Downlights are a lovely way to brighten up your home. They are often small and recessed, making them convenient to place in any part of your home that you feel is a little too dim.
However, poorly installed downlights are the cause of a substantial number of fires in homes every year.
The rise in popularity of LED lights has led to many people attempting to replace their old recessed ceiling lights themselves.
DIY can always be risky, especially when you are handling electronics. Sparks advises you seek the help of a registered electrician to do this particular job.
In this article, Sparks will take you through how to safely replace downlights and achieve bright energy-efficient lighting anywhere across your home.
What is a downlight, and what are the different kinds?
Downlights are a type of recessed luminaire. They are installed in hollow openings, usually in ceilings, as they cast their light downwards. Having a light fixture installed in a hollow recess makes the light appear to be part of the ceiling itself.This is opposed to suspended or wall lights which will hang down, or stay separate from the ceiling. Downlights operate at mains voltage (230 Volts) or are powered by a transformer at low voltage (12 Volts).
These low-voltage lights are often given the acronym Extra-Low Voltage (ELV) or Safety Extra-Low Voltage (SELV). At Sparks, we have a wide range of low-voltage downlights, many of which also have a high IP rating for mounting in the bathroom or shower.
‘Fire rated’ (FR) downlights have built-in fire protection that seals the downlight if a fire breaks out in the room below. This will stop - or hinder - the spread of fire and smoke into other areas.
The trusted Electrical Safety First (ESF) recommends the use of Fire Rated downlights, for any installation. They also advise that they are fitted with aluminum reflector lamps to ensure fire and excessive heat is kept out of any gaps.
Buy Fixed Downlights at Sparks
Questions you may have about Fire-Rated downlights

Thinking of installing new downlights? Here are some Safety Tips
Sparks would encourage you to use a registered electrician to install your downlighters. You should keep the manufacturer's instructions for your new downlights in a safe place for future reference. Here is a brief list of other steps to follow when installing downlights:
- Thoroughly read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Always ensure your mains-powered electricity is switched off before changing the lamp.
- Look at the packaging and the downlighter for details of the correct replacement lamps. Do not exceed the maximum number of wattage allowed.
- Don't fit a cool beam (or ‘dichroic’) reflector lamp unless the downlight is specifically designed for use with that lamp type. If in any doubt, just fit them with standard aluminium reflector lamps.
- Check to see that the lamp holder is not damaged, scorched, or corroded. If it is, then do not fit the lamp and seek help from a registered electrician.
Checking your existing downlights: Safety tips
If you just want to check that the downlights you are currently using are safe, you can take the following steps:- Look for visible markings on downlights which indicate lamp wattage and lamp type.
- Check the recessed ceiling lights and their surroundings for signs of discoloration or scorching caused by overheating.
- Make sure that downlights installed in floor and ceiling cavities have enough space around them.
- Ensure that downlights are not in close proximity of loft insulation or other combustible materials.
- Check that your downlights are not placed near furniture, curtains or similar flammable items.
- Make sure you haven’t fitted ‘dichroic’ lamps in lamp holders designed for use with aluminum reflector lamps. If you have, then replace them with the correct type.