What to do about LED driver (?) with partially melted housing in bathroom ceiling

Hennymore

Was replacing a spotlight in the bathroom ceiling but noticed a LED driver (?) in the ceiling seems damaged. Not sure what I should do. Just replace that part? Any ideas what might have caused it? Also, the bulb had something dark on it. Presumably melted plastic from that box. Shown here after the old spotlight fell down and broke, to add insult to injury.

If it’s relevant, the lights are just on a pull cord, with no dimming. And also in case it’s relevant, this is the light over the shower.

Myser

I would remove the fitting and replace the driver.  Inspect for any damage to wiring or the fitting.  What is the make/model of the driver?

Hennymore

Thank you. I’ll see if I can get a better look at the rest of the driver. Assume I’ll probably have to take up the floor above to replace it and inspect wiring.

After some further googling, it seems this is somewhat common with 12v halogens (which it turns out we have) and the recommendation seems to be to replace with mains-powered LEDs. So that may be the path forward here.

Myser

You should be able to get to it by removing the entire spotlight housing.  Definitely worth replacing with a mains fitting instead that takes standard GU10 LEDs.

grumbler

Sure you have to replace it.

However, depending on the size of the hole, it'll probably be simpler to replace the light to mains powered one that doesn't need any driver. I am no expert, but I think it can be any IP65 rated light  - https://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-lighting/bathroom-downlights/cat5110018#category=cat5110018&iprating=ip65

Myser

grumbler said:

I am no expert, but I think it can be any IP65 rated light  - https://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-lighting/bathroom-downlights/cat5110018#category=cat5110018&iprating=ip65

Probably best not to buy an integrated fitting.  Any IP rated fitting that takes a standard GU10 will be fine.

Hennymore

Thank you! I had assumed the wiring was more complicated but does seem like I could get at it through the hole in the ceiling. Watched https://youtu.be/2sVhvRFYjIY. Will look into whether I can do it without needing a driver.

Myser

Hennymore said:

Watched https://youtu.be/2sVhvRFYjIY. Will look into whether I can do it without needing a driver.

Would advise against using a driver.

Fit something like these instead (IP65):

https://www.downlights.co.uk/icage-mini-fire-rated-downlights-new.html 

https://www.downlights.co.uk/aurora-insulation-covered-downlights.html

Check your existing hole cutout size first.

Hennymore

Thank you again! Further googling suggests GU10 bulbs will have an integrated driver. Sounds like a good idea. Don’t need any dimming fanciness. 

Myser

Hennymore said:

Thank you again! Further googling suggests GU10 bulbs will have an integrated driver. Sounds like a good idea. Don’t need any dimming fanciness. 

Yes, the driver is integrated.  Choose a reliable brand if you want hassle-free long term operation!

Hennymore

May go with these ones: https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/FRSHGUB.html Non-integrated, GU10, IP65, right hole size and depth and brass would look nice