Swapping pendant light to downlight

Joe Shmoe · 18 Mar 2016

I have a pedant light in my porch, and it's a pain as it hangs down in the way as the porch has a low ceiling.

Can I install a downlight simply by taking the live and neutral wires that currently go into the existing bulb, and the earth that terminates into the plastic fitting, and put them all into an LED downlight fitting? Obviously a 240v version and not the low current version.

The choc box that deals with all the switching could remain and just be pushed into the ceiling cavity.

Any advice would be great.

HOJ · 18 Mar 2016

I use these: http://www.i-cage.com/

As long as there isn't a joist above or nearby, needs a 76mm hole and will take GU10 LED Lamps, has a loop in terminal block included.

porker · 18 Mar 2016

Yes you should be able to do this as has been said, make sure there is enough space above the existing fitting, use a holesaw appropriate for the downlighter. You can fit mains or low voltage as long as you connect the existing supply into a transformer if going for the low voltage option. It looks from the picture that the power loops off this to another light so you need to keep this. If the fitting does not allow you to connect the loop then use a small junction box to make the connection as you can poke it through the hole you have made for the downright. Don't use connector block. I don't think it is allowed. if the light is in a porch it is not Part P so you can do yourself. note I am not an electrician but an electrical engineer. Turn the electricity off at the dist box and if you don't know what you are doing get someone who does.

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Lons · 18 Mar 2016

As said, yes you can as long as enough room above the plasterboard, the existing plate is basically the same as a junction box but if pushing through you need to fit the cover and route the wires to the new light through the existing hole in the fitting. Don't disturb the loop for live and neutral or you will affect other lights.

Be very careful when drilling the hole that there are no wires above and make sure the supply is isolated before you drill - just in case or the least you will need is a new drill and a change of pants. :wink: :lol:

As said, if you're not sure then get someone to do it for you.