Downlights

PILO · Dec 20, 2006 9:57 am

About to sign tender for new double storey house with Henley and downlights are being considerd by us. The quote for 34 downlights was in the region of $2350. My question is, are we able to get the normal lights installed and then on the bottom floor install our own downlights after construction?

bunoluvas · Dec 20, 2006 10:23 am

This is something we are doing right now. I'm not sure what the limitations are with 2 storey ceilings but if the installed ceiling is just like any other (being gyprock attached to timber/steel frame) then you should be able to do this seperate. It helps if you know an electrician with this one but here's what we're doing...

We got a quote for about 40 downlights....the builder wanted over $90 per downlight...no option on style or quality! For each lighting circuit that we want to be a downlights we have got installed the switch and wiring to a cheap standard bayonet located in the first position for that room. The idea is that we will convert that bayonet and install the other lights from there on. We have purchased goodquality fittings for $11 after much searching but our whole house is going o cost about $1200 to do including fittings...instead of about $3800!!

My advise would be to try to figure out your circuits and get the builder to install the cabling and put a gpo in the ceiling where you want lights to be. No lights then need to be installed in the ceiling by the builder. You can then buy downlights with transformers and "flex and plugs"... cut the hole in the ceiling and plug into these gpos. Simple! Our builder wouldn't let us but it's the best way to go.

Regards

Adrian B · Dec 20, 2006 10:34 am

I would get the builder to do the bottom storey and leave the top floor to post construction. also allow for things like cabliong for speakers etc, as it is better to pay a fwe extra dollars for some conduit try and catch the sparkie when he is there, and 'cross his / her palm'

Adrian B

PILO · Dec 20, 2006 10:34 am

Thanks, we mentioned this to the guy we are dealing with and said that it would be nearly impossible to install downlights after construction as there is only 30cm clearance from 1st to 2nd floor. He suggested we put the normal light battons in where we want downlights and then install the downlights from these points. He said you would need to do this because its a double storey?

Dukekamaya · Dec 20, 2006 11:06 am

It sounds like he is suggesting you put in 240V downlights as apposed to low-voltage types. If there is only 30cm between the ceiling and first floor and a transformer blows on a low-voltage downlight, you may not be able to replace it.

ausdesign · Dec 20, 2006 11:32 am

A small item for consideration.
If your building in Vic. & are installing 240v downlights to the upper storey they should have been noted & included in your energy rating report as they affect the points score.

PILO · Dec 20, 2006 12:00 pm

"For each lighting circuit that we want to be a downlights we have got installed the switch and wiring to a cheap standard bayonet located in the first position for that room. The idea is that we will convert that bayonet and install the other lights from there on."

Is this possible for the bottom floor of a double storey house? Is it to difficult to feed wires from the one bayonet to the downlights?

Dukekamaya · Dec 20, 2006 1:49 pm

Depends on the access to different parts of the cavity. A 240V downlight is no different than installing a normal batten holder type light.