Spotlights in 2007 extension

youth_leader

I've just bought a bungalow and the extension has 11 spotlights.  One of them went recently and wouldn't work when I replaced the bulb, so I rang the electrician.  He's just been and said they'll all have to be replaced as the halogen bulbs will no longer be available, I'll have to change to LED fittings.  There are six in the bathroom and he said they aren't safe as they aren't sealed, they'll have to be replaced too.

I remember other posts on here about the constant changes in electricity regulations, but am not sure how to find out about lighting, advice please.

Thank you.   

FtbDreaming

Just change them to LED. They are quite cheap. Get a box of 10 lights for £45 from screwfix. They are much more energy efficient too. 

[Deleted User]

Your electrician is ripping you off. If the fixtures take halogen they will take LED, as LED produces less heat which is the only concern.

For the bathroom... Well, he may be technically correct, it's up to you if you want the remedial work done. Most British houses have some dodgy electrics unless they were very recently rewired.

youth_leader

Thank you for replying.  I couldn't understand why they all had to changed  as I had already replaced two of them with LEDs, but he mentioned 'transformers'?  

NSG666

It might save you money in the long run to change them all at once rather than every time one fails. The biggest problem is to find a replacement that needs the same size or slightly larger holes already cut out.

AdrianC

youth_leader said:

Thank you for replying.  I couldn't understand why they all had to changed  as I had already replaced two of them with LEDs, but he mentioned 'transformers'?  

Then they're low voltage (12v) fittings. As well as the bulb, there's a small transformer that converts 230v to 12v, probably inside the ceiling. Drop the fitting out, rummage round with your hand, and it'll be there...

https://www.screwfix.com/p/aurora-electronic-transformer-20-60va/5130j

Bet the bulbs are just a standard MR16...

https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-gu5-3-mr16-led-light-bulb-345lm-5w-5-pack/2730v

youth_leader

Thank you Adrian, I must get a new ladder I'm more confident on, but I'll have a go. 

dimbo61

The electrican is right.
In a bathroom you need sealed IP 65 light fittings to comply with the 18th edition electrics regs.
Yes LED bulbs are much better than the old halogen bulbs and use 3/5 watts instead of 30/50 watts.
You have a choice of colours as well.
Warm white which looks good in living/bedrooms.
Cool white for kitchens and bathrooms
Daylight which is very very bright and usefull for reading/working on fine hobbies. Needlework, jigsaws, modeling etc 
Please change all the bulbs at once and get extra bulbs in case any blow.
You could get an electric shock off the old bathroom fittings.
Water and electric don't mix 

FreeBear

dimbo61 said: In a bathroom you need sealed IP 65 light fittings to comply with the 18th edition electrics regs.

The light fittings need only comply with the regulations that were in force at the time of installation. Prior to Jan 2019, it would have to be 17th edition compliant.

If the light fittings are at least 2250mm above a bath or shower, the requirements are much more relaxed and there is no need for a fully sealed fitting. If there is a chance that the fitting will get splashed, an IP65 rated lamp is still a good idea though.

youth_leader

Thanks all. 

I've used the last two in the LED pack I bought to replace halogen, and all 11 are working at the moment - but it's now a mix of LED and halogen.   I haven't had the courage to feel around for the transformers yet, I'm only five foot two and have to stand at the very top of the ladder, I'll try that tomorrow.  I do wonder if they'll blow if I change them all.  I haven't thought about the bathroom yet, thank you for the advice.  

68ComebackSpecial

FtbDreaming said:

Just change them to LED. They are quite cheap. Get a box of 10 lights for £45 from screwfix. They are much more energy efficient too. 

10 for £16 last lot I bought from Amazon.

As I have over 100 in my house I do pay attention to the price.