LED panel ceiling lighting for basement flat?

RankAmatuer

Just wondering if anyone has any experience of or opinions on LED lighting panels for use in domestic ceilings? Looking at the kind of units being sold as replacements for fluorescent fittings used in office ceilings, such as this:

www ledecolite.co.uk/led-panels/80w-600x1200mm-panel (dot) html

(Still too rookie to post links properly it seems)


From what I've read the technology on LED lights has come along way in last few years and anything above 60 lumens / watt is considered decent (this unit 65). We have a ground floor and basement flat with kitchen / lounge and bedroom in basement, some natural light from each end but not lots so thought couple of these recessed in ceiling could give good (and cheap) supplementary light during day and look bit like skylights? Not cheapest fixtures but considerably cheaper than original plan of glass flooring panels... Anyone used these or seen them in action? Cheers

devotee

Here's the link http://www.ledecolite.co.uk/led-panels/80w-600x1200mm-panel.html

No idea, hoping that someone will come along and help. I don't think LEDs are strong enough to have any use of dimmable feature. Hoping to use leds in my next flat, so maybe someone will suggest if this one is a good idea.

RankAmatuer

Thanks for link / bump. Not too sure about dimmer feature myself, get feeling might be useful though in terms of setting initial level as quite large panel. Dimmer option comes with remote control with 10 level buttons as presume can't run off normal dimmer switch, anyone?

devotee

I think you have to buy that separately? The dimmer.

RankAmatuer

Yes you do, only extra £21 though. Seen other versions of these panels where dimmable option almost doubles cost of same panel, guessing slightly different approach then in which maybe can connect to normal dimmer power switch but requires different controller? Only guessing though.

devotee

How would you install it? Would it be flush with the ceiling? Just thinking of the practicalities as I know downlighters don't take much space and you can put them between the joists (I think that's how it's done?), so was wondering how this thing would work?
Btw buying a basement flat too!

RankAmatuer

As I understand it you can either surface mount, flush mount or suspend from chains (not very useful in basement..). Looking around these seem to be very low profile, 8-20mm thick, although they have a small controller box which adds to thickness. Our case is a bit special as we have a big trapdoor in ceiling (place is ex-shop) so already 250mm recess, hence skylight look should be quite easy. But certainly looks easier than downlighters as you could just cut small hole for controller and surface mount main unit to ceiling. Of course if make mistake we did of getting building control involved then recess would have to be lined with fireboard as these aren't fire rated...

devotee

Thanks for that! Luckily my basement flat has high ceilings but I'd still like the flush fitting, maybe in the kitchen area (will be open plan kitchen/lounge) or store room. The only thing I don't love is that metal border.