LED downlights are a relatively new solution in the long history of lighting. The first commercial LEDs were only used in indoor lighting in the early 2000s. And yet, they are already a standard feature in new homes and offices.
LED downlights have several advantages compared to traditional incandescent lighting:
- Use less energy
- Produce less heat
- Enable more accurate positioning
- Are easier to install, upgrade, and replace
So, how can you get all these benefits in your building? And do you need to pay for professional downlight installation, or is DIY doable?
Keep reading, and let us illuminate you on the innovation that is LED downlights.
LED downlight installation
Here’s some good news: you can install and change your own LED downlights.
However, there are some caveats.
As with any electrical work in the home or office, you should only attempt to fit or exchange LED downlights if your residential electrician gives the all-clear.
We can’t stress this enough: an electrician needs to replace or install the light fittings before you can install LED downlights.
You should never, under any circumstances, attempt to install electrical wiring yourself.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way…
Installing LED ceiling downlights into a professionally installed light fitting is surprisingly simple. Most modern LEDs for indoor lighting come with clever clips that plug into pre-existing power cables.
Installation takes around 30 seconds, and you don’t need to call the electrician back to plug in or replace your downlights.
It’s worth mentioning that while DIY downlight installation can save you time and money in some cases, the benefits are limited to situations where you need to paint or renovate the ceiling after an electrician installs wiring.
It’s always better to get an electrician to install ceiling downlights for a few reasons.
- Licenced electricians provide quality guarantees
- All wiring will be safe and secure
- The results will look professional and work properly right away
- Any damage to the ceiling is covered
Plus, if the electrician can install wiring and lighting at the same time, you might not incur any extra labour costs.
The pitfalls of poorly installed indoor lighting
Electrical faults account for an estimated 40% of residential fires, causing millions of dollars of preventable damage and putting lives in danger.
Faulty wiring and incorrect downlight installation are potential fire hazards.
In addition, DIY downlight installation carries several hidden risks:
- Misalignment
- Patchy light coverage
- Incorrect lighting choice
- Faulty light or switch
All these misadventures will significantly increase the cost of installing indoor lighting, not to mention the fire risk and frustration.
The bottom line on indoor lighting installation
Most commercial and residential builders today choose to install LED ceiling downlights to save on energy costs, simplify indoor lighting, and maximise the impact of indoor lighting.
With the right sparky on your side, you can get all the benefits of LED downlights without any risk or additional cost.
Speak to NJP Electrical today for expert advice and a tailored quote on downlight installation. Our residential and commercial electricians are licenced, experienced and fully equipped to do the job safely and efficiently.
