Downlights

Q: How many downlights do I need for a room?

As a rule of thumb, 1 downlight provides coverage for 1.4m2. Therefore, the total number definitely depends on the size of the room and your reason for lighting. The wattage and lumen output will also play a key role in determining how many downlights you'll need. For example, a 5m x 5m or 25m² (or 250ft²), requires roughly 4500 lumens. That would equal five or six 10-watt bulbs or four 12-watt bulbs. To help you through a potentially confusing process, contact an expert from Metropolitan Electrical Contractors. They'll help you run through all the math!

Quality Installation of Your Downlights

Downlights, especially LED downlights, should last at least 10 years. If you’re regularly replacing downlight bulbs then there is likely something wrong with the fitting or the wattage of the bulbs. Halogen downlights are being phased out, so really the only choice is installing LED downlights.

At Metropolitan, we have a team of highly experienced electricians to sort out your downlight installation. They know all about correct spacing, ideal lumen levels and appropriate colour temperature.

So, if you’re looking at upgrading to something new, we can provide advice and services to suit your needs.

Interest Free** Downlights

If you’ve been putting off something such as LED downlight installation due to cost, you no longer have to.

Metropolitan Electrical is proud to offer a range of interest free** payment plans for eligible customers to suit a range of budgets.

Just choose a payment plan with one of our providers – Zip or Humm. You have the flexibility of weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments. Some plans even accept a $0 deposit, so you pay nothing upfront.

Your electrician can take you through the easy application process on site and approval usually takes only a few minutes.

We also accept payment by cash, cheque and credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express). Contact us today to find out more or to book one of our expert technicians.

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FAQ – The Lowdown on Downlights

Here are all the answers to your brightest questions about downlights.

Why install downlights?

Downlights are a great way to modernise your home while also improving energy efficiency. Typically, you’ll find downlights use energy efficient LED lights. This provides a long lasting alternative to traditional halogen and incandescent lights with almost 50,000 hours of use and a 10-year lifespan.

Are downlights dimmable?

Yes, but you will have to purchase specific dimmable downlights, and a compatible dimmer switch. If you are installing brand new dimmable LED downlights and have an existing dimmer switch, it most likely will not be completely compatible.

Having dimmable downlights is an excellent option for rooms that are used for entertaining or relaxation purposes. Being able to control the light intensity is very useful in setting the mood and atmosphere of a room.

Are downlights expensive to run?

To answer this question, you need to know what kind of light your downlights use. If your home is still using halogen or incandescent lights, they are more expensive to run.

Halogen lights will last up to 2000 hours. Incandescent lights will only last half as long, reaching up to 1000 hours. An LED light is set to last you 50,000 hours, and could save you up to 85% on your energy bills for lighting!

Why do downlights flicker?

If your LED downlights are flickering, it is likely caused by a poorly matched LED driver. LED lights require either a constant current LED driver or a constant voltage LED driver. The only way to know which one your LED lights require is to check the manufacturer’s instructions.

If your LED downlights flicker specifically when you dim them, the likely cause of this is a poorly matched driver for the wall plate dimmer.

How many downlights do I need for a room?

As a rule of thumb, 1 downlight provides coverage for 1.4m². Therefore, the total number definitely depends on the size of the room and your reason for lighting.

The wattage and lumen output will also play a key role in determining how many downlights you’ll need.

For example, a 5m x 5m or 25m² (or 250ft²), requires roughly 4500 lumens. That would equal five or six 10-watt bulbs or four 12-watt bulbs. To help you through a potentially confusing process, contact an expert from Metropolitan Electrical Contractors. They’ll help you run through all the math!