Installing downlights

yartin · Post by **yartin** » Thu Nov 12, 2020 6:41 pm

Hi
I want to install 8 LED downlights in my kitchen ceiling. Access is easy from the floor above floorboards....etc.

1. I have one ceiling light at present. Can I connect 8 spotlights to this one light circuit in parallel?

2. The ceiling is skimmed over suspect artex asbestos. Is there a safe way to drill holes for the spotlights or forget the whole thing?

Thanks

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Thu Nov 12, 2020 6:58 pm

1) Yes.

2) If you are that worried you can get a "cup and cutter" (Not sure its official name) but its like a wide plastic cup, it goes on your drill (machine, not the drill bit) then your cutter sits inside and you cut as you would normally. Most use it as it stops dust going everywhere as you drill / cut the hole.

Note: Even though you have access from above, double check before you cut any downlight holes.

yartin · Post by **yartin** » Thu Nov 12, 2020 7:36 pm

I think it's called Drill Cowl. But debris can go to the other side of the ceiling which is the floor above with exposed floorboards... I have read somewhere shaving foam or wallpaper paste applied to the drilled area works. BUT still while wiring and fitting the downlight won't be safe. I think I will do a sample test and only do this if it's asbestos free artex, house built 1959.

yartin · Post by **yartin** » Wed Jan 27, 2021 11:22 am

I am now ready (at last) to do my kitchen, units nearly off, starting from ceiling, tested negative for asbestos which is v good, need opinions on:
1. Choice of downlight. I prefere GU10 based, they are very cheap around £5 each! Are they OK for kitchens?
2. Is 1mm cable OK?
3. I need 6 (or 7) lights, I have access to most from above room by lifting floor boards, is it best to drill holes in joists to pass cables?
4. Possibly 1 or 2 lights won't be accessible from room above. What is the way to pass cables? I have seen a vid, they locate joists, drill big holes to have access either side of joist then somehow pass the cable under joist.
5. Is it best to drill downlight holes before plastering the ceiling?

Thanks

sammy.se · Post by **sammy.se** » Fri Jan 29, 2021 7:18 pm

Do you have access to a Costco?
They are selling LED downlights, IP65 and fire rated. Two for £15. Clever ones, where the temp of light can be selected (warm white, cool white, daylight).
At £7.50 per light, it's good value for that spec.

Personally, I would plaster the ceiling before drilling holes for the downlights (but after I drill and patch holes to pass cables etc). plastering a ceiling with big holes in it just makes things messy, and you'll need to clean up the holes etc.

yartin · Post by **yartin** » Fri Jan 29, 2021 9:06 pm

sammy.se wrote: ↑Fri Jan 29, 2021 7:18 pm Do you have access to a Costco?
They are selling LED downlights, IP65 and fire rated. Two for £15. Clever ones, where the temp of light can be selected (warm white, cool white, daylight).
At £7.50 per light, it's good value for that spec.

Personally, I would plaster the ceiling before drilling holes for the downlights (but after I drill and patch holes to pass cables etc). plastering a ceiling with big holes in it just makes things messy, and you'll need to clean up the holes etc.

I don't use costco, sounds clever, must be built in LEDs. Do you know the brand?

sammy.se · Post by **sammy.se** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 6:22 pm

You're correct, built in LEDs, brand is Feit

yartin · Post by **yartin** » Tue Feb 02, 2021 7:38 pm

I am about to install downlight, I went for Aurora GU10 fire rated adjustable, giving me flexibility to what lumens to use, is that a good choice?

can you pls confirm the wiring below is correct for 7 downlights?

Thanks

: downlight wiring.png (17.89 KiB) Viewed 3030 times

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Tue Feb 02, 2021 7:47 pm

It may be easier (for you) to loop from one light to the next, not as you have done two directions from the main light.
There is nothing electrically wrong, its just that it is simpler to find problems and is easy to do.

(So at a much later date you are not scratching your head wondering why you have umpteen cables at the old main light)

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Tue Feb 02, 2021 7:51 pm

Oh, the "cup cutter" I mentioned back in November, its called Holesaw Dust and Debris Eliminator, you can get one from Here

yartin · Post by **yartin** » Tue Feb 02, 2021 7:59 pm

Someone-Else wrote: ↑Tue Feb 02, 2021 7:47 pm It may be easier (for you) to loop from one light to the next, not as you have done two directions from the main light.
There is nothing electrically wrong, its just that it is simpler to find problems and is easy to do.

(So at a much later date you are not scratching your head wondering why you have umpteen cables at the old main light)

Yes makes sense, why have 3 cables into one light, thanks.

yartin · Post by **yartin** » Tue Feb 02, 2021 8:02 pm

Someone-Else wrote: ↑Tue Feb 02, 2021 7:51 pm Holesaw Dust and Debris Eliminator,

The ceiling tested negative for asbestos, 7 holes with glasses and mask and shower later should be OK I think.

yartin · Post by **yartin** » Tue Feb 02, 2021 9:17 pm

Is 1mm2 cable 6242y sufficient?

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Tue Feb 02, 2021 9:20 pm

No, you will need it a bit longer than that.

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Tue Feb 02, 2021 9:24 pm

Yes, it will be fine.