Showcasing the UK s biggest players in the World of LED downlights Author: Chris Horridge Version 2.0 Jan 2015
Click on a link to jump straight to a page of interest 1. LED downlights are 2. Main types of LED downlights 3. Advantages of GU10 downlights 4. GU10 downlight combinations 5. Advantages of integrated downlights 6. What are fire rated downlights? 7. Dimmable or non Dimmable? 8. Which Colour Temperature? 9. Fixed or Adjustable? 10. Ansell Non Fire Rated 11. Ansell Icage Fire Rated 12. Aurora Sola Fire Rated 13. Aurora M10 DOB 14. JCC FGLED6 15. Click Inceptor Micro 16. EcoLED ZEP1 17. Halers H2 Pro 18. GU10 LED Downlight Specification 19. GU10 LED Downlight Price Guide 20. Integrated LED Downlight Specification 21. Halogen Versus GU10 LED Cost Comparison 22. Insulation Coverable 23. Part L Compliance 24. FAQs
A low energy alternative to halogen which provides energy savings of up to 90% Longer lasting, ranging from 25,000 hours to 75,000 hours. Up to 30 years (based on 6 hours per day usage) Eco-friendly and better for the environment Instant start-up, no warm up time like CFL Maintenance free, fit and forget!
GU10 LED Downlights Integrated LED Downlights The LED and the downlight housing are made up of two separate items Sold separately but also available in kits The LED can be replaced The downlight is built around the LED The LED driver is supplied with, and often attached to the downlight The LED is not replaced but lasts longer and is usually brighter
The LED can be replaced in the event of a failure or taken with you if you move house The LED can be easily changed for a different colour temperature, wattage or beam angle Without an LED (or a halogen) a GU10 downlight is like a car without an engine. Mains voltage, no LED driver required Cheaper to buy
Because the downlight housing and LED are made up of two separate items, many combinations can be made to suit different room types and applications.
Brighter (produces more lumens) than GU10 LEDs Longer lasting, up to 75,000 hours - designed to last for over 30 years More energy efficient, less wattage goes in, more lumens come out Complies with Part L of the Building Regulations More advanced heat sink that dissipates excess heat and allows the LED to operate under cooler optimum temperatures Sole purpose and design is to be an LED downlight (GU10 downlights were originally designed for halogens). The downlight is built around the LED
What are fire rated downlights? Fire rated downlights are used to restore the fire integrity of a ceiling. When a recessed downlight is installed, a hole is cut into the ceiling. This hole reduces the ceiling s natural ability to act as a barrier. In the event of a fire, the intumescent material in the downlight melts or swells up and seals off the hole. This prevents the fire from spreading through the hole and onto adjoining floors, but more importantly protects the building s structure. The structure of most houses is usually made from wooden ceiling joists, once the ceiling joists are on fire they will most likely collapse, this could bring the entire building down before anyone has had time to extinguish the fire (fire service) or escape to safety. Fire rated downlights help prevent the spread of fire and minimise the risk of structural damage/collapse. For more information refer to Part B of the Building Regulations or consult someone from your local Building Control. Do I need fire rated downlights? If they are being installed in houses containing wooden ceiling joists then they should be fire rated. If the ceiling is made from concrete then they may not need to be fire rated. If in doubt, why not install fire rated downlights anyway? Most integrated downlights are fire rated as standard so you don t always have a choice. In general they are safer and only cost slightly more and provide peace of mind.
Do you want to be able to dim your lights? Unlike halogen not all LEDs are dimmable. Non dimmable versions usually cost slightly less. LEDs are gradually becoming dimmable as standard and it s just a matter of time before you don t have the option. Some manufacturers are still clinging onto the idea that consumers like to have the option but when faced with numerous options I believe it s best to keep things simple. Just because the LEDs are dimmable it doesn t mean you have to dim them, they will function perfectly well using a normal on/off light switch while providing more flexibility for the future. Depending on the type of room they are going in you may not want to dim them. For example a kitchen wouldn t need to be dimmable but a lounge area would. Dimming the lights allows you to create a lighting effect to suit your lifestyle while also saving energy and prolonging the life of the LED. If you ve got any advanced lighting control systems such as Lightwave RF, Lutron or Rako, check the compatibility first as not all combinations work. We recommend using the Megaman 6W GU10 as it is the best for dimming. Even if you re using a traditional rotary dimmer switch you ll need to make sure it s LED compatible as many aren t. But fear not, we also sell a variety of LED dimmer switches that will dim any type of LED and any amount.
Which colour temperatures are available? There are three main colour temperatures to choose from; extra warm white (2700K), warm white (3000K) and cool white (4000K). Not all LEDs are available in all three colour temperatures, so deciding on your preference from the outset is important as it can help to narrow down your search. 2700K & 3000K Which colour temperature is best? How should I decide? This is a matter of your personal taste. It depends on the type of appearance you want for the room you are illuminating. Extra warm white is cosy like candle-light and is the closest match to halogen. Cool white (also known as neutral white) is clearer and brighter but colder in appearance. Warm white is in-between and is the most popular as it offers a clearer whiter light but not as clinical as cool white. If in doubt go with warm white as a starting point and you could exchange them if it s not suitable.
