LED downlight installation and halogen replacement
LED downlights installed and old halogens replaced across South Wales. Fire-rated fittings, correct dimming, no flicker, tested and certified.
Replacing halogen downlights with LED cuts the load on a lighting circuit dramatically, which is why it is often the first thing suggested when a circuit is overloaded. Done badly, though, it produces flickering, buzzing dimmers and fittings that fail in two years.
The three things that decide whether an LED install is good are the fitting quality, the dimmer compatibility, and whether the fittings are fire-rated where they penetrate a ceiling between floors.
- Fire-rated fittings where the ceiling separates floors
- Dimmer matched to the driver so there is no flicker or buzz
- Colour temperature chosen per room rather than one for the house
- Existing circuit tested and certificate updated
Fire rating is not optional
Cutting holes in a ceiling that forms part of the fire separation between storeys removes protection unless the fittings restore it. Fire-rated downlights do that. In a single-storey extension with a cold loft above, the requirement differs — we assess per ceiling.
Why cheap LEDs flicker
Leading-edge dimmers designed for halogen loads often do not get on with LED drivers. The result is flicker at low brightness or a hum from the dimmer. Matching a trailing-edge dimmer to a compatible driver removes the problem entirely.
Layout and colour
Downlights on a rigid grid light the floor and leave the room flat. Positioning them relative to worktops, mirrors and seating gives a better result with fewer fittings. Warm white suits living spaces; a cooler temperature works over a kitchen worktop.
Common questions
Can I keep my existing dimmer switches?
Sometimes, but many halogen-era dimmers cause flicker with LEDs. We check compatibility and swap only where needed.
Will fewer LEDs light the room as well?
Usually yes — LED output per fitting is high, and better positioning normally beats more fittings.
Is loft insulation a problem over downlights?
Non-fire-rated fittings must be kept clear of insulation. Fire-rated, insulation-coverable fittings avoid the issue.
Get a fixed price
Send a photo of the ceiling and your existing dimmer — we'll quote the fittings and the switch together so there are no surprises.