAT

£21.45+VAT

£23.48+VAT

With 7W Philips Master LED Dimmable

£25.46+VAT

£28.44+VAT

£29.32+VAT

Prices are for guidance only and change on a regular basis. Please check our website for the most up-to date prices and special offers.

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

LED Type

Halers H2 3000K

Halers H2 4000K

Aurora I9 4000K

Q-Lite 3000K

Wattage

7.9W

10W

Halogen Equivalent

50W

Lumen

330 lm

425 lm

410 lm

550 lm

Efficacy

42 lm/w

54 lm/w

45 lm/w

55 lm/w

Dimmable

Optional

Life Expectancy (hours)

75,000

50,000

Colour Temperatures

3000K

4000K

3000K / 4000K

2700K / 3000K / 5000K

34 Degree Only

40 Degree Only

46 Degree Only

? New Product

Price none dimmable (subject to change)

£32.18+VAT

£32.18 +VAT

£35.99

£38.75 +VAT

Price dimmable (subject to change)

£41.38 +VAT

£43.84 +VAT

£46.75 +VAT

Beam Angles Reliability (A to C)

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

What is ‘Part L’? ► Part L is a Building Regulation that relates to energy efficiency. ► For a house to achieve Part L approval, 3 out of every 4 luminaires (light fittings) must be low energy. ► Just fitting an LED is not enough. For a luminaire to be Part L compliant it must produce over 400 lamp lumens and have an efficacy (lighting term for efficiency) of at least 45 lumen per watt. ► Part L1 covers residential buildings. ► Part L2 covers commercial buildings and schools. ► To meet Part L2 requirements, the lamp or luminaire must have an efficacy of 55 lumen per watt. Part L2 is awarded to the building not the lamp or luminaire and also relates to energy saving controls. ► LEDs that are 5W and below are not included in Part L, they are ignored.

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

Which LED Downlights are Part L approved?

Yes

4000K 4000K

4000K

3000K www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

3000K

Low Cost

Mid Range

Premium

£10.84 - £28.44

£14.70 - £32.18

£41.38 - £46.75

Dimmable

Non dimmable

Non dimmable Dimmable

► The more money you spend on LEDs, the more reliable, brighter and longer lasting they generally are. ► We cater for all budgets and only sell high quality products that are designed to last for a long time. www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

► If you choose a cheaper downlight option (such as 3.5W or 7W LEDs) you may need to install more downlights in order to achieve the right level of light in the room (lux). ► However, if you choose a more expensive downlight, with a wider beam angle (such as Q-Lite) you wont have to install as many – thus reducing overall costs and minimising installation time.

12 x Basic Downlights with a Philips 7W LED Lux Production 152 (average lux) Cost per Downlight £28.44 +VAT Overall Cost £341.28 +VAT www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

6 x Q-Lites Lux Production 156 (average lux) Cost per Downlight £38.75 +VAT Overall Cost £232.50 +VAT

50W Halogen

Wattage

7W LED

50W

2,000 hours

40,000 hours

333 days (or 0.9 years)

6,666 days (or 18.3 years)

£1.38 +VAT

£21.82+VAT

Running Costs (2,000 hours @ 15p /KWH)

£15.00

£2.10

Running Costs (40,000 hours @ 15p /KWH)

£300.00

£42.00

20 Lamps = £27.60+VAT

1 Lamp = £21.82+VAT

£327.60

£63.82

Life Expectancy Days (based on 6 hours per day usage) Cost to Buy

Re-lamping costs (over 40,000 hours) Total cost over 40,000 hours

Saving based on just one lamp £263.78

►

Part L of the Building Regulations (energy efficiency) now states that continuous insulation should be laid over a ceiling space. Cutting around the insulation to install a downlight allows the heat from a room to escape through the hole that is created therefore is no longer a recommended practice.

►

Certain downlights are now available that allow insulation to be laid directly over them. These downlights must carry the F Capped Approval logo (see logo on the right). The logo must have a line over the top as without this (just an ‘F’ in a triangle) means something different.

►

The Halers H2 downlight carries F Capped Approval logo and can be covered directly with insulation but the manufacturer does not recommend doing this as it could reduce the life expectancy of the LED.

►

The Aurora Sola downlights have been purposely designed to be insulation coverable and are fitted with a heat sink. Although not included in this guide, they are available on our website.

►

Another option is to install a loft cap (pictured right), loft caps also provide fire protection (Part B), meaning you could fit non fire rated downlights and the loft cap would provide fire protection.

www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

Does it come with the bulb & transformer? Yes, they are supplied as a package. The complete LED downlights have the LED (or bulb) and transformer (or LED driver) built into the downlight. There are no hidden costs.

I have been told that LEDs are not dimmable, are they? Yes LEDs are dimmable, it is the driver that dims them. They will only dim with certain dimmer switches though.

Which dimmer switches work best? The Varilight V-Pro range is compatible with most LEDs and has a minimum load of just 2.5W (when used with LEDs). This trailing edge dimmer switch can also be ordered as a separate module and swapped over for existing dimmers. If an incompatible dimmer is used the LEDs will start to flicker or strobe at low levels, i.e. at 50% brightness.

What type of guarantee do they come with? The Kosnic GU10s come with a 2 year guarantee and the Philips LEDs with a 3 year guarantee. The complete LED downlights come with either a 5 or 7 year guarantee depending on which type.

What is the failure rate? / How reliable is the LED? It depends on the manufacturer, the Philips 7W Master LED has been around for over 2 years and we have experienced very few failures (less than 1 in every 1000). Each LED downlight in this guide is given an A, B or C to show how reliable it is. ‘A’ means it’s extremely reliable and has a proven track record.

I’ve seen other LEDs on the internet that produce more lumen and cost less, why is this? At present there are no regulations in place to stop manufacturers or re-sellers from overexaggerating the performance of their LEDs. A leading manufacturer recently tested a large batch of LED downlights and lamps and found that many of the unbranded ones were overstating the lumen output by as much as 50%. Nobody knows what 300 lumens looks like without using specialist lighting equipment, so make sure you buy a trusted brand, ideally with photometric data to back up the claims.

What is the lumen output of the LED? When purchasing LEDs it is important to compare the lumen output rather than the wattage. Ideally you want an LED to use less wattage and produce more lumen, this is known as the efficacy. As mentioned above, make sure you trust the brand. www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk

Thanks for viewing our guide. Insert discount code: LEDGU1 into the shopping basket to receive 5% off your first purchase For more information please visit: www.DownlightsDirect.co.uk Or Tel: 01706 521188