Do you want to be able to adjust the direction of the light? Adjustable (or gimbal) downlights are good if you want to direct the light onto a particular object e.g. a picture or a feature. Adjustable downlights can be tilted by around 25 degrees or more depending on the brand. Adjustable downlights are ideal for use in vaulted or sloped ceilings. They off-set the angle of the ceiling and allow the light to be angled directly downwards. What are the benefits of fixed position downlights? Fixed downlights have smaller cut out sizes and are not as chunky as adjustable. Fixed position fire rated downlights also provide resistance to moisture and air (Part C Approval). Adjustable downlights generally do not provide this level of protection. If you re not concerned about directing the light onto a particular object then opt for fixed downlights to reduce any risk of condensation on the LED. Fixed downlights also cost less too. The price difference for adjustable integrated downlights is considerably higher, sometimes as much as 40%.
Simple design, low cost LED downlight Replaceable LED High quality die cast finish with many finishes to choose from Available in fixed, adjustable positions and IP65 for bathrooms Supplied in two parts; die cast downlight housing and GU10 LED Can be supplied with budget priced LEDs or more reliable Philips branded LEDs [Click on the image to view the product on line]
Fully fire rated but also open rated Available in fixed, adjustable and IP65 rated for bathrooms Replaceable LED with many options to choose from Large loop in, loop out terminal block for wiring Lifetime guarantee (doesn t cover the LED) Market leading product which provides a cost effective and more reliable solution to traditional fire can downlights New compact version; icage Mini now available for shallow ceiling voids The open Icage design provides ventilation which allows the LED to breathe and prolongs its lifetime [Click on the image to view the product on line]
Fully fire rated and insulation coverable as standard 4 in 1 downlight that meets UK Building Regulations Has a ventilation window for increased airflow Available in fixed, adjustable and IP65 rated for bathrooms Large loop in, loop out terminal block for wiring GU10 holder which requires an additional LED with many options to choose from [Click on the image to view the product on line]
Very reliable, minimal failure rate Lumen output of 550 lumens Dimmable as standard Compact design of 70mm for use in shallow ceiling voids Available in a choice of 38 or 60 degree beam angles Fixed, but adjustable version also available with the H4FF Life expectancy of 70,000 hours 7 year guarantee Market leading product, now in it s fourth generation that revolutionised the world of recessed downlights [Click on the image to view the product on line]
Available in fixed or adjustable versions Die cast bezel 38 degree beam with optional beam angles of 24 and 60 degrees Supplied with a fast-fix connector for a quicker, easier installation Many accessories available such as hole converters, anti-baffle versions and slim trim attachment Can be covered with insulation by adding an insulation cover cap Contains the latest driver on board (DOB) technology, the LED driver is built directly into the LED chip which eliminates the need for a capacitor often the most vulnerable component of an LED downlight [Click on the image to view the product on line]
Long lasting 75,000 hours 10 year guarantee Dimmable version optional Insulation coverable as standard, no additional items required Available in fixed or adjustable versions. Wide range of accessories including a concealer ring and hole converter plate Consumes 7.2 watts and offers a low energy alternative to a 50 watt halogen Forms part of the JCC Flame Guard series with a lower output 3W version and brighter 10W version also available [Click on the image to view the product on line]
Supplied with both fixed and adjustable bezels Ultra compact design for use in shallow ceiling voids at just 49mm in depth! Fixed bezel provides IP44 protection for use in bathrooms Dimmable version optional 7 year guarantee Supplied with market leading Click plug-in Flow connector Cost effective with prices starting from just 14.15 +VAT [Click on the image to view the product on line]
Diffused front cover, no unsightly LEDs are visible Lumen output of up to 560 lumens Die cast bezel Compact design of 76mm for use in shallow ceiling voids Replaceable LED driver not directly attached like many others Fixed, but adjustable version also available with the ZEP1E Compatible with advanced lighting control systems like Lutron Grafik Eye and Rania Life expectancy of 50,000 hours or 22 years if used for 6 hours per day. [Click on the image to view the product on line]
The specification below is provided for the GU10 LED because the LED goes into the downlight housing: LED Type Kosnic 4.5W Philips 5.3W Philips 5.5W Megaman 6W Halogen Equivalent 35W 50W 50W 50W Lumen 180lm 355 / 385 / 420lm 350 / 375 / 385lm 410lm Efficiency 40lm/w 67 to 79lm/w 50 to 53lm/w 68lm/w Dimmable No Yes Yes Yes Life Expectancy (Hours) 35,000 25,000 40,000 25,000 Colour Temperatures 3000K/4000K 2700K/3000K/4000K 2700K/3000K/4000K 2800K/4000K Beam Angles 45 Degree only 36 Degree Only 25 & 40 Degree 35 Degree only Reliability A A+ A+ A
The price includes the downlight housing and GU10 LED combined: Downlights in a chrome and satin chrome finish cost slightly more than the prices shown below which are based on white Non Fire Rated Ansell Icage Aurora Sola With 4.5W Kosnic LED Non dimmable 6.88 +VAT 10.69 +VAT 12.68 +VAT With 5.3W Philips Master Value Dimmable 8.57 +VAT 12.38 +VAT 14.37 +VAT With 5.5W Philips Master LED Dimmable 12.18 +VAT 15.99 +VAT 17.98 +VAT With 6W Megaman LED Dimmable 11.00 +VAT 14.81 +VAT 16.80 +VAT Prices are for guidance only and change on a regular basis. Please check our website for the most up-to date prices and special offers.
