Are you considering installing downlights?
Downlights can help include more light or can enhance the mood of an room.
To install downlights, holes must be drilled in your ceiling for the fixtures, and the wire must be passed through and connected to a wall switch. Even while you can replace lightbulbs and buy downlights on your own, installing them will still require hiring an electrician.
With energy savings and longevity as the apparent benefits, replacing or retrofitting halogen downlights with LED downlights is a choice that is becoming more and more popular. Read this manual to learn more about:
- Why it is beneficial to install LED lighting?
- How much cost to change to LED Downlights?
- How much does it cost to install Downlights?
- Hiring an electrician
Why is it beneficial to install LED Downlights?
LED lighting have become very popular for a Number of reasons:
- They are exceptionally energy efficient (as much as 90% cheaper to run than an incandescent bulb).
- They produce very little heat (compared to halogen bulbs), so they are safer to use in ceiling cavities.
- They have a long lifespan and need changing out less.
- There light spectrum can be ajusted to suit your needs.
How much does it cost to change to LED Downlights? :
The first step is to identify wheather you have 240v(GU10) fittings or 12(MR16)fittings as this will detemine the type of LED bulb that you will need.
No matter the the type of downlight you can expect to pay R30 – R60 each per bulb and fittings with bulbs range from R100 each.
Find a regional electrician now.
How much does it cost to install downlights?
When electricians estimate their installation fee, they will normally base their quote on the number of downlights and the difficulty of the installation.
Electricians will usually charge a flat rate for the call out and the first 30min of service, and there after charge per hour spent on the job, plus the cost of any materials needed. General eletrician call out rates can vary from R500 – R1000 and from R350 – R700 per hour there after.
Quotes for Downlights installations can vary from from contractor to contractor, with a general range of about R300 to R1500 per Downlight depending on the size and difficulty of the installation. What previous infrastructure there is for passing cables etc. These estimates do not include the materials and are only for the labour. You can expect to pay an additional R3000 – R10000 per 10 downlights fitted.
If you are planning on only changing out your Halogen Downlights for LED Downlights the price might be significantly lower depending on the following factors.
- Whether it involves simply changing the bulb or if the whole light fixture needs to be replaced?
- How many fittings need to be replaced?
- Access to your ceiling cavity is simple.
- The condition of your electrical system and wiring.
- Will you need to install a LED driver.
Expect LED lights to come with a 5-year service warranty and last approximately 50,000 hours.
Hiring an electrical contractor
Unlicensed electrical work is not just illegal in South Africa, it can also be very dangerous and pose a big risk to your house. When it comes time to work with a electrician, you should ensure that they are qualified and licenced to do the job. Here are some questions that we advise you to ask your electrical contractor before hiring him:
- Are you qualified and licenced to complete this task?
- Do you guarantee your installation?
- Can you supply a detailed quotation?
- Do you have any references from any previous work?
Getting quotes for downlights
Getting quotes for your downlight installation is as easy as completing our online form:
