Downlights in the kitchen

R6TTJ

Hi all

Ok so I finally ordered my LED lights for the kitchen, I went for the Phillips GU10 5.3 Master values and chose the White 3000k for the kitchen andthe 4000k for the bathroom, they were expensive £142.00 for 18 but have to say they are brilliant!!

Question I have is that I now want to change the old surrounds which were white but now look almost creamy/yellow to some nice chrome or brushed ones...When I took the halogens out I tried to take out the surrounds but they wouldn’t move at all, didn’t want to use a flat head screwdriver as I don’t want to messup the ceiling..

Any advice please? Also any advice on where I can get the surrounds from ata good price?

Ta muchly

Xeorix

R6TTJ wrote: »

Hi all

Ok so I finally ordered my LED lights for the kitchen, I went for the Phillips GU10 5.3 Master values and chose the White 3000k for the kitchen andthe 4000k for the bathroom, they were expensive £142.00 for 18 but have to say they are brilliant!!

Question I have is that I now want to change the old surrounds which were white but now look almost creamy/yellow to some nice chrome or brushed ones...When I took the halogens out I tried to take out the surrounds but they wouldn’t move at all, didn’t want to use a flat head screwdriver as I don’t want to messup the ceiling..

Any advice please? Also any advice on where I can get the surrounds from ata good price?

Ta muchly

You need to find out first if the existing ones are 240V or 12V.

What you will find is that the holders will have springs which push down on the ceiling, and then a hook type thing where the wires go into like so:



Theres a knack to it, but that picture should help you understand where they're getting stuck.

As for the holders, make sure you go for some fire-rated ones in the kitchen at least.

I've just ordered these for the bedroom:
http://powerdiscount.co.uk/aurora-enlite-en-fd102pc-240v-gu10-adjustable-lock-ring-acoustic-compact-downlight-polished-chrome-4521-p.asp

Not sure on the website, but they were a lot cheaper than elsewhere and have good trustpilot reviews. If they don't come tomorrow then I know something is up with that site!

R6TTJ

Thank ypu very much Xeorix the diagram is great and has made me more aware of how things work now

If the kitchen does not already have fire-rated ones i will get them but all i wanted to do is change the bezel nothing else, looking at the picture it looks like i can do this - can you confirm this or do i have to buy the whole unit...

muckybutt

Dont get confused with the illustration above, the lamp you have said you have got is nothing like the illustration.

You have a standard sized lamp which "should" fit into most f not all recessed GU10 recessed fittings.

All you should need to do is remove the lamp then pull down on the fitting, if its stuck run a stanley knife around the edge of the fitting as its probably got stuck in the paint if its been there a while. When it comes out keep your fingers clear of the springs that are holding into the ceiling !

You will have something like this >
Most DIY sheds or screwfix should sell the fittings - you can fit your lamps into the new fittings all you may need to do is adjust the size of hole.

R6TTJ

Thank you soo much muckybutt your post is exactly what I needed to see thanks again!

is this the same way to do it in my bathroom they have a glass covering

JohnB47

Mine have a glass 'lens' too and I would not expect to be able to change the decorative surround, it's too integral to the fitting. I might be wrong but I think you'll have to change the whole fitting. I've never come across the surround being sold seperately.

Oh and yes, they need a good sturdy pull to get them to come down. I was surprised how much effort I had to put into it, the first time. Some have really strong spring plates holding them up.

muckybutt

Bathroom ones the glass front should come away first as they'll be IP rated ones most likely, the cover should either twist off or pull down.

If you are changing bathroom lights you will need to use IP rated fittings though and the work will be notifiable to the local council if doing it yourself.

Ectophile

It's not notifiable if you are simply replacing something that was already there. There's a specific exclusion in the building regs for that.

amatino

I too am hoping to use LED lights for a new kitchen extension but have quoted a price of £40 each by a qualified electrician. Is this a bit extravagant?

MX5huggy

What's the £40 get you? The fitting fitted? Just the fitting or just the fitting if you follow?