Looking to Buy LED down-Lights for New House

Hello everyone,

Building a house currently and going to do all the internal lights myself. Just wanted to ask if anyone knew of any decent yet well priced LED downlights. I am worried about buying cheap Chinese lights that will generate too much heat and be a potential fire hazard.

I am looking for warm light if possible.

This is what I have been looking at so far:
https://www.thelightingoutlet.com.au/product/genesis-12w-led…

Any advice would be appreciated.

Kind regards

Comments

  • I thought LED lights generated no heat.

    Hmmm…

    • Nah, they do generate heat, just nowhere near as much as a halogen. Some designs are better than others.

    • It's the electronics that generate the heat (transformer etc) and not the LED itself

      • Thanks (both) for the info.

        Even my basic understanding says that heat = wasted energy. So, I'm guessing the better ones generate very little?

        • I've just out some in a renovated ceiling, I read that you can put insulation over the light module, but not the transformer. Despite that I've left an air gap over the light and the transformer. The light module has heat sink fins for a reason, and keeping it cooler should extend the life.

  • +2

    Apparently they are out of stock of that one you listed, the next comparison is
    https://www.thelightingoutlet.com.au/product/clearance-13w-s…

  • +1

    We bought Atom LED downlights from Ideal Electrical (after price matching with lightingillusions.com.au). It's worth checking the lights in person to ensure you're happy with them.

    Other option would be to have recessed sockets and install LIFX bulbs. :)

    • Interesting, LIFX Bulbs are they similar to the Xiaomi ones?

      • +1

        Didn't even know Xiaomi made a smart bulb. Looks similar but from quick research, the Xiaomi bulbs are only 600 Lumens which may not be bright enough to light a room. I think the LIFX bulbs are closer to 1000 Lumens.

        I'm seriously considering LIFX bulbs for our new house.

  • +1

    Sparkie recommend these for me, Eglo Bruno 13w LED they were around $50 at the time I bought it, still going good.
    And that brand is on this site : http://www.ledbenchmark.com/list.php?order=1&thumbnails&fitt…

    • Are you using these now? thanks i will take a look.

      • Yep, they still cheaper at local shops than online since most places charge $10+ for postage.

  • +1

    Masters have down lights on sale atm, might be worth checking out

    • Awesome thanks, il take a look

    • Cheap LEDs are a big waste of money.

      Did some tests of the click range from bunnings and they are not worth it.

      Power draw is big even though they are rated at 6w (the leds are 6w but the drivers are a different thing)

      Start to fail after 6 to 8 months.

  • +1

    I have sourced a heap of LED downlights from the eBay seller "led_sky" over the past couple of years - they are Samsung SMD lights and they are very bright and run very cool. Haven't had a single failure yet. 3 of the 70mm 10W ones are well and truly enough for a typical bedroom, so the 90mm 16W ones would be awesome.

    You can buy in bulk for major savings; this listing has them for about $15 each if you buy 10.
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/221965750910

    • Thank you mate, will take a looksy

    • what do you think about running just one 18w 1350lm downlight per bedroom, the bedrooms are on the smaller size @ 3.6mx2.5m

      • +1

        I wouldn't use a single central downlight in a room that size, unless it has very high ceilings - it will give very uneven lighting. Downlights usually have a beam angle of around 90-110 degrees, so you'll end up with dark shadows on the walls at eye level, and a very bright patch in the middle of the room.

        You'd be much better off with 2 or 3 70mm 10W downlights spaced around the room, which will give a bit more light and it will much more evenly distributed.

        • yeah ok I see your point.

          The ones you linked me seem to have 120 degree beam advertised? I feel like that would almost be enough. I might have to grab one to test first and see how it goes. Thanks for you help

  • +2

    I'm an electrician in the lighting industry,
    You will much prefer 90mm Downlights please don't go recessed battern holders or 70mm they look so ugly
    Also if you are not sure what colour temperature you are after consider getting a model that you can change the temperature with a switch on the back such as the SAL Tri Gem which can be adjusted from 3000k (warm) to 4000 - 5700k (cool)
    http://www.sal.net.au/led%20downlights/cct-changeable-led-do…
    Also dimmable on most dimmers
    Retails around $25+
    If you are happy to just go one colour
    The sunny Eco gem can pick up for under $20

    • Thank you sir

      Any advice on how many downlights per room and how many lumens required on average per room if room size is 3.6mx2.5m

      • +1

        Rooms that size you can get away with 2 because they are 800 lumens, Put them either side of the bed and not over the bed because then it hits you in the eyes of someone turns them on whilst sleeping.
        I wouldn't put 4 it's just too many, could get away with 1 like a battern holder but won't get much light on the walls.
        Most electricians use these, I've installed around 3000 and 0 failures 5 year warranty

        • Thanks for your detailed information mate, I really appreciate it.

          I have been looking at samsung led's 18W 120mm cutout that are rated at 120 degrees beam and 1350 lumens. Do you have any experience with LED's this bright in a room setting, I am hoping maybe with that lumen output and the 120 degree beam one might be enough per room?
          http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/221965750910

          Im thinking I might get a a few different types of downlights to test with, to see the differences.

        • +1

          @AFA: I wouldn't go with any more than 800 lumens mate because they will be glare bombs in the roof, way to bright. Like I said stick to the 10w 90mm

    • Just bought a house with no kidding 80 downlights and was going to use the VIC scheme to get leds.
      I checked the transformers and they are Tridonic Viper electronic (blue ones) some of the led manufacturers list then as ok, but Viper themselves show them as incompatible.

      I'm just wondering if you had any experience with these or could suggest an led to try out before I get the contractor in to change the lot. (couldn't afford to upgrade all the transformers)

      Thanks in advance,

      • Hi mate, vipers are 100%!l compatible if you would like me to instal Primsal 6w veec approves globes. l them give me a call mate 0419663689 I'll be happy to wwap over free of charge. The veec rebate is dropping soon. Thanks
        Happy to travel for 80 lights :)

        • Pm sent :-)

  • A couple of years ago I did most of my house in LED downllights purchased from here http://stores.ebay.com.au/ozbestlighting/

    They have a shop over in VIC i think.

    Somthing like this http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/16W-240V-COB-LED-Downlight-Kit-90…

    They look really nice…Dimmable ….rarely see anything as nice in other peoples homes with downlights…the big 90mm size is great.

    • Thanks for the detailed info mate, how many are you using per room?

  • Anyone know where I can get some cheap (but good) E14 led light bulbs.

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