Electrician's Tips: Downlight Safety

Before we go on, let’s explain what a downlight is first for those who are unfamiliar with the term. Downlights brighten up rooms in your home in both a unique and elegant way, but when they’ve been badly installed they can cause electrical fires. They’re light fixtures that usually sit in hollow recesses giving the illusion that the light is part of the wall or ceiling rather than hanging down from above as a conventional light does, or a table lamp. 

Different types of downlight.

As you can imagine, there are different types of downlight - but they usually operate at 230v with power coming from a transformer at 12vs. They should be fire rated, so they have built in fire protection that will seal the downlight if there’s a fire so it doesn’t spread. You need to check the packaging for this.

What the experts recommend.

Electrical Safety First recommends fire rated downlights, and ones fitted with what’s known as aluminium reflector lamps, so any heat and flames are kept out of the cavities. This is the best way of keeping your home safe.

Always have your downlights installed by professional electricians.

If you’re thinking of having a downlight in your home then it’s best you have them installed by a professionally registered electrician. Because there’s such a high risk of fire and because they have such a bad reputation for being poorly installed, it goes without saying that you can’t afford to take risks. 

Manufacturer's instructions will help when replacing a downlight.

If you’re replacing one, always make sure you’ve kept the manufacturer’s instructions so you can refer to them again once you get around to replacing them. Never exceed the wattage level and make sure, like most electrical jobs, you switch off the power before starting work. Aluminium reflector lamps are the go to choice for downlights and not dichroic cool beam lamps. If you notice any damage to the replacement, take it back immediately, seek advice from a professional, such as ourselves, and send it back to the manufacturer. 

Vigilance, wattage, combustible materials and furniture.

Make sure you are always vigilant with existing downlights, make sure you regularly check for signs of overheating, the wattage requirements, that there’s enough space and that they’re in contact with combustible or insulation materials. You must also make sure they’re never installed near furniture and especially curtains, if you have them.

VC Electrical - for all your electrical needs.

Have any questions about what we’ve discussed? Why not get in touch with one of our dedicated team of electricians, and they can go through your queries. If you’re thinking of having downlights installed we’d be more than happy to provide one of our trusted, registered and qualified electricians to do the job for you.