installing downlights Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[bazza]

hi everyone im wanting to fit some downlights in my landing ceiling i waz just wondering if they are simple enough to install and do they just loop into each other and is it a job i can do myself (im no expert but i know how lightin curcuits work) and can they be fitted to my original light switch (2 gang 2 way)any tips wud be much appreciated sorry if i sound abit dumb but ive never had any interest in figuring out downlights b4 i dont like them but the mrs aint half naggin for me to fit em ah ah so any advise about how to go about this wud be great THANX bazza

[kbrownie]

To be truthful, as an electrician they are a pain in the rear-end to fit.
They require ventilation and fire-rating, often joists are troublesome and get in the way, as they cannot be fitted near combustible materials. The holing of joists needs to comply to part A of building controls.
They are not designed for the domestic market and luminance is not the same as you standard light fittings as the beam angle is not spread as-well.

But they can be daisy chained across each other and the switches will still function the same, be careful to note and mark down, even photograph the cables/connection of existing light before removing it.
And also run an earth cable between the fittings, even if the instruction state one is not required,

You will require a gap between top of fitting and floor above, this will be a little different with respects to the manufacture and their requirements. So before purchasing, do some investigation in to ceiling void space and depth, then source a fitting suitable for this.
Just realised, this is yonks old!