Upgrading downlights

Possiblyretired

I've got three downlights in my ceiling that I'd like to replace with Ansell Prism Pro Downlights or something similar, preferably integrated led.

Attached is an image of one of the old ones that I snipped out earlier. Above is the loft, I can get up there but no idea what to look for.

Can someone talk me through the process of what I do next? Or do I need an electrician?

Bigphil1474

The 'no idea what to look for' should be telling you that you need an electrician. There's good jobs to DIY on and there's bad ones. Unless you know what you are doing, I'd suggest DIYing won't save you any money on this job.

Robin9

"Attached is an image of one of the old ones that I snipped out earlier. Above is the loft, I can get up there but no idea what to look for."

I do hope that when you snipped out the fitting in the photo you made the ends safe - not just taped up. The connector block shown shows sign of burning indicating a loose connection.

Possiblyretired

@Bigphil1474 probably right and yes it is trying to save money but I also like to understand how stuff works which does get me in trouble sometimes!

@Robin9 thanks for the reminder, I put all wires in boxes and have taken note of loose connection.

MyRealNameToo

The fact you cut it off is probably enough to say you should be getting someone in to do it.

I personally would avoid units like this where you can't replace the bulb. A friend, with a very big place, had some much more expensive versions, there were 25 in his reception room. One failed. Previously that would have meant buying 1 new GU10 bulb but with these you have to replace the whole unit and they'd changed the design so rather than £3 for a new bulb it was £500 for 25 new smart lights. If you are certain you want to be locked in then at least buy a few spares to keep for when one fails early.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6656145/upgrading-downlights

The snipped wires look as tho' they are heat-resistant type, and have no earth. I presume, then, that it's coming from a transformer, possible a shared one supplying all these LED fittings? Ie, they'll likely be ELV and not 'mains'.

The Ansell Prism Pro Downlights are mains-powered, each having their own integrated 'driver', so I'm guessing that a complete new 'mains' cable run will need to be daisy-chained between them. Not a biggie, but obviously you need to know what you are doing.

I ain't going to advise on this, as I have to agree with Phil and Robin.

(If you go for the Ansells, keep the receipt for warranty purposes…)

FFHillbilly

I wouldn't fit Ansel Prism, they are overpriced rubbish. look at Halers H2 lite CSP, bargain if you don't mind white bezels, £55 for a pack of 10, easy push fit connectors

kinger101

You need an electrician. They know how to use screwdrivers for a start. And if wires do need snipping, wire snips.

Possiblyretired

TThanks all, always good to get a sanity check. Although would say - @kinger101 am quite competent with a screwdriver and wire snips were used!