LED Type Click Inceptor Micro EcoLED ZEP1 Halers H2 Pro Aurora M10 Wattage 7W 6W 8.5W 10W Lumen 400lm 520l / 530 / 560 lm 470 / 550lm 550 / 600lm Efficiency 55 to 60 lm/w 78 to 85 lm/w 55 to 64 lm/w 55 to 60 lm/w Dimmable Optional Yes Yes Optional Life Expectancy (Hours) 30,000 50,000 70,000 40,000 Colour Temperatures 2700K / 4000K 2700K / 3000K /4000K 3000K / 4000K 3000K / 4000K Beam Angles 35 Degree only 37 Degree Only 38 or 60 Degree 25, 40 or 60 Degree Starting Price 14.15 +VAT 31.00 +VAT 26.67 +VAT 22.23 +VAT
50W Halogen 5.3W Philips LED Wattage 50W 5.3W Total Life Expectancy 2,000 hours 25,000 hours Life Expectancy in Days (based on 6 hours per day usage) 333 days (or 0.9 years) 4,166 days (or 11.4 years) Cost to Buy 0.79 +VAT 5.34 +VAT Running Costs over 2,000 hours (2,000 hours @ 15p /KWH) Running Costs over 25,000 hours (25,000 hours @ 15p /KWH) 15.00 1.59 187.50 19.88 Re-lamping costs (over 25,000 hours) 12.5 Lamps = 9.88 +VAT 1 Lamp = 5.34 +VAT Total cost over 25,000 hours 197.38 25.22 Saving based on just one LED 172.16
Part L of the Building Regulations (energy efficiency) now states that continuous insulation should be laid over a ceiling space. Cutting around the insulation to install a downlight allows the heat from a room to escape through the hole that is created therefore is no longer a recommended practice. Certain downlights are now available that allow insulation to be laid directly over them. They are either specially designed or fitted with an insulation cover cap. For integrated insulation coverable downlights check out the JCC Flame Guard and the Aurora M Series which includes the M10 DOB. The Aurora M Series requires an additional cap. Or for GU10 fire rated downlights check out the Aurora Sola downlights. Another option is to install a loft cap (pictured right), loft caps also provide fire protection (Part B), meaning you could fit non fire rated downlights and the loft cap would provide fire protection. Or we now have a range of cost effective insulation cover caps called SpotClips which are available in three sizes. These clips can be easily retrofitted to any type of downlight, they can be fitted from below the downlight so you don t need to go into the ceiling void.
What is Part L? Part L is a Building Regulation that relates to energy efficiency Just fitting an LED is not enough. For a luminaire to be Part L compliant it must produce over 400 lamp lumens and have an efficacy (lighting term for efficiency) of at least 45 lumens per watt. Part L1 covers residential buildings Part L2 covers commercial buildings and schools To meet Part L2 requirements, the lamp or luminaire must have an efficacy of 60 lumens per watt. Part L2 is awarded to the building not the lamp or luminaire and also relates to energy saving controls LEDs that are 5W and below are not included in Part L, they are ignored
Does it come with the bulb & transformer? Integrated LED downlights are supplied as a package. The LED is built into the downlight and is usually not replaceable. They are supplied with an LED driver which makes them essentially mains voltage. There are no hidden costs unless you want an insulation cover cap but our website clearly states this. I ve been told that LEDs aren t dimmable. Are they? Yes LEDs are dimmable, it is the driver that makes them dimmable or a component built into the lamp. They will only dim with certain dimmer switches though. Which dimmer switches can dim LEDs? The Varilight V-Pro range is compatible with most LEDs and has a minimum load of just 2.5 watts when used with LEDs. This trailing edge dimmer switch can be ordered as a complete dimmer switch in 1 to 4 gangs or as a separate module for upgrading existing dimmers. If an incompatible dimmer is used the LEDs will start to flicker or strobe at low levels, i.e. at 30% brightness. Dimming LEDs was an industry wide issue in 2012 but the problem is now solved thanks to Varilight. What type of guarantees do they come with? The length of guarantees ranges from 3 to 10 years. Each length is clearly listed on our website. In comparison integrated LED downlights usually come with a longer guarantee. The longest is 10 years for the JCC FGLED6.
To receive a 5% discount insert discount code: LEDGU1 into your shopping basket For more information or to order these exciting products visit: www.downlights.co.uk Or call us on: 01706 868343 to discuss your individual requirements or request bulk order discounts